LAFF | 10th edition

SAVE THE DATE
Afro Fusions Festival 2025

The largest African open air festival in French-speaking Switzerland

LAFF Festival is looking forward to seeing you in 2025 for another colorful edition! Mark your calendars now and get ready to experience a unique fusion of cultures and arts next year.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Festival program

Mandela Stage, Sankara Stage, New Eden Stage, Open-Air Theatre, Function Room and the Salon

The scenes

Mandela Scene (Afro Scene)

The Mandela Stage stands at the heart of the festival on the Esplanade de Montbenon in Lausanne, offering a breathtaking view of the lake. It symbolises the vibrant cultural dialogue, blending traditional African music with modern rhythms. This stage transcends borders and invites spectators to celebrate cultural diversity, where music becomes a universal language of unity and human connection.

New Eden Scene (Discoveries)

On the New Eden stage, emerging talent unleashes their passion, filled with excitement and hope. It is a place of discovery where every performance promises wonder and aspirations take flight. Audiences are transported into a creative universe where raw talent meets opportunity, offering a glimpse into the future of music and art.

Sankara Stage, Esplanade de Montbenon (Free)

The Sankara stage becomes an Afro-Latino Village, hosting DJ Rumba Stereo for dance parties under the stars. From Thursday to Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., visitors dance to the rhythm of salsa, bachata, kizomba and reggaeton, celebrating life and diversity in a festive and inclusive setting.

 

Green Theatre

The Théâtre de Verdure, renamed “Le Village Congo” for the LAFF Festival 2024, celebrates Congolese culture thanks to the Congo Culture association. Discover Congolese music, dance and fashion in a magical setting. The performances of Congolese artists promise surprise and enchantment, where tradition and innovation meet.

 

Party Room

At the Salle des Fêtes du Casino de Montbenon, experience unforgettable evenings. On Thursday, August 22, DJ Jennifer Riva offers mixes of Amapiano, Afro-tech, and House during a free-entry evening. Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., paid evenings with free entry for girls until midnight, offer DJ performances and a dance atmosphere to varied rhythms, creating a festive and friendly setting.

 

The Montbenon Casino Lounge (Free)

The Salon du Casino de Montbenon is a place for exchanges and reflection, hosting conferences and debates on Africa, the environment, culture, and much more. Thanks to modern equipment, it promotes stimulating and in-depth discussions. Experts and artists share their ideas and visions, inviting participants to explore new horizons and contribute to a more inclusive future.

Festival program

Mandela Stage, Sankara Stage, New Eden Stage, Open-Air Theatre, Function Room and the Salon

