The 13th edition of the Sômarôho Festival opened in Nosy Be with strong attendance. The event confirms its status as an unmissable cultural gathering. Minister Gascar Fenosoa congratulates Wawa.

The Sômarôho Festival continues to make Nosy Be's heart beat. Thirteen years after its creation, the event has established itself as an essential fixture on Madagascar's cultural calendar. More than just a festival, Sômarôho has become a tradition deeply rooted in the lives of the island's inhabitants and the Diana region.

Enthusiasm was evident from the early hours of the day. From three o'clock in the morning, a long line of vehicles stretched across Ankify port. Cars, taxis, minibuses and trucks awaited the opening of departures to Nosy Be. Faced with the crowds, agents collected travelers' identification documents before the ticket windows even opened to speed up procedures. Fast ferries made continuous rotations between Ankify and Nosy Be to transport thousands of festival-goers.

In Hell-Ville, the city seemed to have changed dimension. The streets were packed and the main thoroughfares, particularly between Bazary Be and Antranomanohina, were heavily congested. By noon, several hours before the parade began, residents were already taking their places along the avenues. Law enforcement was mobilized to secure the route and regulate traffic.

The opening carnival, the highlight of this first day, brought together more than thirty associations and cultural groups. In an explosion of colors, music and traditional dances, Nosy Be's neighborhoods showcased their creativity and identity. Enthusiastic applause from the public accompanied the procession throughout its route to Ambodivoanio stadium, where the official ceremony was held.

The stadium was exceptionally crowded. Civil and military authorities, elected officials, state representatives and festival partners were present for this official launch. But in conversations, another name kept coming up: that of Shenseea, a Jamaican singer invited as a special guest to the festival.

A First

The artist, welcomed as a true star at the airport two days earlier, was eagerly awaited by thousands of festival-goers. Scheduled to host the opening ball and a major concert at Ambodivoanio Friday evening, she remains one of the main attractions of this edition.

This edition will also be marked by the presence of the Minister of Communication and Culture, Gascar Fenosoa, representing the Refoundation government. According to organizers, this is the first time a minister has officially participated in the festival since its creation thirteen years ago.

In his speech, the minister emphasized the importance of culture as a lever for development and international influence. He announced his intention to propose elevating Joël Isoufaly Andriamahazo, known as Wawa, to the rank of Commander of the National Order, in tribute to his commitment to culture. He also indicated that the State would study including financial support for the festival in the next budget and would discuss with the president of the Refoundation of the Republic the possibility of official participation in the next edition.

Emotion was palpable when Wawa took the stage. The singer affirmed that the festival no longer belonged solely to the Wawa group, but to the entire population. This edition's theme, "Sômarôho nintsika jiaby" ("Sômarôho for all"), reflects this desire to make the festival a collective project.

"I have done my part. Today, I need each and every one of you. A festival of this scale can no longer rest on one person alone. We must move forward together, learn from our mistakes and build the future, because everyone benefits from Sômarôho's returns," he declared.

Thirteen years after its launch, Sômarôho far exceeds the scope of an artistic event. It has become an economic engine for Nosy Be. The 2026 edition thus marks a new chapter in the history of a festival that now intends to belong to all and shine far beyond Madagascar's borders.