As a surprise gift for my 50th birthday, my partner ‘kidnapped’ me and took me to this magical festival. It is hard to believe that, despite my life-long fascination for Africa, this was my first trip to the black continent.

Young and old alike are still totally connected to their musical tradition. Their way of celebrating it with dance and singing was just intoxicating. The different tribes have conserved their unique musical ways and I had the impression that these were more religious ceremonies than mere concerts.