Setting the world to music1, 2 and 3 October

Festi Arte, a performing arts festival

Festi Arte celebrates the convergence of arts, cultures and sensibilities from near and far in Bonifacio. Conceived as a space for dialogue and sharing, the festival brings Corsican identity to life through Mediterranean and international influences.

Launched in 2025 with Musicà u Mondu, Festi Arte placed music at the heart of its programme right from its very first edition, centred around a major evening event bringing together some fifteen artists from Corsica, Italy, Portugal, Israel and Ukraine.

In 2026, the festival returns on 1, 2 and 3 October for a second edition that continues this spirit of openness and connection, with Musicà u Mondu as its central theme.

In 2026, Festi Arte will take on a whole new dimension

Following a first edition centred around a single big evening, Festi Arte is expanding this year to span three days and three evenings, from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd October, in the heart of the Pisan quarter.

This new edition fully embodies the festival’s identity with a programme designed as a journey: six concerts, two each evening, alongside two free-to-attend sessions dedicated to languages, poetry, creativity and music.

From listening to celebration, from words to sounds, the events complement one another and set the pace for these three days across several venues in the Upper Town. The Espace Saint-Jacques hosts the talks and discussions, the Church of Saint-Dominique hosts the 7.30 pm concerts, and then the Halle de l’Arsenal takes over at 9.30 pm for the rest of the concerts.

Three days to listen, share, be moved and fully embrace the spirit of Musicà u Mondu in Bonifacio.

The event takes place from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd October 2026, in the Pisan quarter of the Upper Town.

A refreshment bar will be open in aid of the Bonifacio Fire Brigade Association during the three evenings at the Halle de l’Arsenal.

Tickets

the concert of your choice1 CONCERT€10

€5 for 13–17-year-olds

Free for under-12s

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1 day of your choice = 2 concertsTHE EVENING€15

€7 for 13–17-year-olds

Free for under-12s

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3 days = 6 concertsTHE COMPLETE COLLECTION€35

€10 for 13–17-year-olds

Free for under-12s

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Programme for Thursday 1 October

7.30 pmConcert by Naïssam JalalSt Dominic’s Church

A Franco-Syrian flautist, vocalist and composer, Naïssam Jalal is one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz.

Her music defies boundaries and labels: modal jazz, classical Arabic music, African influences and improvisation come together in a free, profound and spellbinding world.

On the flute, the nay and with her voice, she explores breath, rhythm and silence to create music that is by turns meditative and hypnotic, inviting the listener on a journey and into a trance.

Musical styles: jazz and Arabic music

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9.30 pmOriginal Kam'sArsenal Hall

Keep the evening going with Original Kam’s, a reggae band from Côte d’Ivoire, featuring musicians who have played alongside some of the biggest names on the African and reggae scenes, from Tiken Jah Fakoly to Alpha Blondy, as well as Magic System and Barrington Levy.

Blending reggae and Afro rhythms with world music influences, Original Kam’s creates a rich, warm and thoroughly danceable sound.

Get into the groove, share the experience and round off the evening in a festive and generous atmosphere.

Musical styles: reggae and Afro

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Programme for
Friday 2 October

5.30 pmA meeting between Alain Di Meglio and Jean-Joseph Franchi, and a performance by Isaac KemoEspace Saint-Jacques

Languages and Breaths: Bonifacio and Corsica in Resonance

In this performance, words become music. Alain Di Meglio and Jean-Joseph Franchi will bring Corsican poetry and their languages to life through two texts, accompanied by Isaac Kemo’s saxophone improvisations.

Between the Corsican language and the accents of the Ivory Coast, the saxophone weaves a link between cultures. Words and rhythms echo one another, opening a dialogue between the Mediterranean and Africa.

The performance will be followed by a discussion on languages, poetry and their transmission.

Free admission, subject to availability.

7.30 pmRay Lema and Laurent de WildeSt Dominic’s Church

An iconic figure in African music, the Congolese pianist and composer Ray Lema joins forces with Laurent de Wilde, a leading figure in French jazz, for a duet in which musical boundaries are blurred.

Jazz, African music and sounds from far-flung lands: their pianos take the audience on a journey across continents.

Through melodies, rhythms, improvisations and a shared rapport, these two explorers give life to a common, free and universal language.

Musical styles: jazz and African music

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9.30 pmWell thenArsenal Hall

Eppò reinvents the island’s music by blending traditional Corsican songs, folk, rock and Mediterranean rhythms. Performed in the Corsican language, his music draws on the island’s roots whilst opening up new horizons.

Following a debut album performed on over 100 stages, the band returns with ‘D’Ogni Culore’, a rich, eclectic and vibrant album.

On stage, their music and energy invite the audience to join in the celebration, blending tradition with influences from further afield.

Musical styles: Corsican traditional and rock

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Programme for Saturday 3 October

5.30 pmA meeting between Laurent de Wilde, Alain Di Meglio and Isaac KemoEspace Saint-Jacques

The Sound Enthusiasts

Laurent de Wilde, a musician and leading figure in French jazz, tells the story of those who have pushed the boundaries of sound.

From Thaddeus Cahill and his Telharmonium to Bob Moog, via Pierre Schaeffer and Raymond Scott, he introduces these visionary inventors who have transformed the way we create and listen to music.

Combining science, technology and creativity, this humorous talk will be punctuated by audio clips, archive footage and interactions with the audience.

Free admission, subject to availability.

7.30 pmSiân Pottok concertSt Dominic’s Church

A singer, songwriter and musician, Siân Pottok blends jazz, world music and contemporary sounds.

Her voice, at times soft and at times intense, interplays with the kamélé n’goni, a West African instrument.

Born in Florida to parents of Indian, Congolese, Belgian and Slovak descent, she draws inspiration for her music from her travels and the people she meets.

On stage, gentleness and vibrant rhythms come together to create a free, organic and human world, where cultures converge.

Musical styles: jazz and world music

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9.30 pmHabana BandArsenal Hall

With Habana Band, Cuban and Latin classics take on a Corsican flavour.

The band energetically reinterprets tracks by the Buena Vista Social Club, Compay Segundo and Raúl Paz, bringing the rhythms of Havana to Bonifacio.

From the Beatles to Stevie Wonder, Habana Band also adds a Latin twist to international classics. Familiar melodies and swaying rhythms will transform the Halle de l’Arsenal into a dance floor.

Musical styles: Cuban and Latin music

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The festival’s partners

Festi Arte is organised by Bonifacio Town Council and its Municipal Tourist Office, with Art e Lume acting as artistic director. Together, they bring to life a festival designed as a space for encounters, sharing and openness centred on the arts.

But Festi Arte is also a collective endeavour that could not exist without the support of numerous partners. With their help, each edition can take shape, welcome artists and offer the public moments of discovery and emotion.

Their commitment plays a vital role in making Bonifacio, for the duration of the festival, a place of creativity, dialogue and cultural exchange.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports us and makes this adventure possible.