Dakar 2026 flame lighting ceremony: Kya Loum performs Senegal’s national anthem

Had you performed the Senegalese national anthem before?  

Yes, I have performed it several times before. And every time, it has always been an honour. It has always been for special events, like this one. So it is an honour and a pleasure to know that I will represent my country and sing the Senegalese national anthem in Athens in front of the whole world.  

Had you ever imagined experiencing a moment like this in your career? And what does being chosen for such a historic moment mean to you as a Senegalese artist?  

I would say yes, because I have been working on my career for years and I leave nothing to chance. I love everything I do, and I feel that, as a Senegalese artist who has been part of the arts for many years, I am entitled to fulfil this duty. Because it is a duty to represent my Senegal and to go out there and say: yes, we are here, and we have things to show.  

The ceremony took place in a historic stadium, with ancient costumes, gladiators and more. How did you feel about the experience?  

We had to prepare and leave nothing to chance for an event that is truly special and very important to me and to all of Senegal. But also to Africa and to the whole world. It is a wonderful feeling. There is a lot of adrenaline and a lot of good energy.  

As well as performing the Senegalese national anthem, you are also taking part in an artistic performance. What message would you like to convey?  

Through this artistic performance, above all, I would like people to remember love. I would like them to remember tradition. I would like them to remember that Senegal has a lot to show and that Africa has a lot to offer.

You are a humanitarian artist who is also committed to causes such as women’s rights and protecting nature. Why is it important for you to be engaged?  

It is important for me to be someone who is committed because art is committed. An artist must be there to defend human values, our planet, nature, children, women and traditions. Because art shows, art is a language. Art is simply love to give; it is a commitment.  

The Olympic values show that humanity needs to come together and demonstrate that we are united and can achieve things together. Because this Earth belongs to all of us. There should be no human borders. People should be together, people should give love, people should play sport together and say: we are here, and love is what triumphs. And those are values that speak to me. They are values that I represent, and that my art represents.

Watch the full interview with Kya Loum