Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: The Senegalese talents behind the magic of the opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games was praised for its creativity and artistic intensity. A team of Senegalese professionals conceived and produced the show, including Khady Niang as ceremony director, Xalil Cissé as artistic director and Adama Diop overseeing staging. Ismaïla Talla, Marianne Niox and Minuss Niang contributed to the music, choreography and artistic coordination. Khady Kassé, Maguette Gueye, Khadija Ba, Selly Raby Kane, Marième Ngom, Aline Alima Moné Diédhiou and Madeleine Ngoné Sagna also worked on scenography, costumes, styling, makeup and hair.