TV5MONDE, a long-standing partner of major African cultural events and francophone artists, has announced its support for the creation of the Cotonou Comedy Festival in Benin. The event, scheduled for 1 to 6 December 2025, aims to shine a global spotlight on African and francophone comedy. As part of its partnership, TV5MONDE will broadcast two major shows from the festival on its global channels and on the streaming platform TV5MONDE+, ensuring worldwide visibility.
The festival—created by Benin’s Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (ADAC) and the Jokenation Group, with the backing of TV5MONDE—has set an ambitious vision of becoming one of Africa’s leading comedy showcases. Its first edition will host an impressive lineup of francophone, African, European, and American 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.
“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,” said TV5MONDE CEO Kim Younes.
Two major shows will be broadcast in early 2026:
- Mikwabo (Friday, 5 December – 7:30 p.m.), which will highlight a rich lineup of African artists.
- Welcome Black (Saturday, 6 December – 7:30 p.m.), featuring international comedians addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Both productions will air on TV5MONDE in collaboration with the Benin Broadcasting Corporation (SRTB).
According to Grégoire Furrer, Founder of the Montreux Comedy Festival and President of Jokenation Group, the partnership marks an important milestone for the festival’s inaugural edition.
“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,” he noted.
Beyond the stage performances, the festival will also feature masterclasses, roundtables, a comedy village, and a full week of interactive activities designed to promote artistic exchange and audience engagement. The full programme is expected to draw comedians, fans, and industry players from across the world.
About TV5MONDE
TV5MONDE is the world’s leading French-language general-interest television network, broadcasting to more than 400 million households worldwide. Its ten channels are subtitled in 12 languages, with TV5MONDE+ offering streaming access in over 200 countries and territories. The network also boasts a strong digital presence through apps, FAST channels, messaging platforms, and extensive social media engagement.
TV5MONDE is also home to TV5MONDE EDU, a platform providing thousands of teaching resources for learning and teaching French using audiovisual content.
Contacts
Audrey Rolland
Public Relations & Media Manager
+33 01 44 18 48 10 / 06 77 41 93 69
audrey.rolland@tv5monde.org
Solène Dewaele
Media Relations Officer
+33 01 44 18 49 00
solene.dewaele@tv5monde.org
More updates at: www.presse.tv5monde.com
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