During the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists are feeling out of their element in their creative practices. Joe’s Pub is supporting joyful, collaborative work by offering micro-commissions to 8 duos of artists/performers who have never worked together before. This piece - by Yacine Boulares and Aguibou Bougobali Sanou - is the result of one of these joyful, collaborative pairings. 

Artists were encouraged to tap any side of their creativity that is bringing them joy during this time, whether meant working in their normal medium or experimenting with something outside of their genre.

From New York to Bobo-Dioulasso by Yacine Boulares and Aguibou Bougobali Sanou will premiere on our YouTube channel and IGTV at noon ET on Thursday, August 19.

Described by Radio France internationale as “a Tunisian man in New York, one of the most talented jazzmen of his generation” Yacine Boulares is a French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer based in Brooklyn.

Aguibou Bougobali Sanou (known as Bougobali) is a choreographer, performer, and director of the In-Out Festival in Burkina Faso. He recently created a dance program for young inmates (City of Bobo Dioulasso, BK) to help them to re-integrate their communities.

Fun fact: both artists have received Fulbright awards.