Bobo-Dioulasso Hosts Special Awards Ceremony for National Culture Week
BOBO-DIOULASSO — The National Week of Culture (SNC) culminated in a special awards ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024, where 45 prizes were distributed to outstanding participants across 17 different disciplines. The ceremony, held in Bobo-Dioulasso, celebrated the artistic achievements of individuals and troupes who participated in the 21st edition of this biennial event.
According to Burkina Information Agency, president of the special prizes commission, a total of 15.5 million CFA francs were awarded, with individual prizes ranging from 300 thousand to one million FCFA. The funds were contributed by a combination of ministerial departments, public and private entities, and international organizations. Ouaro emphasized that the selection of winners was based on their exceptional personalities and their dedication to their crafts.
Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly and sponsor of the SNC’s special prizes, expressed gratitude to all donors for their role in promoting Burkinabè culture. He highlighted the importance of the National Culture Week in fostering cultural diversity and enhancing communal life in Burkina Faso.
Among the recipients was Catherine Soulama from the province of Comoé, who won two special prizes totaling 1.5 million CFA francs in the culinary arts category for her dishes featuring local red rice. Soulama shared her intention to use the recognition to further promote the integration of this nutritious rice into the diets of the Burkinabè population, aiming towards food self-sufficiency.
The Eben-Ezer du Houet troupe, represented by artist and choreographer Alassane Ouédraogo, received three special prizes worth two million CFA francs in the traditional dance/youth category. Ouédraogo expressed his appreciation for the recognition and the motivation it provides to promote Burkinabè culture among younger generations.
Additionally, the ‘lafi-la-boumbou’ troupe from Sanmentenga, composed of young internally displaced girls, was awarded 500 thousand CFA francs by the Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages. Rasmata Ouédraogo, the troupe’s founder, viewed the award as an encouragement for the troupe’s nascent journey in the cultural scene.