Ag’na between bravery and difficulty, a festival in search of balance between its cultural ambition and the realities of its environment. These challenges raise questions about its sustainability and its concrete impact.
Since 2012, Mali has faced security turbulence which has left its mark on numerous cultural events, including the venerable Desert Festival, more than twenty years old. However, to preserve this precious opportunity for inter-ethnic mixing and celebration of Malian cultural diversity, the organizers have joined forces with the Walaha group to create the Ag’na festival in 2020, Ag’na meaning “culture” in Tamashek.
Held every year in February-March in the Koulikoro region, this event combines festivals of Cine à dos a you Desertseeking to create a cultural mix between the north, center and south of Mali.
Innovations and challenges
Despite promising statistics put forward by the organizers, the 5th editionwhich took place from February 27 to March 3, 2024, was marked by notable shortcomings in the programs dedicated to the Island of Koulikoro, in particular the fair and the concert.
Zeïnabou Sidibe, alias Zeïna, festival communications manager Ag’naexplain : “ This year, we introduced innovations such as the prestigious grand march of cinema stallions on February 23, 2024 at the Bamako International Conference Center. This evening aimed to highlight African filmmakers ».
When payment becomes an obstacle
However, despite these efforts, several factors disadvantaged this edition of the Ag’na festival, notably the proximity of the region to the Malian capital and the absence of partners for socio-security reasons. In addition, unlike previous editions open to the general public, access to the concert site was paid this year. Zeïna justifies this decision by emphasizing that “ the community is not used to paying. It is only with the support of partners that a festival can be completely free “.
Ag’na brings more to Koulikoro than to the organizers
Photo credit: #ToniStarPhotographie
According to Zeïna, the price is affordable for what Ag’na offers to festival-goers, emphasizing the importance for Malians to finance their own culture. “ It is time for Malians to support cultural actors by consuming Malian culture. This festival brings more to the population of Koulikoro than to the organizers. The population must take ownership of the Ag’na festival for the cultural and economic development of the region ».
During the week of the festival, pirogues, street vendors, as well as the city’s hotels and apartments easily benefit from economic benefits. Thus, Ag’na plays a crucial role in the economic development of the town of Koulikoro.
Ag’na and the environment, an inharmonious alliance
Photo credit : #ToniStarPhotographie
However, the festival encountered challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure. Due to the delicate environment on Koulikoro Island, which lacked toilets, festival-goers found it difficult to meet their natural needs. Organizers tried to alleviate this problem by offering access to eight toilets in a nearby hotel, but only badge holders could cross the waterway that separates them. This restriction has led to behaviors antihygienic unintentional, with the general public fending for themselves in the nooks and crannies of the open-air festival site.
In addition, the low attendance also impacted the stands present on the site. Many of them remained empty, reflecting the economic impact of the lack of participants on these local businesses.
3rd and last night of the concert / photo credit: Ag’na Facebook page
In summary, although the Ag’na festival attracted a notable crowd for its last concert unlike the previous two nights and despite its noble aspirations, the 5th edition faced significant challenges. It becomes imperative to think of creative solutions to overcome these obstacles and ensure the continuity of this important cultural event in Mali.
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