Quick Facts:

Alidou Tougma (1992) aka Vendeur De Cola (VDC) was born in Burkina Faso and is based in Mali. Recognised for his educational achievements and social commitment, it is Alidou's love of poetry that bears witness to his work. A pen, microphone and podium are his tools and he has performed in Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. His awards include among other, the international Slam competition “Slam RIO” 2019, the National Poetry Slam Competition for the 45th Anniversary of Francophonie and the National Maxi Vacance Poetry Competition. Vendeur De Cola is the founder of the poetry slam organization "AM". He was the deputy director of the television project "National School Talent" and a founding member of the 100% Slam TV Show "Love and Words" (Amour & Mots). In 2018, he was appointed head of the jury for the 2nd edition of the festival ''Hello Vacances''. In 2016 he joined JCI (Junior Chamber International) in Mali and conducts several artistic activities with them. Since 2018, he has been involved in the UNESCO clubs in Mali, coordinating activities and leading art programmes. In 2019, he coordinated the Slam-Master Workshop at the 7th edition of the Hip-Hop Festival in Bamako. VDC does not stop dreaming despite the challenges in his field of activity: he created the slam poetry  concept "Free Slam".