In an unexpected development shaking up the Guinean cultural scene, the highly anticipated charity concert of Grand P at the Casino de Paris, initially scheduled for February 2, 2025, has been postponed to a later date. The announcement was made during a press conference this Saturday in Conakry, revealing the financial challenges facing this ambitious project.
The initiative, aimed at raising €200,000 for the construction of an orphanage in Forécariah, encountered significant hurdles in ticket sales. On the eve of the event, only 40% of the 1,700 available seats at the Casino de Paris had been sold, a figure far below the expectations necessary to ensure the financial viability of the show.
Faced with this difficult situation, Grand P made an emotional appeal to the President of the Republic, General Mamadi Doumbouya: "First, I want to extend my greetings and address a message to my General, President Mamadi Doumbouya. I humbly ask for his help in making this project a reality because only he can save me."
Despite these challenges, the project has already garnered notable support. Honorable Kassafan has generously donated two hectares of land in Coyah for the humanitarian initiative, while the KPC Foundation has stepped in as the project's primary sponsor. The French Embassy had also supported the initiative by facilitating the issuance of 40 visas for participants, which have now been canceled due to the postponement.
Alpha Sylla, Grand P’s manager, remains optimistic in the face of this setback: "This postponement is an opportunity for us to better prepare and come back stronger. We thank the KPC Foundation for its early support, and we hope that other patrons will join us in realizing this project for the benefit of all the sons and daughters of Guinea."
The initial goal was to raise 200 million Guinean francs (approximately €20,000), but less than a third of this amount has been collected so far. Despite this setback, Grand P’s team remains determined to bring this humanitarian project to fruition. The organizers are actively working to reconnect with partners and institutions involved in order to relaunch the initiative under more favorable conditions.
The Ministry of Culture, through Moussa Moïse Sylla, has already expressed its support by facilitating strategic connections. This mobilization from the authorities raises hopes for a rescheduling of the event in a more suitable context for its success.
This postponement highlights the inherent challenges of organizing international cultural events but also showcases the perseverance of Grand P and his team in their humanitarian mission. The artist continues to rally his supporters, determined to turn this temporary setback into a future success in service of Guinea’s underprivileged children.
