Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics keep artistic director secret
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SeneNews
Illustrative image · cricrimo · Pixabay · Licence PixabayThe COJOJ is keeping secret the identity of the artistic director for the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 31 October at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. Ceremonies director Khady Niang did not reveal the name.
The Organising Committee of the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ) has not revealed the name of the artistic director of the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 31 October at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, SeneNews reports. The committee’s director of ceremonies, Khady Niang, refused to disclose the identity of the person chosen.
A source close to the organisation quoted by SeneNews claims that the position will go to Khalil Cissé, known as “Xalil”, but the COJOJ has not confirmed this information. The committee designed the show internally, rather than entrusting its production to an international company. According to a source close to the organisation, the choice aims to “tell our story” and encourage the reclaiming of the African narrative. Khady Niang said the show would highlight Senegalese identity and the continent’s cultural diversity.
The ceremony is due to take place from 6.30pm to 8pm, on the eve of the Games’ launch and the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Africa. It follows content creator Khaby Lame’s visit to the Olympic Village on 30 October.
