Tahoua, 25 Oct (ANP)-The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Sidi Mohamed AlMahmoud officially launched, on Saturday 24 October 2026, at the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture, the 13th edition of the National Competition of Modern Nigerian Music, called “Dan Gourmou Prize”, around the theme: the musician in the heart of the refoundation.
It was attended by regional, administrative and customary authorities, regional service and SDS officials, as well as several personalities.
In his opening speech, the Minister in charge of culture, expressed his great pleasure and deep sense of responsibility to speak at this solemn moment of the official opening of the 13th edition of the National Competition of Modern Music of Niger “Dan Gourmou Prize”.
On this occasion, Minister Al-Mahmoud has on behalf of the highest authorities of Niger, first among them General Abdurahamane Tiani, President of the Republic, Head of State, and Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister, addressed his fraternal greetings and sincere thanks to the authorities and people of the Tahoua region for their warm welcome and continued commitment to culture.
It also welcomed and encouraged all stakeholders, including members of (national and regional) committees, regional delegations, artists and musicians, technical teams, the press, partners and all those who contributed to the preparation of this edition.
Speaking of the choice of the theme of this 13th edition “The musician artist at the heart of the re-foundation of Niger”, the Minister said that the choice of this theme is not fortuitous, he reflects his conviction that, the re-foundation of our country is a strong commitment of Nigerese and Nigerians, to participate in a civic dynamic in the sustainable development of Niger. According to him, this dream reflects the clear political will displayed by the country’s highest authorities who are constantly investing to build a sovereign and prosperous Niger.
Also, Minister AlMahmoud recalled that the musician is not only a player, an interpreter, he is a true creator of cultural content, he sensitizes and educates citizens on social subjects. “It contributes to the promotion of our identity, the consolidation of peace and the transmission of our social values, but also to the enhancement of our cultural heritage,” he added.
Minister responsible for culture He also stated that “in our societies, music accompanies the great moments of life: births, marriages, holidays, but also makes its contribution as a communication and mobilization tool for issues of general interest”.
Established in 1987, the “Dan Gourmou Prize” remains a widely followed cultural event in Niger and beyond, stressing that it aims primarily to promote competitive musical creativity, inspired by our rich cultural heritage.
However, Mr. Sidi Mohamed AlMahmoud made it clear that in the dynamic of the decentralization of major cultural events in the region, “the organization of this great musical rendezvous was relocated to Tahoua in 2004 on the occasion of the 8th edition to continue the promotion of Nigerian music and the celebration of the memory of the great traditionalist musician Bohari Mohamadou called “Dan Gourmou”.
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