I am very happy to be back in Algeria after years of absence. Everybody knows the security situation that Algeria has been through, the thing that has its negative impact on culture. During this crucial period, the artistic scene has been lacking producers, but at present, things have changed and we are very happy for that. I salute Algeria, people and government, as an African artist, it was important for me to return to Algeria within the framework of the 2^nd Panafrican festival which has unified all Africans, especially youth who have been given the chance to discover the richness  of  others’  arts and cultures, the thing that helped them to artistically open. So the aim is reached. The message has been transmitted.

Aït Menguellet :

It is a great joy for me to participate in this festival and to share this joy with my friend artists from whom we have learned and to whom we have given something. It is a meeting of artistic and cultural exchanges. As an artist, it was out of question to miss such occasion. It is true that, given my various commitments, I did not have the chance to see all the artistic richness of the black continent, but I hope meeting African artists to exchange ideas.

Magic Système :

We had the chance to participate in the Panafrican festival. We are a young band that represents the African youth. What is good in this festival is the fact that it has not only invited big stars, but other young bands to encourage them. The Algerian public was very welcoming. Our band has worked with big stars such as Akil, Billal and Khaled. I do not forget the media that has backed us during this festival.

Césària Evora:

I am in Algeria for the second time. I am very happy of this visit during this African cultural event. I am happy also to meet this welcoming public. I have appreciated the meeting with my friend artists, who have come to gather on this African land for Africa of culture, art and development. My participation in the opening ceremony was a great honor for me. The event deserves to take more time to achieve the complete painting of the African continent.

Mory kanté:

Two years ago, I have come to Algeria for the 9th African games, and this year I am here to participate in a manifestation of capital importance; which is the Panafrican cultural festival. We need to know that the source of peoples meeting is arts and culture. This initiative has honored me a lot, and it is a tie between Algeria and Guinea. The invitation to this festival by Algeria to participate in this festival has warmed my heart.

Anna Costa:

It is my first visit to Algeria and I hope it will not be the last one. It did not allow me to know everything, but the public who has assisted my performances has satisfied my curiosity. The Algerian public made me imagine the first edition of the Panaf that, unfortunately, I know nothing about. Brazil, invited by Algeria, has come with its music Samba, well known under the name of Carnaval. It is good to share cultures.

Hasna Al Bacharia:

It is great honor for Algeria to rebirth this festival, which was launched for the first time in 1969, in circumstances marked by the end of colonialism, which has tried to cut it from all what it linked it to the African continent or to its national identity.

Ismail Lô:

I wanted my participation in this second Panafrican cultural festival to be an exceptional one, just like this festival. That is why I have chosen to give the public the image of the Senegalese song. It is true that the Algerian public knows me and knows my songs, but we did not have direct contact; the thing that has been achieved now thank to this festival. Thanks to Algeria that has backed us as artists, or as Africans. Algeria is busy giving good image of the African continent across the world; and this through the second Panafrican cultural festival.

D.Kh. (Translation)