By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent
As a long-standing partner of major African cultural events and francophone artists, TV5MONDE is supporting the creation of the Cotonou Comedy Festival (Benin), which will take place from 1 to 6 December 2025. Two shows will be broadcast on our channels and on our streaming platform TV5MONDE+, giving them worldwide visibility.
Becoming one of Africa’s leading comedy festivals—that is the ambitious goal of the Cotonou Comedy Festival, created by Benin’s Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (ADAC) and the Jokenation Group, with the support of TV5MONDE.
The first edition will bring together many francophone, African, European and American artists, including Kev Adams, Herman Amisi, Frida Choco Bronzé, Willy Dumbo, J-M Elie, Elifaz, Kady, Prissy La Dégameuse, Manouton, Certe Mathurin, Charly Niobe, Juste Parfait, Ulrich Takam, Paul Taylor, Oualas, Samia Orosemane and Caroline Vigneaux.
“Live performance and comedy are essential drivers of dialogue and cohesion across Africa and the wider French-speaking world. TV5MONDE is proud to give global resonance to the Cotonou Comedy Festival by broadcasting on our channels the two shows staged at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou,” says TV5MONDE CEO Kim Younes.
Broadcast in early 2026 on TV5MONDE
The show Mikwabo, taking place on Friday 5 December at 7:30 p.m., will shine a special spotlight on African artists. Welcome Black, scheduled for 6 December at 7:30 p.m., will feature international comedians exploring themes of identity, belonging and cultural blending. Both shows will air on TV5MONDE in early 2026, in coordination with the Benin Broadcasting Corporation (SRTB).
“Creating a festival is a genuine challenge that requires strong, reliable partners. We are delighted that TV5MONDE has agreed to support this venture by offering global visibility to the Cotonou Comedy Festival from its very first edition. It is a wonderful recognition for the African and international artists who will take part,” says Founder of the Montreux Comedy Festival and President of Jokenation Group Grégoire Furrer.
Masterclasses, roundtables and a comedy village: the Cotonou Comedy Festival will also offer a full week of festivities, encounters and open discussions. Discover the full programme.
