Elisabeth Apampa, the General Delegate of the IYé Festival, unveils her inspiring journey and vision for the festival. She discusses her commitment to cultural diversity, social inclusion, and the elevation of local talents.
Elisabeth, could you tell us about your journey and the inspiration that led you to the creation of the IYé Festival, of which you are now the General Delegate?
Absolutely. My journey is marked by a passion for media, culture, art, and social justice. I’ve always been driven by the desire to highlight local talents and bring a dimension of social inclusion. The IYé Festival was born out of this desire to combine culture and social impact, particularly to offer young people and disadvantaged communities opportunities to participate in cultural events that promote social cohesion and value our talents.
What are the main objectives you seek to achieve with the IYé Festival?
The IYé Festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity, promote local talents, and create a space where music and arts become vectors of social transformation. We seek to strengthen the link between artists and their communities while promoting essential values such as inclusion, active citizenship, and ecological transition.
The festival is now in its 7th edition. Could you tell us about its evolution over the years?
Since our first edition in 2017, we have constantly innovated and expanded our horizons. Each edition has brought its share of innovations, whether it’s the introduction of training workshops for local artists, concerts in several regions of the country, or collaborations with international partners.
Organizing a festival is a challenge in itself. What obstacles have you encountered along the way and how have you overcome them?
Organizing a festival like IYé is indeed a major challenge. We have had to overcome many obstacles, whether they are financial, logistical, or institutional. Despite these challenges, we have always been guided by the conviction that culture is a powerful lever for social transformation.
Could you give us an overview of this year’s program and explain the process of selecting the invited artists?
This year, the IYé Festival program is rich and varied, with pre-events, thematic debates, exhibitions, artistic performances, and much more. We have a rigorous selection process for invited artists, which is based on several criteria, including artistic talent, the message conveyed through the work, and the ability to captivate and inspire the audience.
What can festival-goers expect from the performances of the invited artists?
Festival-goers can expect vibrant performances, full of energy and emotion. Each artist has a unique universe and a musical approach that combines modernity and tradition.
What is your vision for the future of the IYé Festival?
My vision for the future of the IYé Festival is to make it an even more inclusive platform and internationally recognized. I wish for this festival to become a model for promoting talents, while continuing to be a space where art and culture serve social and environmental causes.
Finally, what message would you like to convey to the people who will attend the festival this year?
To the festival-goers, I would like to say: prepare to live a unique experience. The IYé Festival is a moment of sharing, exchange, and discovery. Whether you are passionate about music, arts, or simply curious, you will find your taste at the IYé Festival. Come out in large numbers; And if you are a foreign friend in the country, come see us at the French Institute of TOGO which will host the main stages of the festival this year.
