Fez – The Festival Afrique du Rire will return for its sixth edition starting November 12, bringing together comedians from across Africa and the diaspora for a traveling celebration of culture and humor. 

The event will begin in Morocco before moving to Niger and Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirming its identity as a continental showcase of laughter and unity.

Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the 2025 edition will feature performances in Casablanca and Fes before continuing to Niamey and Abidjan. 

Led by Moroccan-Ivorian comedian Oualas, the festival has become a major cultural bridge linking North and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Casablanca and Fez to host opening acts

The tour opens in Casablanca on November 12 at Megarama, followed by a stop in Fes on November 13, with performances from a lineup of popular names in Francophone and African comedy.

Casablanca lineup:

Oualas, Camille Lellouche, Sofiane Soch, Le Magnific, Jason Brokerss, Mimo Lazrak, Marcellin Eucon, DJ Red Supa.

Fez lineup:

Oualas, Ramatoulaye, Le Magnific, Jason Brokerss, Jalil Tijani, Mimo Lazrak, Marcellin Eucon, DJ Red Supa, Zouhair Bahaoui.

From Morocco, the festival caravan will travel south:

  • Niamey, Niger on November 22 at the Palais des Congrès
  • Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on November 28 at the Palais de la Culture

Each city will feature a slightly different lineup, highlighting the diversity of the African comedy scene.

Laughter as a cultural bridge

This year’s tour coincides with Morocco’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Green March, adding cultural significance to the festival’s message of solidarity. 

Since its creation, Festival Afrique du Rire has positioned comedy as a platform for social commentary, cultural exchange, and pan-African connection.

Organizers describe the event as more than a performance series. “It is a spirit — a movement to promote joy, dialogue, and unity across Africa,” said Oualas, the founder and artistic director.

With its sixth edition, the festival continues to evolve as both an artistic and diplomatic initiative, using humor to build bridges in a time of regional complexity.