Mamy Mbaye won the official competition to create the anthem for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, according to official contest announcements. A jury featuring prominent musicians Baaba Maal and Omar Pène selected her composition, titled “Teranga,” to serve as the defining sound of the upcoming international sporting event.
The winning track is designed as an anthem celebrating unity, love, and living together for athletes, spectators, and sports fans alike, according to the artist. The song specifically highlights Senegalese hospitality, which defines the country’s identity globally. “We who love hosting, this time we are going to receive all kinds of nationalities,” Mamy Mbaye stated regarding the welcoming spirit of the games.
A Last-Minute Submission for Dakar 2026
Mamy Mbaye nearly missed the application window, submitting her entry just hours before registration closed. A friend encouraged her to enter the contest, initially meeting resistance from the artist before she learned the significance of the event. “He told me that it was for the Youth Olympic Games, it was the first time that was going to be organized in Africa,” Mbaye explained. Recognizing the chance to represent her country and showcase local talent, she finalized her submission on the edge.
As a singer, composer, and performer, Mbaye first gained public recognition in 1997 as a member of the all-female music group Alif. After releasing several successful tracks with the group, she transitioned to a solo career, producing notable songs such as “Love” and “Mounieul.” Alongside her music, she transitioned into acting, securing the female lead in the 2023 feature film Dent pour Dent, directed by Mamadou Ottis Bâ. Her performance earned her nominations at Fespaco (the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou) and the Sotigui Awards for Best Actress. She also joined the cast of the dramatic television series Mounieul, produced by EvenProd Sénégal starting in 2022.
A Deep Family Musical Legacy
Mbaye comes from a prominent artistic household where family members play various instruments, describing her environment as one that “lives and breathes music.” She is the daughter of the late Jimi Mbaye, a celebrated guitarist and co-founder of the Super Étoile de Dakar alongside Youssou Ndour, who passed away in 2025. Father and daughter frequently collaborated during his lifetime, leaving the artist reflecting on her ongoing path in the industry. With Dakar 2026 approaching, Mbaye aims to use the global platform to spotlight the abundant creative talent present across Africa.