Armel KAM SIE: a unifying pillar in the Hauts-Bassins region
For over two decades, Sie Armel KAM, better known as Armel Kam, has been a key figure in Bobo-Dioulasso's cultural life. A seasoned promoter, trainer, manager, facilitator and event organizer, he is today the emblematic face of the Bobo Fête la Musique Festival, whose 2025 edition promises to be rich in color.
Born on April 4, 1985 in Bobo-Dioulasso, Armel KAM embodies the energy and resilience of grassroots cultural players. Married with three children, this Burkinabè of conviction has built up an impressive track record over the years in structuring and promoting the cultural sector, particularly in the Hauts-Bassins region. He is currently Chairman and CEO of Kambanda Music, General Manager of Kambanda Music Prod, local facilitator of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), regional coordinator of the Confédération Nationale de la Culture (CNC-HBS), and regional coordinator of FENAPAC, among other commitments.
A career woven of projects and festivals
This culture enthusiast has been at the heart of many structuring projects. He has been general programmer at the Centre culturel Les Bambous Idrissa Koné, project manager at the Centre Aniké, consultant for the Gnanamaya festival, and also involved in Sitala du Faso, Kino Sya, and Africa Simply the Best with Ankata. All projects that illustrate his ability to move from strategic thinking to concrete action.
He has been stage manager, general commissioner, organizer or co-organizer of dozens of major cultural events in Burkina Faso: concerts by Barack la Voix d'Or, Sada Ba, Yakka, Aniké festivals, CARBOMAS, Nuit du Balafon, Journée des artistes, Rentrée culturelle, and of course the Fête de la Musique in Bobo-Dioulasso, which he has been coordinating since 2020. In 2023, he was vice-president of the Festival commission at the Semaine nationale de la culture, a commitment he continued in 2024 as part of the ceremonies sub-commission.
Recognized expertise and ongoing training
Armel Kam has not been content to simply act, he has constantly sought to perfect his skills. He has taken training courses in cultural project management, administration, accounting, museum conservation, artificial intelligence, photography, video and tourist guidance, among others. These courses have been supported by institutions such as the European Union, ICOM, the CNC Nationale and the FDCT.
He is also a professional trainer and is actively involved in transmitting knowledge to younger generations. He has managed large-scale projects, including the AMBEI project, audiovisual productions with 7 images, and initiatives for the environmental management of cultural activities. His network, built with patience and rigor, extends far beyond Bobo-Dioulasso.
Bobo Fête la Musique: a 2025 edition with renewed ambitions
From June 19 to 21, 2025, the city of Bobo-Dioulasso will vibrate to the rhythm of the Bobo Fête la Musique Festival, passionately supported by Armel KAM. This year's edition will focus on the theme "Music and living together", a strong choice in a national context where social cohesion is paramount.
On the program:
June 19: Friendly jam session between musicians
June 20: Live concert in the intimate setting of Les Bambous
June 21: Grand concert on the esplanade of the Théâtre de l'Amitié
The aim: to promote local talent, encourage artistic expression, and cultivate a spirit of fraternity through music.
A sustainable vision for Burkinabe culture
Armel Kam goes far beyond event organization to campaign for a better structured cultural sector. Through Kambanda Music, he supports artists, devises production strategies and actively contributes to the promotion of Burkina Faso's musical heritage. His vision: a professional culture, rooted locally and open to the world.
A hands-on player, trainer, manager and strategist, he is one of the rare profiles to combine concrete action with institutional advocacy. In a changing cultural landscape, his commitment commands admiration.
Armel KAM SIE is much more than a cultural promoter: he builds bridges between artists, institutions and citizens. His trajectory, nourished by passion, endurance and conviction, proves that culture, supported by committed people, can become a powerful lever for development and social cohesion. In Bobo-Dioulasso and elsewhere, he remains an inspiring role model for a whole generation of cultural players.
