The turning point for Benin in Paris: how a bookstore residency is rewriting the cultural narrative

A breakthrough moment for Benin in the heart of Paris

Something is shifting. From September 22 to October 17, 2026, Fnac Saint-Lazare in Paris becomes the stage for an unprecedented celebration of Benin. This is not just another cultural event—it is a decisive move that places the West African nation squarely at the center of Parisian cultural life. Exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, and live music will weave together history, memory, spirituality, and contemporary creation in a program that signals a new chapter in Benin’s cultural outreach.

A month-long immersion in Benin’s many facets

For nearly four weeks, Parisians and visitors will have the chance to explore Benin beyond clichés. The initiative, supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Benin in France for several events, will take over the third-floor forum of the iconic store. Far from a folkloric display, the program dives into the country’s spiritual traditions, its royal past linked to the Kingdom of Dahomey and the transatlantic slave trade, the ongoing debates around the restitution of cultural property, as well as its vibrant contemporary art, literature, gastronomy, and modern music scenes.

Egungun spirits and textile art open the journey

The kickoff on September 22 features the photographic exhibition “Ayérayé: Eternal,” showcasing the work of Beninese photographer and designer Eustache Ahomagnon. Running until October 17, the exhibition explores the intersection of photography and textile creation. Ahomagnon delves into memory, spirituality, and contemporary expression through the lens of the Egungun—masquerade figures tied to ancestral worship among the Yoruba. His images engage in a dialogue with textile pieces inspired by the shapes, materials, and movements of these traditions. This opening sets the tone: a Benin that honors its roots while boldly embracing modern creativity.

Voices of spirituality, tradition, and gastronomy

On September 24, a panel discussion brings together Saskia Cousin Kouton, professor of sociology and author, journalist Delphine Bousquet Hazoumè, and researcher Richard J.V. Sogan. They will exchange views on spirituality, traditions, and several works dedicated to Beninese heritage. The following day, chef Georgiana Viou takes the stage. Born in Benin, she will share her journey and present her book “Oui cheffe! Du Bénin à l’étoile Michelin. Itinéraire d’une battante.” Her story highlights gastronomy as a vehicle for cultural transmission, with Beninese flavors and ingredients continuing to shape her cuisine, which blends multiple influences.

From Afro-futurist beats to Vodun gospel

Music then takes over. On September 26, Beninese artist Joe Kingston delivers a showcase of his “Afro futur vibes,” a fusion of hip-hop and contemporary African sounds. The next day, poet and slam artist Sergent Markus presents his album “Vodun Gospel,” a project steeped in musical references from Vodun culture. These performances underscore the vitality of Benin’s current music scene and its ability to bridge tradition and innovation.

Confronting history: Dahomey, slavery, and restitution

The program does not shy away from painful chapters. On October 1, a discussion focuses on Dahomey and the history of slavery. Writer and journalist Vincent Hugeux will talk with Frédéric Ravatin, engineer and scientific scenographer, about the “Bateau de la Mémoire” in Ouidah—a memorial project dedicated to the slave trade. The next day, the spotlight turns to the restitution of cultural artifacts between France and Benin. Ambassador Angelo Dan, Romain Da Costa, and heritage curator Kolawodé Daniel Abidjo will revisit a historic process that has profoundly shaped cultural relations between the two countries. These sessions give the event a strong historical and memorial dimension, moving beyond mere display to question how a nation narrates its past, preserves its heritage, and engages with the world.

Cinema as a bridge between past and present

On October 4, cinema takes center stage with a screening of “Retour à Ouidah 1993. Les Revenants,” a documentary by Charles Najman about the return to Ouidah—a city deeply linked to Vodun history and the African diaspora born of the slave trade. The screening will be followed by a conversation with journalist, producer, and programmer Emmanuelle Honorin. Through this film, made in the context of the Ouidah 92 Festival, the program creates a dialogue between past images and contemporary questions of memory, identity, and the ties between Benin and its diaspora.

Spotlight on contemporary creation

Contemporary artistry remains front and center. On September 30, a carte blanche is given to director, co-producer, and cinematographer Mr DYRECK. His work, spanning Benin and France, exemplifies a new generation of artists using imagery to tell West Africa’s stories in fresh ways. On October 10, music expands with jazz singer and artist Mina Agossi, who will present her album “Dynamic. Tribute to Dinah Washington.” Finally, on October 17, the program closes with a showcase by Teriba, recognized as Benin’s first all-female music group. Founded in 2002, the collective is known for its a cappella singing and its commitment to promoting Beninese cultural heritage.

Paris as a crossroads for Beninese cultures

Through this series of events, Fnac Saint-Lazare transforms its Parisian space into a true showcase for Benin over nearly four weeks. From photography to gastronomy, slam to jazz, cinema to history, the program paints a multifaceted portrait of a country whose heritage continues to fuel contemporary creation. It also reminds us that Beninese culture is not a static relic. It is passed down, reinvented, and debated. Between Vodun traditions, the memory of Dahomey, the history of the slave trade, discussions on restitution, and new artistic expressions, a whole narrative of Benin unfolds in the heart of Paris.

Free access and open to all

All announced events are free and open to the public, subject to availability. Fnac Saint-Lazare invites the curious, enthusiasts of African culture, members of the Beninese diaspora, and anyone eager to discover or rediscover a country whose history and creativity hold a unique place in cultural exchanges between Africa and France.