DAKAR
Senegalese singer Mamy Mbaye has unveiled “Teranga,” the official anthem of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking the symbolic milestone of 100 days before the start of the historic event.
The song, released Thursday, July 23, celebrates Senegalese hospitality, cultural pride and the spirit of unity that organizers hope will define the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
Blending French, English and Wolof lyrics, “Teranga” pays tribute to the values of friendship and fair play that underpin the Games.
The chorus evokes the festive atmosphere expected in the Senegalese capital: “Dakar is burning bright / With the Olympic fire day and night” and welcomes athletes from around the world to the “pays de la téranga.”
The title itself is a reference to Senegal’s famed tradition of hospitality. Speaking on Car Rapide Talk, Mbaye said she chose the name to reflect the country’s identity and the warm reception awaiting thousands of young athletes.
“When we say ‘teranga,’ we immediately think of Senegalese hospitality. We are welcoming guests and hosting a major event, so we must show them what Senegal is all about,” she explained.
The song’s lyrics celebrate the gathering of nations from Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania in Africa, emphasizing fraternity and the shared ambition of youth through sport.
In one verse, Mbaye describes the Youth Olympic Games as “more than games we play,” highlighting their cultural and human significance.
For the singer, the anthem is also a tribute to Senegal’s artistic heritage.
During the interview, Mbaye expressed her hope that Dakar 2026 will shine a spotlight on the country’s cultural wealth, which she believes deserves greater recognition.
She said one of her biggest dreams is to see Senegalese culture occupy the place it merits, both economically and socially.
Mbaye, daughter of the late Senegalese music legend Jimmy Mbaye, also shared her desire to see artists enjoy greater financial security and recognition for their contributions to society.
Her father, the late Jimi Mbaye, was a legendary Senegalese guitarist best known for his work with Youssou N’Dour’s Super Étoile band.
As anticipation builds ahead of Dakar 2026, the singer hopes “Teranga” will resonate with young people around the world. Asked what impact she wants the anthem to have, Mbaye offered a simple answer: she wants listeners “to dance like crazy” whenever they hear it.
Scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2026, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will bring together thousands of athletes from around the world in a celebration of sport, culture and exchange, values that “Teranga” seeks to embody, during the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