SINFOUZINCOU
Afro-Rap (Mali/Switzerland)
Thu 18:00
Thu 19:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ KALU & GUESTS
Reggae/Dance Hall/Shatta ()
Thu 18:00
Thu 20:00
Green Theatre
DJ SANE & GUESTS
Dembow/Bailefunk/Colombian Salsa ()
Thu 18:00
Thu 20:00
Montbenon Esplanade | New Eden Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO & FRANCO SALSA
SBK ()
Thu 18:00
Thu 20:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
ENASH
Afro/R&B (Kenya/Switzerland)
Thu 18:45
Thu 7:45 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
ELEKTREES
Roots, Rock, Reggae (Italy/Switzerland/Brazil)
Thu 20:00
Thu 21:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ SENCONTA & GUESTS
Funana/Kuduro/Afrobeat/Afro ()
Thu 20:00
Thu 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | CABO VERDE Scene
SA KAIL
Zouk/Kompa/Semba (Martinique/Haiti)
Thu 22:00
Thu 23:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ KALU & GUESTS
Reggae/Dance Hall/Shatta ()
Fri 3:00 PM
Fri 4:30 p.m.
Green Theatre
AMSON
World Music (Senegal/Switzerland)
Fri 4:30 p.m.
Fri 5:30 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
ABOUBACAR KONATE & DJELLY FANGA ORCHESTRA
Afrobeat/Jazz (Burkina Faso/Switzerland)
Fri 18:00
Fri 7:15 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
Peters MDD
Afro world music (Benign)
Fri 18:00
Fri 19:00
PETERS Internship
DJ SENCONTA & GUESTS
Funana/Kuduro/Afrobeat/Afro ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | CABO VERDE Scene
DJ SANE & GUESTS
Dembow/Bailefunk/Colombian Salsa ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | New Eden Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO & FRANCO SALSA & GUESTS
SBK ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
SOL FAMILY AFRO
World music, Afrobeat, Reggae (Switzerland/Senegal)
Fri 7:30 p.m.
Fri 8:45 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
RIM PATCH
Kizomba/Gumbe/Hip-Hop (Guinea-Bissau)
Fri 21:00
Fri 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
SEELER
Salsa ()
Fri 21:00
Fri 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
DJ KALU & GUESTS
Reggae/Dance Hall/Shatta ()
Fri 3:00 PM
Fri 4:30 p.m.
Green Theatre
AMSON
World Music (Senegal/Switzerland)
Fri 4:30 p.m.
Fri 5:30 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
ABOUBACAR KONATE & DJELLY FANGA ORCHESTRA
Afrobeat/Jazz (Burkina Faso/Switzerland)
Fri 18:00
Fri 7:15 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
Peters MDD
Afro world music (Benign)
Fri 18:00
Fri 19:00
PETERS Internship
DJ SENCONTA & GUESTS
Funana/Kuduro/Afrobeat/Afro ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | CABO VERDE Scene
DJ SANE & GUESTS
Dembow/Bailefunk/Colombian Salsa ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | New Eden Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO & FRANCO SALSA & GUESTS
SBK ()
Fri 18:00
Fri 8:00 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
SOL FAMILY AFRO
World music, Afrobeat, Reggae (Switzerland/Senegal)
Fri 7:30 p.m.
Fri 8:45 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
RIM PATCH
Kizomba/Gumbe/Hip-Hop (Guinea-Bissau)
Fri 21:00
Fri 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
SEELER
Salsa ()
Fri 21:00
Fri 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
DJ LAYE
SBK ()
Fri 22:00
Sat 00:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
ZY AMM
Zouk/Kompa/Biguine (Switzerland/Antilles)
Fri 10:30 p.m.
Fri 23:30
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ MATAFESTA and DJ CLYDE
Amapiano/Afrobeat ()
Fri 23:00
Sat 01:00
Montbenon Casino Function Room
MOUVA
