Djiguiya

Djiguiya was formed in 1995 by Adama Sanou and Aly Traore in Bobo-Dioulasso. All members of the group originate from the Farakan and Dioulassoba districts where the ethnic majority is Bobo, but some are also Mossi, Dafi, and Samo.

Today, with the ages of group members ranging between 20 and 30, the ensemble includes musicans, singers, dancers and acrobats, all of whom grew up in a society where rituals and popular events occur harmoniously.

Djiguiya first attracted public attention in Burkina Faso by being awarded first prize at the "Semaine Nationale de la Culture de Bobo-Dioulasso" and later by participating in Koudougou's "Nuits Atypiques Festival." Since then the troupe has performed world-wide, notably in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali) and in Europe (France, Belgium, Holland) and in China.

Djiguiya created an association for making music, to involve young people in their own social-cultural development, and to initiate small projects for young people and homeless children in their town. With the earnings of their concerts, Djiguiya financed a center where homeless children find shelter, a meal and an opportunity to learn, for example elementary mechanics, electricity, sewing or typewriting.

In March 2002, during "La Semaine National de la Culture de Bobo-Dioulassa," Djiguiya was consecrated as "The People's Artist." —Courtesy Calabash Music