Mansa Hosts Amilcar Cabral Tribute

The exhibition runs from October 16 to December 13 and includes associated programming such as debates, film screenings, music, and performances to accompany the exploration of Cabral's thought and legacy.

Elisabeth Gomis noted that Cabral was chosen for the exhibition because his influence as a leader of Lusophone independence movements remains less recognized in France than that of other historical figures.

Cabral served as a significant inspiration for numerous revolutionaries, including Thomas Sankara, and the exhibition aims to reintroduce his influential thinking into the cultural spotlight.

Works from nine artists, including those from Lusophone African nations and Senegal, use textile, photography, video, and drawing to engage audiences with Cabral's complex ideas.

It showcases works from nine artists, including those from Lusophone African nations and Senegal, ensuring a diverse representation of artistic perspectives.

Key features include three short films by pioneering filmmaker Sarah Maldoror and a striking vegetal installation by artist Monica de Miranda, offering different entry points for diverse audiences to connect with Cabral's legacy.

The exhibition project was initially conceived by Pauline Nascimento, an Angolan architect and curator, with early development supported by historian Angela Benoliel Coutinho.

Armel Dako later took over the curation, expanding the exhibition's scope to include new works, such as those by Amédine Kane, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of anti-colonial movements and their historical impact.

Maldoror's work documented the independence struggles of Lusophone countries, narratives often overlooked in France, while Cabral's vision notably positioned women at the forefront of the resistance, where they served in various crucial capacities from nurses to captains in armed conflicts.

MANSA opened its doors on October 4, 2025, and quickly established itself as a vital cultural institution, attracting 25,000 visitors in its first three months of operation.

This impressive turnout, despite limited operating hours, confirmed that MANSA filled a notable cultural void in Paris, solidifying its role as a key gateway for African and Afro-diasporic cultures.

By functioning as a dynamic meeting point rather than a static center, the organization is extending its influence from its current hubs in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Brazil, and Benin to connect all geographies with Afro-descendant populations.

The institution strives to be a dynamic meeting point for diasporas, rather than a static cultural center, actively expanding its reach to places like Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Brazil, and Benin through its diverse programming that highlights both established figures and emerging talents in arts and research.