RFI's emblematic program, Couleurs Tropicales, aired its last show on March 26, 2026, marking the end of an era for many listeners. While the official statement mentions a "moving farewell," the reality is said to be more abrupt: Claudy Siar, an emblematic figure of the program, was reportedly dismissed due to the show's perceived insufficient performance.
Launched on March 13, 1995, Couleurs Tropicales graced RFI's airwaves for 31 years, becoming an essential reference for African, Black, and Caribbean music. The program played a crucial role in discovering hundreds of artists and forged strong links between Africa, its diasporas, and the rest of the world. For millions of listeners in Africa, the West Indies, and within the diasporas, Couleurs Tropicales was more than just a radio show; it was a weekly cultural rendezvous, a living musical memory.
According to some sources, RFI's management had been questioning the performance of Couleurs Tropicales for some time, with audiences no longer meeting expectations. The decision to part ways with Claudy Siar and his program was therefore reportedly motivated by these considerations. The last broadcast show was, moreover, a rerun, a sign of a rushed and ill-prepared ending.
Claudy Siar, an influential figure in the Afro-Caribbean media landscape, hosted Couleurs Tropicales for over three decades, defending Afro-Caribbean cultures and the emancipation of African youth and its diaspora. Beyond his role as a host, he is also a business leader, founder of Tropiques FM radio, and producer of programs such as Africastar and the Claudy Show. His pan-Africanist commitment and his positions have earned him recognition, but also controversies.
While RFI promises new projects to continue promoting African and world cultures, the question remains whether the legacy of Couleurs Tropicales can be truly matched. The end of this program marks an important page in the history of radio and raises questions about the future of the representation of African music on international airwaves. RFI reaches more than 72.2 million listeners each week, a significant portion of whom are in Africa. The radio is the most listened to by executives and managers in French-speaking Africa.
