For the quality of his work, Malian photographer Malick Sidibé was awarded the Hasselblad Prize for Photography in 2003. In 2007, he became the first African artist to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale.

The Fondation Zinsou presented its eighth exhibition, Malick Sidibé 08, devoting eight exhibition spaces to pay tribute to an African artist already established on the international scene, and to his fifty-year career.

Because it believes it is essential to offer this work to as many visitors as possible, it has decided to multiply the number of touring sites. Two travelling exhibitions were held in Cotonou on Place Lénine and on the esplanade of the Stade de l'Amitié, while five "ultra-rotating" exhibitions criss-crossed the city, moving to a different site each day.

The Foundation presented 296 of the artist's photos, selected around three major themes: the studio, surprise parties and the beach.

In the exhibition space, visitors could have their photo taken by a professional in a reconstructed studio. A photography competition was also launched, inviting young talents to photograph their parties "the photographer's way". The Beninese hip hop group Ardiess Posse created a track, "Les jours heureux", around the exhibition.