Mamy Mbaye, performer of the Youth Olympic Games anthem: Jimmy Mbaye's legacy at the heart of an international symbol

From the socially conscious rap of the pioneering group ALIF to the red carpets of FESPACO, and including the precious legacy of her father, the late guitar virtuoso Jimmy Mbaye, Mamy Mbaye has established herself as one of the most versatile figures on the Senegalese cultural scene. Chosen by a jury of legends to perform "Teranga," the official song of the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Africa, the artist faces both international acclaim and heated debates surrounding the song's linguistic and instrumental choices. A portrait of a major voice at the peak of her artistry.

There are voices whose singularity is immediately apparent from the first notes, becoming a true artistic signature. Mamy Mbaye's voice belongs to this category. Powerful, agile, and instantly recognizable, it has accompanied the various stages of a career built between urban music, pop, and film. A trajectory marked by encounters, challenges, and transformations, which now resonates internationally with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

ALIF, the first chapter of a collective adventure

Mamy Mbaye's musical history was initially written in the plural. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she made a name for herself within the rap group ALIF, an acronym for Attaque libératoire de l'infanterie féminine (Liberation Attack of the Female Infantry), one of the pioneering groups of exclusively female rap in Senegal.

Founded in 1997 by Mariame Diallo (aka Myrièm), Ndiaya Guèye (aka Ndaaya), and Oumy Ndiaye, the group quickly established itself in the national hip-hop scene. At a time when rap remained largely dominated by men, ALIF gave voice to another genre: that of women taking over the urban scene with their own codes, convictions, and a strong musical identity.

The group has developed a unique sound, blending hip-hop with local influences, particularly mbalax. In 2006, Mamy Mbaye joined the group, replacing Oumy. This marked a new chapter for the young artist, who quickly established her personality and distinctive vocal style. With ALIF, she contributed to writing a memorable chapter in Senegalese urban music, notably marked by the iconic track "Bul di rarati".

Jimmy Mbaye, a legacy that resonates

For the Mbaye family, music transcends mere passion, becoming a family legacy. Mamy is the daughter of Mamadou Mbaye, better known as Jimmy Mbaye, a virtuoso of the Senegalese guitar. Born in 1957 in Dakar and passing away on February 12, 2025, Jimmy Mbaye profoundly influenced the nation's musical heritage. An exceptional guitarist, songwriter, and performer, he was one of the founding members of Super Étoile de Dakar alongside Youssou Ndour. His unique playing style and decisive contribution to the evolution of mbalax have earned him a prominent place in the collective memory.

Also read: "YOG Dakar 2026: how Mamy Mbaye's song 'Téranga' won over the jury"

While Mamy Mbaye's talent is expressed through an independent sensibility, her career path naturally follows in the footsteps of this family tradition. From her father, she inherited an environment where creativity and artistic excellence are paramount. However, she has chosen to write her own story with her own voice.

A solo career that balances self-affirmation and maturity

After ALIF's breakup, Mamy Mbaye embarked on a new chapter with a solo career. This allowed her to refine her musical identity and explore a more personal style. She followed up with a string of notable releases: "Yow la Beug" in 2017, "Love" in 2019, and then "Mounieul" and "Sa Dome La" in 2022, illustrating her constant artistic evolution.

Over the years, the singer has forged a mature universe, relying on this remarkable vocal agility which allows her to navigate with ease between melodic flights and ornamental nuances.

From microphone to camera, an accomplished artist

Music alone doesn't encompass the world of Mamy Mbaye. The actress has also distinguished herself in film, where she has built a solid career. Her cinematic journey reached new heights with "Dent pour Dent" (An Eye for an Eye), a Senegalese feature film directed by Mamadou Ottis Bâ in 2023. Her portrayal of Dr. Viviane, the lead female role, allowed her to showcase the full range of her acting abilities. This performance earned her international recognition, evidenced by nominations at FESPACO and the Sotigui Awards in the Best Actress category.

On television, Mamy Mbaye confirmed her talent in the drama series "Mounieul," produced by EvenProd, where she played Fama Sall. She also appeared in "Boutikou Diogoye" (Marodi) as well as in successful radio dramas like "Kalep," portraying the character of Joor. From the stage to film sets, she refuses to be confined to a single discipline and continues to expand her range of expression.

“Teranga”: The consecration of a voice at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The next chapter in her career is now called "Teranga." By becoming the performer of the official song for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Mamy Mbaye has achieved unprecedented international visibility. This is a historic event, as Senegal will be hosting this major global Olympic event on African soil for the first time. Her selection followed a rigorous competition organized by the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (COJOJ). The jury, comprised of leading figures in Senegalese music such as Omar Pène, Kiné Lam, Coumba Gawlo, and Baaba Maal, chose her voice to represent this symbolic project.

However, the "Teranga" project was not without controversy. From its release, the song sparked mixed reactions from the public, particularly regarding its instrumental and linguistic choices. Some music lovers lamented arrangements that strayed from local sounds, while others called for a greater prominence of national languages in a work intended to represent Senegal.

The use of French for the verses and English for the chorus also fueled controversy, placing the singer at the center of discussions that extended beyond purely artistic matters. However, it is important to distinguish between the vocal performance and the conception of the work: the final version of "Teranga" evolved significantly from the initial proposal submitted by the artist, which notably included verses in Wolof.

Despite the controversies, Mamy Mbaye remains the voice of a historic anthem for Senegal and Olympic Africa. A paramount responsibility that crowns the exceptional career of a truly multifaceted artist.