This inaugural episode of an innovative series invites listeners to discover the stories of authors in their native lands. Today, we travel to Ouagadougou, where Roukiata Ouedraogo, a Burkina Faso-born humorist, actress, and writer, shares insights into her upbringing, early career, and lifelong struggles. Through candid conversations, she reflects on childhood memories, family bonds, and the cultural richness of her homeland.

Roukiata Ouedraogo describes herself as a Franco-Burkinabè author, actress, and humorist. Born in Burkina Faso, she spent her formative years between Fada N’Gourma and Ouagadougou before relocating to France in the early 2000s. Her artistic journey spans theater, writing, comedy, radio, and advocacy, blending cultural narratives with personal experiences.

her literary works and themes

Among the books discussed in this interview are:

• Ouaga Presse – A vivid portrayal of life in Ouagadougou, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrant streets while exploring themes of family, friendship, and identity.
• Du miel sous les galettes – A heartfelt memoir that traces her mother’s resilience amid hardship, societal challenges, and the enduring spirit of Burkinabè women.

« In her tiny attic room in Paris’ 18th arrondissement, Roukiata packs her suitcase for a return trip to Burkina Faso. What to bring? What to leave behind? How to please everyone without emptying her bags entirely? Between colorful tops from Paname Tati that her cousins will fight over and a two-slice toaster with a crumb tray for her mother, she recounts her wild youth as a young woman from the outskirts of Ouagadougou, all the way to her life today in Paris’ Little Africa district. »

We laugh at the vivid characters—chicken grillers on bicycles, neighborhood gossips, and hairdressers from Château-Rouge. We’re charmed by the flirting tactics of the neighborhood boys and the clever tricks used to outsmart a father nicknamed ‘Chien Méchant’ to sneak into the baccalaureate dance… Accompanied by the dynamic and playful illustrations of Aude Massot, this book is a tribute to childhood, family, friendship, and difference… A place where laughter blends with profound reflections. »

With a light yet nostalgic touch, Roukiata reflects on her childhood in Burkina Faso—the scorching droughts and relentless rains, the warmth of its people, the injustices they faced, and the poverty that tested their resilience. She speaks of her family, including the arrest of her father, but above all, she honors her mother, a formidable woman who single-handedly raised seven children. Her mother’s struggle is beautifully encapsulated in the honeyed galettes she sold from her doorstep, a taste of childhood and homeland that remains unforgettable for Roukiata.