Les Ballets Africains
at Théâtre Maisonneuve
Kickoff of the festivities surrounding the 40th anniversary of the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique
November 19, 2025
Les Productions Nuits d’Afrique and Place des Arts are pleased to announce a remarkable event: Les Ballets Africains performance, scheduled for February 22, 2026 at 4 pm., at Théâtre Maisonneuve. This show, presented as part of the Arts et monde series, will kick off the festivities celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique—a visionary project launched by Lamine Touré, a leading figure in Montreal’s cultural scene.
A showcase of the richness and diversity of African traditions, the company has captivated audiences around the world.
Proud ambassadors of Guinean culture, Les Ballets Africains have, since their founding in Paris in 1952 under the vision of choreographer Keïta Fodéba, delivered a striking production blending dance, music, storytelling, and breathtaking acrobatics.
A showcase of the richness and diversity of African traditions, the company—composed of 35 artists and recognized as the national troupe of the Republic of Guinea—has captivated audiences around the world. From Paris to New York, from Tokyo to Sydney, their reputation precedes them, sparking enthusiasm and reviving the pride of the diaspora everywhere through their promotion of unity and intercultural dialogue.
It is in this crucible of excellence that Lamine Touré was forged, discovered very young by the troupe while it was shining as the official ensemble of Guinea. Successively a dancer, then a choreographer within Les Ballets Africains, he found there an inexhaustible source of inspiration and, in contact with his peers, matured a philosophy nourished by authenticity and transmission.
Lamine Touré understood the necessity of anchoring his artistic approach in the roots of African culture, while extending a hand to emerging creators. This conviction still guides the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique today, which, over the years, has become an influential springboard for many artists, offering a prestigious stage for the abundant creativity of local and international communities.
‘Lamine Touré understood the necessity of anchoring his artistic approach in the roots of African culture, while extending a hand to emerging creators.’
As Montreal prepares the anniversary edition of this grand event, the arrival of Les Ballets Africains appears as a return to origins but also as a projection towards the future. The show promises to be a true celebration—a festival of memory, diversity, boldness, and sharing.
Spectators will be invited to welcome this surge of energy, bearer of a universal message of solidarity and hope.
This partnership between Les Productions Nuits d’Afrique and Place des Arts fits within a dynamic of rapprochement and valuation of world cultures, faithful to the mission that the Arts et monde series has given itself.
It testifies to the central role of the Montreal stage in the recognition and blossoming of talent from diverse horizons.
About Les Ballets Africains
Since their creation in Paris in 1952 by Keïta Fodéba, Les Ballets Africains have established themselves as an international benchmark, thanks to an inimitable aesthetic in which dances, songs, traditional instruments, and colourful costumes form a vivid tableau of West African cultures. The company continues its mission as a cultural ambassador, spreading its message of unity and openness across more than 165 capitals and thousands of prestigious performances worldwide.
About Les Productions Nuits d’Afrique
For 40 years, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique has stood as one of the world’s leading events dedicated to global music, celebrating exchange and creativity while offering a launching pad for artists of all backgrounds. Committed to its mission of sharing and supporting, it remains at the forefront of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of diversity.
Les Ballets Africains
Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts
February 22, 2026, 4 pm
Images courtesy of Festival international Nuits d’Afrique
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