COTONOU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The 14th edition of the Cotonou Colors Jazz Festival, an event dedicated to jazz and world music, was held in Cotonou, Benin's largest city, showcasing the creativity, diversity, and energy of the contemporary artistic scene through concerts, showcases, and master classes.
According to John Arcadius, the festival's director, this year's edition, which opened on Wednesday, forms part of the celebrations of International Jazz Day, marked every April 30 to promote jazz as a tool for education, peace, unity, and dialogue among peoples.
Arcadius said that the festival sought to promote the local scene and integrate it into international networks, offer Beninese audiences high-quality artistic programming, strengthen the professional skills of artists and cultural actors in Benin and the sub-region, as well as foster social inclusion and intercultural exchange through music.
"The Cotonou Colors Jazz Festival brings together, over five days, international artists, Beninese talents, cultural stakeholders, and audiences for a unique experience where creativity, innovation, and musical diversity converge," he noted.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival also embraces a social responsibility approach, he added. "This year, part of the contributions from sponsors and partners will be allocated to a special program supporting children with albinism, a community often marginalized and facing specific challenges."
With an experienced team, quality technical equipment, and a strong network of partners, the festival "reaffirms its ambition to energize the music scene in Cotonou and become a must-attend event for creative music in Benin and the sub-region," he said. ■