African vs. French Education: Comedy Debate from Benin | TV5MONDE

TV5MONDE is supporting the launch of the Cotonou Comedy Festival in Benin, scheduled to run from December 1st to 6th, 2025. The festival, a collaboration between Benin’s Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (ADAC) and the Jokenation Group, aims to grow a leading comedy event in Africa.

The inaugural edition will feature a diverse lineup of comedians, 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, representing francophone, African, European, and American comedic styles.

Two shows, “Mikwabo” on December 5th and “Welcome Black” on December 6th, will be broadcast on TV5MONDE channels and its streaming platform, TV5MONDE+, providing international exposure to the event. “Mikwabo” will specifically highlight African artists, although “Welcome Black” will explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural blending with international comedians.

According to TV5MONDE CEO Kim Younes, “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.”

The Cotonou Comedy Festival originated from a partnership between the Jokenation Group, which has experience with festivals like Montreux Comedy and the Festival International du Rire de Liège, and the Beninese government. The festival’s organizers expressed gratitude to the artists, the event team, partners, and the public for the success of the first edition.

Broadcast of the two shows on TV5MONDE is scheduled for early 2026, in coordination with the Benin Broadcasting Corporation (SRTB).