Afrotropical/Rumba (Congo DRC)
Sat 00:00
Sat 01:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO
Latino mix ()
Sat 00:00
Sat 02:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
MOUVA
Afrotropical/Rumba (Congo DRC)
Sat 00:00
Sat 01:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO
Latino mix ()
Sat 00:00
Sat 02:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
Peters MDD
Afro world music (Benign)
Sat 12:00
Sat 13:00
PETERS Internship
DJ KALU & GUESTS
Reggae/Dance Hall/Shatta ()
Sat 12:00
Sat 2:00 PM
Green Theatre
DJ RUMBA STEREO & FRANCO SALSA & GUESTS
SBK ()
Sat 2:00 PM
Sat 16:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
DADDY MAKY AND THE FIGHTING ROOTS
Afro/Reggae (Senegal/Switzerland)
Sat 15:00
Sat 16:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
RASTEVA
Afro/Reggae (Burkina Faso-Switzerland)
Sat 4:30 PM
Sat 5:30 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
KEEFAZ & THE RIDDIM FACTORY
Reggae, Dance Hall (Martinique-France)
Sat 18:00
Sat 19:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ SENCONTA & GUESTS
Funana/Kuduro/Afrobeat/Afro ()
Sat 18:00
Sat 20:00
Montbenon Esplanade | CABO VERDE Scene
DJ SANE & GUESTS
Dembow/Bailefunk/Colombian Salsa ()
Sat 18:00
Sat 20:00
Montbenon Esplanade | New Eden Scene
Academy of Oriental Dances - Maryam Ribordy
Oriental Dance (Iran / Switzerland)
Sat 19:00
Sat 7:30 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
AFRICA UNITED
Afro Reggae (Comoros/Morocco/Ivory Coast)
Sat 7:30 p.m.
Sat 8:45 PM
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
RIBA D'HORA
Funana/Merengue/Semba (Cape Verde/Switzerland)
Sat 21:00
Sat 22:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
SEELER
Salsa ()
Sat 21:00
Sat 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
DJ LAYE
SBK ()
Sat 22:00
Sun 00:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
KALUBI & NDULEMEN
Afro/Funk/Groove (Congo/Switzerland)
Sat 22:30
Sat 23:45
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ MATAFESTA and DJ CLYDE
Amapiano/Afrobeat ()
Sat 23:00
Sun 01:00
Montbenon Casino Function Room
NOELLA RAOELISON
Madagascar mergers (Madagascar)
Sun 00:00
Sun 01:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
NOELLA RAOELISON
Madagascar mergers (Madagascar)
Sun 00:00
Sun 01:15
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ RUMBA STEREO
Latino mix ()
Sun 00:00
Sun 02:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
DJ KALU & GUESTS
Reggae/Dance Hall/Shatta ()
Sun 12:00
Sun 14:00
Green Theatre
Peters MDD
Afro world music (Benign)
Sun 12:00
Sun 1:00 PM
PETERS Internship
DJ RUMBA STEREO & FRANCO SALSA & GUESTS
SBK ()
Sun 12:00
Sun 14:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Sankara scene
Lecture 1
Literature (Africa)
Sun 12:00
Sun 1:30 PM
Montbenon Casino Function Room
DJ SENCONTA & GUESTS
Funana/Kuduro/Afrobeat/Afro ()
Sun 14:00
Sun 16:00
Montbenon Esplanade | CABO VERDE Scene
J.EFOA MUSIC
Beti Nova (Cameroon)
Sun 14:00
Sun 15:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
MIA KUNTIMA
Rumba/Afro Soul (Congo DRC)
Sun 16:00
Sun 17:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
Fashion show
Fashion ()
Sun 17:00
Sun 5:30 PM
Departure from the Montbenon Casino entrance
AMATH MBAYE & MADIAL PERCUSSIONS
Mbalax (Senegal/Switzerland)
Sun 5:30 PM
Sun 6:30 p.m.
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
MBAYE PROJECT
Afro groove - Mbalax (Senegal/Switzerland)
Sun 19:00
Sun 20:00
Montbenon Esplanade | Mandela Scene
DJ SANE & GUESTS
Dembow/Bailefunk/Colombian Salsa ()
Sun 20:00
Sun 22:00
Montbenon Esplanade | New Eden Scene

