ONOMO Shines Bright at the ONOMO Summer Fest in Abidjan
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Abidjan was set alight by the highly anticipated launch of the ONOMO Summer Fest, coming to Côte d’Ivoire for the very first time after two successful editions in Casablanca.
More than ever, “Babi la belle” shined brightly on both the African and international cultural scenes. For ONOMO, a pioneer of lifestyle hospitality in Africa, this was the perfect moment to celebrate the energy and creativity of this emblematic city through a major cultural event.
After electrifying Casablanca, the ONOMO Summer Fest, a festival dedicated to Afro culture, made its debut in Abidjan — a city of celebration and creativity par excellence. Held at the ONOMO Hotel Abidjan Airport, the event was an unforgettable night blending music, art, and unique vibes.
The lineup included Rosey Gold, a rising South African DJ making waves on the international scene, Ghanaian collective SuperJazzClub, a leader in Afro-fusion sounds, and Ivorian “rockstar” Paulo Chakal, a true local sensation.
Creative agency and collective Dola – Modern African Lifestyle hosted an exclusive pop-up, spotlighting the new wave of Pan-African culture. Inspiring talks took place throughout the day, exploring the evolving dynamics of creation, fashion, and contemporary African identity.
The ONOMO Summer Fest Panel discussed entrepreneurship in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI): How to Build a Strong Brand in a Changing World. Organized in partnership with the investment company Genesis Luxury & Brands (GLB), this panel highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by cultural entrepreneurs in a context of profound technological, social, and economic transformation.
Confirmed speakers included Jean Jacques Koffi, founder of Flexx Africa and featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 – 2024, Lafalaise Dion, Ivorian designer renowned for her work with cowries, Jeune Lio, founder of Monda Life and influential figure on the Ivorian music scene, and Yannick Do & Fayçal Lazrak, founders of the creative collective Dola.
With live performances, electrifying DJ sets, creative encounters, and immersive experiences, this edition of ONOMO Summer Fest brought together some of the most vibrant voices from across Africa and its diaspora. A true cultural celebration.
“Abidjan’s regional and continental influence made it the perfect destination for this third edition of ONOMO Summer Fest.” — Julien Renaud, CEO, ONOMO Group
Freshly renovated and expanded, the ONOMO Hotel Abidjan Airport has evolved far beyond a traditional hotel to become a true lifestyle destination. Located just two minutes from the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, the property caters to both business travelers and urban epicureans.
New features include a landscaped garden, a swimming pool, two meeting rooms, a fitness center, and the Kokoma Restaurant & Lounge, helmed by Chef Lorna Boboua-Do Sacramento, whose culinary background includes the renowned Le Jules Verne in Paris.
The hotel also offers a year-round cultural program titled Africa’s Finest, which showcases African and local artists — including Yapi Jean Yves Tetchi, whose monumental 7-meter artwork is now featured in the restaurant.
About ONOMO
Since its founding in 2010, ONOMO has established itself as the leader in lifestyle hospitality across Africa, with 24 hotels in operation and 6 under development across 15 countries. Through innovative concepts such as ONOMO Hotels (the group’s original midscale brand), ONOMO Allure (a new premium lifestyle approach), and ONOMO Collection (a curated line of exclusive boutique hotels), the group meets the growing demand for authentic, immersive, and refined hospitality.
With deep experience as both owner and operator, ONOMO is committed to creating contemporary lifestyle destinations that offer unique experiences rooted in African and local heritage — for both travelers and locals alike.
