Overview of the “At the Heart of Art” Festival in N’Djamena
The third edition of the “At the Heart of Art” festival concluded in the Bakara district of N’Djamena with vibrant performances, impassioned speeches, and a resounding message: for Chad’s youth, art is not a luxury but a pathway to the future. Held over several days in late 2026, the event drew more than 1,500 participants, including 500 trainees in intensive workshops and 1,000 children from disadvantaged neighborhoods who benefited from UNICEF‑supported activities.
International Expertise: Greg Belobo’s Masterclass
Cameroonian opera singer Greg Belobo, a laureate of major European competitions such as the International Opera Awards (2021), led the “Camp 500” training sessions. His masterclasses combined vocal technique, stage presence, and cross‑genre experimentation, electrifying young attendees who saw in him a tangible example of what dedication to art can achieve on the global stage.
Belobo’s presence underscored the festival’s commitment to bringing world‑class expertise to Chad. As one trainee noted, “Learning from someone who has performed on European stages makes our own dreams feel reachable.”
Founding Vision: Celestine Mawndoé and Au Nom de l’Art
The festival was conceived by singer and artistic director Celestine Mawndoé, who founded the Au Nom de l’Art association to nurture local talent. Under her leadership, the initiative has grown from a modest community gathering into a cultural anchor for the capital.
Mawndoé articulates the mission clearly: “It’s so important because it also represents the future. We want to show a new generation that it’s possible to make a living from art here… and they have so much talent.” Her dual role as performer and organizer lends the festival both artistic credibility and operational insight.
Education‑Focused Programming: Workshops for 500 Trainees and 1,000 Children
This year’s theme, “Rethinking Education,” guided a curriculum that blended traditional artistic disciplines with contemporary skills such as digital music production, spoken‑word poetry, and movement theater. The program reached:
- 500 trainees aged 15‑25, who received certification‑level instruction in voice, instrument, and dance.
- 1,000 children from underserved neighborhoods, who participated in free, UNICEF‑supported workshops designed to foster creativity and confidence.
Feedback collected by Au Nom de l’Art indicated a 78 % increase in self‑reported artistic confidence among trainees and a notable rise in school attendance among participating children, suggesting that arts engagement can complement formal education.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent: Beauty and KaeZy
Beauty: A Homecoming Performance
Cameroonian‑Chadian artist Beauty took the stage for the final concert, delivering a set that fused RnB, Afro‑Soul, and Afrobeat. For her, performing in Bakara was more than a show; it was a return to her roots. “The festival has allowed me to discover a new audience… I’m returning to my roots,” she explained, highlighting the event’s role in reconnecting diaspora artists with local communities.
KaeZy: “Ato Bane Wa” as a Generational Anthem
The crowd erupted when KaeZy, one of Chad’s most‑streamed artists, launched into his 2025 viral hit “Ato Bane Wa.” The track, which has amassed millions of views on TikTok, has become a rallying cry for young Chadians navigating economic hardship with pride. KaeZy described the song as “a statement of self‑affirmation… proud of where we come from,” reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on cultural identity and resilience.
Sustaining Impact: The Au Nom de l’Art Creative Incubator
Although the festival’s 2026 edition has ended, the Au Nom de l’Art space in Bakara continues to operate year‑round as a creative incubator. The center offers:
- Weekly workshops in vocal training, instrument mastery, and digital production.
- Mentorship programs linking emerging artists with established professionals.
- Community showcases that provide performance opportunities for youth.
This ongoing support helps transform fleeting festival enthusiasm into lasting skill development and entrepreneurial pathways for Chad’s creative sector.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 Edition
Plans are already underway for the festival’s return in 2027. Building on the successes of 2026, organizers aim to expand the trainee pool, deepen partnerships with educational institutions, and introduce new modules focused on cultural entrepreneurship and arts‑tech integration. By maintaining a clear focus on accessibility, empowerment, and transformation, the “At the Heart of Art” festival seeks to keep art at the forefront of Chad’s youth development agenda.
