Talent & Passion | Azaf, Conductor of the Festival Create in the Feminine

In an artistic world still largely dominated by men, some voices are rising to break barriers and create inclusive spaces. Among them is that of Azaf, artist, philosopher, and cultural entrepreneur, who is leading the second edition of the festival Créoféminin, scheduled from September 19 to 21 at the Afromuseum.

Carried by the collective Femme Phare, this multidisciplinary gathering aims to be much more than a festival: a true springboard and a place of recognition for Afro-descendant and Afro-Caribbean women artists.

Originally from Haiti and based in Canada since 2018, Azaf – born AAF Michaell Jean-Louis – is at once a performing artist, philosophy graduate, and mother. Since childhood, she has been passionate about cultural organization. “I grew up gathering children to sing, create, and perform in public. The idea of creating spaces for expression has always been part of me,” she explains.

But it was by observing the specific difficulties faced by women in the artistic field – made worse for those from Afro-descendant communities – that she conceived the festival. “I understood that women faced double marginalization: that linked to gender, and that linked to race. So I wanted to create a space where they could find support, guidance, and visibility.”

While Créoféminin is a festive three-day event, it is above all part of a year-long support program: training, mentorship, production assistance, and networking. The goal is clear: to enable women to overcome the technical, financial, and social obstacles that slow down their careers.

“Many talented women artists do not have access to the resources to record, produce, or promote themselves. Some give up for lack of confidence or because they were never given the legitimacy they needed,” Azaf emphasizes.

The festival thus functions as a platform for empowerment. Established artists bring their reputation, while the more emerging ones find here a first space to assert themselves.

The first edition has already left deep marks. Azaf particularly remembers a striking moment: “During the closing evening, we were four women on stage performing my song Dénoncé, a feminist anthem. The energy shared with the audience, the positive vibes, and the solidarity experienced at that moment confirmed the festival’s very purpose.”

This second edition will bring together 17 artists from various disciplines: music, visual arts, photography. Among them, rising talents such as Joyce Enana, Milka, Belly and Queen, as well as Reine d’Ara, alongside Azaf herself.

Support is designed down to the smallest detail: a backup band of musicians accompanies the artists, even those who do not have their own team. “We want each one to be able to deliver a quality performance, regardless of her personal resources,” explains the project initiator.

In the long term, Azaf envisions Créoféminin as an international channel of opportunities for women artists. “I want the festival to become an entry point, a significant springboard in the lives of the creators who take part in it,” she affirms.

She also stresses the importance of supporting women who resume their careers after a break – maternity, family responsibilities, or simply lack of confidence. “There is no age to create. Too many programs limit access to artists after 30 or 35 years old. With Créoféminin, we want instead to open the doors to all those who still carry this creative fire within them.”

To all hesitant women artists, Azaf sends a clear message: “You are capable. The strength is within you. Do not wait for outside approval: if the desire burns in you, it means you already have everything you need to achieve it.”

Alongside her role as organizer, Azaf continues her artistic career. A new music video will be released soon, followed by an album in preparation. She also plans a first trip to the African continent, in Cameroon, a stage she already describes as “deeply inspiring.”

The Créoféminin festival will take place from September 19 to 21 at the Afromuseum. More than an artistic showcase, it is a statement of intent: to give voice, space, and recognition to Afro-descendant women artists.