From September 22 to October 17, 2026, Fnac Paris Saint-Lazare places Benin center stage with a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, talks, film screenings, music performances, and culinary storytelling. The program bridges history, memory, spirituality, and contemporary creativity from the West African nation.
Benin takes over Paris for nearly a month
For 26 days, the heart of Paris pulses with Beninese culture as Fnac Saint-Lazare hosts an exceptional series of events dedicated to the Republic of Benin. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Benin in France, activities unfold primarily on the store’s third-floor forum—an open space transformed into a crossroads of heritage and innovation.
More than folklore: a layered cultural portrait
This isn’t a superficial celebration. The programming delves into Benin’s spiritual traditions, its complex past tied to the Kingdom of Dahomey and the transatlantic slave trade, ongoing debates about cultural restitution, and vibrant modern expressions in art, literature, cuisine, and music.
Photography meets ancestral memory
The showcase opens on September 22 with “Ayérayé: Éternel,” a photographic exhibition by Beninese artist and designer Eustache Ahomagnon. On view through October 17, the work fuses photography with textile-inspired installations, exploring themes of memory and Yoruba Egungun ancestor veneration. The pieces blend movement, texture, and symbolism drawn from sacred traditions, setting a tone that honors roots while embracing contemporary vision.
Voices shaping Benin’s narrative
On September 24, sociologist and author Saskia Cousin Kouton joins journalist Delphine Bousquet Hazoumè and researcher Richard J.V. Sogan to discuss Benin’s spiritual legacy and literary heritage. The next day, chef Georgiana Viou—born in Benin and now a Michelin-starred culinary force—shares her journey in “Oui cheffe! From Benin to Michelin Star,” highlighting how Beninese flavors continue to inform her globally inspired cuisine.
Soundscapes of tradition and futurism
Music enters the conversation on September 26 with Joe Kingston’s “Afro futur vibes” showcase, blending hip-hop with modern African rhythms. Poet and slam artist Sergent Markus follows on September 27 with “Vodun Gospel,” an album steeped in Vodun musical references and spiritual lyricism.
Confronting history: Dahomey and restitution
On October 1, writer Vincent Hugeux and scientific scenographer Frédéric Ravatin examine the legacy of Dahomey and slavery, focusing on Ouidah’s “Boat of Memory”—a memorial installation confronting the trauma of the slave trade. The next day, Ambassador Angelo Dan, Romain Da Costa, and heritage curator Kolawodé Daniel Abidjo lead a pivotal discussion on the historic restitution of cultural artifacts from France to Benin, a milestone reshaping Franco-Beninese cultural relations.
Cinema as a bridge across time
October 4 features a screening of Charles Najman’s documentary “Return to Ouidah 1993: The Returnees,” which captures the emotional homecoming of descendants during the landmark Ouidah ’92 festival. Journalist and programmer Emmanuelle Honorin moderates a post-screening dialogue on identity, diaspora, and collective memory.
Contemporary creators take the stage
New voices shine throughout the program. On September 30, filmmaker and cinematographer Mr DYRECK presents a curated selection of his work, reflecting a new generation redefining West African visual storytelling. Jazz vocalist Mina Agossi performs tracks from her album “Dynamic: Tribute to Dinah Washington” on October 10. The series concludes on October 17 with Teriba—the pioneering all-female Beninese music group—showcasing their a cappella interpretations of national heritage.
A living, evolving culture in Paris
Fnac Saint-Lazare becomes more than a venue—it evolves into a temporary embassy of Beninese creativity. Spanning photography, gastronomy, spoken word, jazz, cinema, and historical reflection, the program offers a multidimensional portrait of a nation where tradition fuels innovation. All events are free and open to the public, inviting Parisians, members of the Beninese diaspora, and global culture enthusiasts to engage with a country whose past and present resonate deeply in Franco-African exchanges.
