The Nuits d’Afrique International Festival pays tribute to the committed singer and composer Oumou Sangaré, winner of a Grammy Award, by awarding her the Nuits d’Afrique Prize for Francophonie. The day after his opening concert of the 40th edition of the Festival, Oumou Sangaré will receive this prestigious distinction during a protocol ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, at Montreal City Hall, in the presence of numerous guests.
OUMOU SANGARÉ I 2026 Laureate “I am deeply touched to receive the Nuits d’Afrique Prize for La Francophonie. For many years, Montreal has held a special place in my heart.
I have always found an audience there that is warm, curious and open to the world. This distinction honors not only my artistic journey, but also the values of dialogue, sharing and cultural diversity that the Francophonie carries across continents. I receive it with gratitude, on behalf of Mali, Africa and all those who bring our cultures to life through music. » Oumou Sangaré
“Oumou Sangaré stands out more than many others. The Malian diva has shone for decades among the most illustrious voices in West Africa. As proof, it made its debut in the Petit Larousse Illustrated 2027, which has just been published. Bearer of the tradition of her region of origin, Wassoulou, Oumou Sangaré has also established herself through the social criticism carried by her songs, particularly on the place of women. » Alexandre Vigneault, La Presse, May 2026.
THE NUITS D’AFRIQUE PRIZE FOR FRANCOPHONIE An honorary distinction that shines throughout the world
Created in 2016, during the 30th anniversary of the Festival, THE NUITS D’AFRIQUE POUR LA FRANCOPHONIE PRIZE is awarded to an artist with international influence, who embodies a unifying vision of the Francophonie and the diversity of cultural expressions of the international French-speaking space.
This award also highlights the universal values of peace, cooperation and sustainable development conveyed by the Festival and its founding president, Lamine Touré, Compagnon des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, Member of the Order of Canada and Knight of the National Order of Quebec, for whom living together is the cornerstone of this festival which promotes intercultural dialogue among the entire population.
Since its creation THE NUITS D’AFRIQUE POUR LA FRANCOPHONIE PRIZE has been awarded to Manu Dibango (2016), Amadou and Mariam (2017), Sékouba Bambino (2018), Salif Keita (2019), Tiken Jah Fakoly (2022), Angélique Kidjo (2023), Rutschelle Guillaume (2024) and Meiway (2025).
The Nuits d’Afrique Prize for Francophonie is awarded by the Nuits d’Afrique International Festival, in partnership with the City of Montreal.
THE INTERNATIONAL NUITS D’AFRICA FESTIVAL – 40th edition From July 7 to 19, 2026, the Montreal International Nuits d’Afrique Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary. In 40 years, Nuits d’Afrique has become the essential stage where cultures and rhythms mingle and create an unprecedented musical effervescence. For 13 days, nearly 130 concerts and activities will bring together more than 700 artists from 30 countries, in 6 rooms and on the free outdoor site of the Quartier des spectacles.