The scenes

Mandela Scene (Afro Scene)

The Mandela Stage stands at the heart of the festival on the Esplanade de Montbenon in Lausanne, offering a breathtaking view of the lake. It symbolises the vibrant cultural dialogue, blending traditional African music with modern rhythms. This stage transcends borders and invites spectators to celebrate cultural diversity, where music becomes a universal language of unity and human connection.

New Eden Scene (Discoveries)

On the New Eden stage, emerging talent unleashes their passion, filled with excitement and hope. It is a place of discovery where every performance promises wonder and aspirations take flight. Audiences are transported into a creative universe where raw talent meets opportunity, offering a glimpse into the future of music and art.

Sankara Stage, Esplanade de Montbenon (Free)

The Sankara stage becomes an Afro-Latino Village, hosting DJ Rumba Stereo for dance parties under the stars. From Thursday to Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., visitors dance to the rhythm of salsa, bachata, kizomba and reggaeton, celebrating life and diversity in a festive and inclusive setting.

 

Green Theatre

The Théâtre de Verdure, renamed “Le Village Congo” for the LAFF Festival 2024, celebrates Congolese culture thanks to the Congo Culture association. Discover Congolese music, dance and fashion in a magical setting. The performances of Congolese artists promise surprise and enchantment, where tradition and innovation meet.

 

Party Room

At the Salle des Fêtes du Casino de Montbenon, experience unforgettable evenings. On Thursday, August 22, DJ Jennifer Riva offers mixes of Amapiano, Afro-tech, and House during a free-entry evening. Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., paid evenings with free entry for girls until midnight, offer DJ performances and a dance atmosphere to varied rhythms, creating a festive and friendly setting.

 

The Montbenon Casino Lounge (Free)

The Salon du Casino de Montbenon is a place for exchanges and reflection, hosting conferences and debates on Africa, the environment, culture, and much more. Thanks to modern equipment, it promotes stimulating and in-depth discussions. Experts and artists share their ideas and visions, inviting participants to explore new horizons and contribute to a more inclusive future.

Tiana Ewane 👍

About

Tiana Ewane 👍

The LAFF (Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival) has been celebrating the diversity and richness of Afro culture through musical performances, dance workshops, food stalls and much more for over 9 years. The festival always takes place between mid and late August to end the summer in style.

10'000-20'000

Festival-goers

Drinks

Full bar

Meal

African, Asian, European, South American

Place

Montbenon Esplanade, Open-air park

Schedules

It is advisable to arrive at the Festival site early enough to avoid long queues and take advantage of the many food, craft and fashion stalls that will be on site.

Day
Montbenon Esplanade
Party room
THURSDAY
6:00 p.m. - midnight
11:30 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Friday
12:00 - 0:00
11:30 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
SATURDAY
12:00 - 0:00
11:30 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Sunday
12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Access and transport

Access to the city centre of Lausanne is not always easy due to the high density of traffic on the main arteries of the city centre. We strongly recommend that festival-goers use public transport. However, there are a few car parks very close to the festival. We also recommend checking the train timetables to and from Lausanne, which has a generally well-served train station. To get to the Parc de Montbenon, an information office located in the Lausanne train station will be happy to provide you with information on how to get there in less than 10 minutes on foot.

World cuisines and crafts

Discover a cultural, gastronomic and artistic wealth by visiting our stands

The market crafts

The festival's craft market is a treasure trove of African art, full of colors and traditions. There are unique creations such as jewelry, sculptures and fabrics. Each object reflects the know-how and cultural richness of the continent.

The market culinary

The festival’s culinary market is a true sensory experience. The stalls offer spicy dishes and African sweets. Each bite is a taste of the continent’s delights.

steering Committee

A team united by a common vision and mission

Tidiane Diouwara

General Manager and Programming

Monique Lugrin

Coordination and finances

Dominique Bendassa

Volunteer Manager

Would you like to get involved as a volunteer?

The press is talking about it

Would you like to become a sponsor or partner?

If you are interested and/or have any questions regarding our sponsorship offer, please contact our team at: contact@lausaff.org or via the contact form

Stand rental

You can rent stalls for food or vending during the festival. Contact us for more details and to make your reservation.

Stand rental prices for 4 days of festival

Contact us

For any questions regarding the festival, our team remains at your disposal.

News

Uncategorized

Test Blog 3: Culture in “Afropositive”

The 4th edition of the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival starts on Thursday. A great initiative around intercultural exchange with concerts, DJs, food and crafts. Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Tristique

Uncategorized

Test Blog 2: Culture in “Afropositive”

The 4th edition of the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival starts on Thursday. A great initiative around intercultural exchange with concerts, DJs, food and crafts. Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Tristique

Uncategorized

Test Blog: Culture in “Afropositive”

The 4th edition of the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival starts on Thursday. A great initiative around intercultural exchange with concerts, DJs, food and crafts. Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Tristique