Tenkodogo: Music artists Smarty and Donsharp from Batoro launched the first edition of the Burkina Kanou concerts on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Place de la Nation in Tenkodogo, capital of the Center-East region, aiming to create an unconditional commitment to the homeland among the younger generation.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the launching ceremony was attended by Sami B©renger Pooda, representing Colonel Aboudou Karim Lamizana, governor of the region and sponsor of the Tenkodogo stage. Other notable attendees included Adaman Kambon©, mission officer to the presidency of Faso for the Centre-East region, and Yakouba Diakit©, regional director of Culture, Tourism, and Communication for the Centre-East, among many other personalities.
Burkina Kanou is a series of free live concerts celebrating love of the homeland, led by the duo Smarty and Donsharp, to contribute to building national cohesion around a common ideal. The initiative aims to raise awareness and galvanize young people, bringing them a message of resilience wherever they are.
Sami B©renger Pooda emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the fight against the forces of evil must succeed if each young person convinces themselves and resolutely decides for their nation. He expressed support for the initiative and encouraged the promoters to achieve the expected results.
Smarty conveyed the duo’s intentions, stating, “We want to talk face to face to these youth. We come to tell them to believe in themselves, in Burkina Faso, and to believe that tomorrow will be better. We also want to talk about love of the homeland to our young brothers.” He added that discussions of peace and love of the homeland are about the legacy intended for the younger generation.
The youth of Tenkodogo responded enthusiastically, and the concert featured performances by renowned artists such as Fush Alpha, Ismo Vitalo, Zedess, Privat 4.5, Donsharp, and Smarty.
According to the initiators, the concerts, which will take place in ten medium-sized towns across Burkina Faso, aim to not only convey the message of peace to young people but also create opportunities for open exchanges and conviviality among youth from the same country.
