The year 2024 marked a decisive turning point for culture in Senegal. Between ambitious literary productions, committed musicians, and major artistic events, the country has shone on the national and international scene.
Literature: Notable Works and Inspiring Events
Literature and politics intersect in the work of Farid Abou-Ledheni-Desart, a former oil engineer turned novelist. His first work made an impression thanks to a captivating plot, combining meticulous documentation and boundless imagination. Hailed by critics, he embodies a new generation of ambitious Senegalese writers supports Adama Sall, cultural journalist
Led by Emina Seck, the Women’s Book Fair brought together, for its third edition, powerful female voices. Figures like Jariso and Sokhna Benga have explored the challenges of women’s writing, while celebrating the richness of literary diversity.
Le Festival Africa Diaspora
On December 27 and 28, the Douta Seck culture house in Dakar was the scene of an exceptional event: the first edition of the Africa Diaspora Festival. This cultural and artistic event brought together actors from the four corners of the world to celebrate Pan-Africanism and African cultural diversity. For his part, the cultural advisor and director of the festival, Alassane Cissé explained the ambitions and challenges of this event “the idea of the festival is based on the gathering of the sons and daughters of Africa and its diaspora in December, a period conducive to discussion and reflection. The festival was also part of a process of memory by paying tribute to the Senegalese riflemen through a show entitled “Thiaroye 44 directed by Lai Ananas who explains “it is a way of remembering our intangible heritage, of reviving the memory collective and to transmit the values of Pan-Africanism to the youth.
The River Festival
On board the legendary boat Bouél Bogdad, Sokhna Benga led a festival linking literature and river heritage. This meeting offered a unique experience, mixing words with the Senegalese heritage of waterways.
The Dakar Biennale 2024: Contemporary Art at the Summit
The Dakar Biennale has established itself as an essential event for contemporary African art. This edition was a resounding success, with record attendance and increased international attention thanks to the visit of the Head of State. Local and international artists exhibited innovative works, confirming Senegal as a key player in the global art scene.
However, the Museum of Black Civilizations (MCN) has gradually established itself as a heritage accessible to all levels of Senegalese society. Long perceived as a space reserved for tourists, the elite and the privileged social classes, it is today experiencing a profound transformation under the leadership of the new management led by Mr. Mouhamed Ly. Thanks to an inclusive and innovative policy, the MCN has been able to open up to populations from modest backgrounds, thus promoting collective ownership of this emblematic place. This change was particularly illustrated during the celebration of the contemporary art festival, which attracted a considerable number of visitors.
This event marked a decisive step in the democratization of access to culture and in the promotion of African heritage. The Museum of Black Civilizations asserts itself as a space for dialogue, sharing and discovery, anchored in the social and cultural realities of Senegal. In addition, several conferences were organized at this emblematic place. It welcomed academics, actors of student culture among others for the commemoration of the massacres of Thiaroye 44 underlined Mouhamed Ly.
Music: The Senegalese who shone in 2024
Originally from Saint-Louis, Amodeus has achieved success thanks to his daring collaborations and a unique musical style. His multiple trophies this year have propelled him to the rank of essential figures on the music scene.
Wally Seck: a legendary concert
On December 4, 2024, Wally Seck lit up the Adidas Arena with a memorable show. His performance brought together thousands of fans and confirmed his status as an international star.
Queen Bizz: between music and political commitment
2024 saw the emergence of Queen Bizz not only as an artist, but also as an influential political figure. Her commitment to the rights of women and young people has given a particular resonance to her musical creations, enriching their artistic scope with an activist dimension. Some observers do not hesitate to affirm that she was present on all fronts, combining her art and her activism to defend essential and universal causes.
In the field of Cinema, Senegal obtains a Palme d’Or. With Mati Diop and his film “Dahomey”
Mati Diop, the Franco-Senegalese filmmaker, won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale thanks to her poignant documentary on the restitution of royal treasures in Benin. This film sparked a profound debate on African cultural heritage, placing Senegal at the heart of this global reflection.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Regions like Fatick, Kaolack or Ziguinchor are still on the fringes of major cultural initiatives. Decentralization remains an imperative to guarantee an inclusive culture accessible to all.
2024 will be remembered as an exceptional year for Senegalese culture. Talented artists, writers, and filmmakers have raised the country’s colors high, while events like the Dakar Biennale and the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival have confirmed Senegal as a cultural crossroads in Africa. The future looks promising, full of innovations and discoveries, declared the artists.
LAMINE DIEDHIOU
