“Baak Saaraba”, an anthem to promote Senegalese heritage internationally August 18, 2026
Through “Nagn Délou Saaraba”, the third edition of the Heritage Gala Paris 2026 intends to place the transmission of our heritage at the heart of a cultural event with an international dimension. Scheduled for September 18 and 19 in Paris, the event will be notably marked by the presentation of “Baak Saaraba”, an anthem which is intended to be an ode to memory, identity and Senegalese values.
According to the press reference document, “Nagn Délou Saaraba”, which can be understood as “a call to return to basics”, has an ambition that is both “cultural, memorial and international”. The project intends, specify its initiators, to “recall the richness of Senegalese heritage, transmit the values which form the basis of its identity and project this memory towards future generations”.
Beyond a simple cultural event, the Heritage Gala Paris combines several expressions of heritage and creation: memorial walk, conference, arts, music, gastronomy, fashion, crafts and audiovisual creation. The initiative is also part of an approach to promoting the Senegal destination and “Made in Senegal”.
Memory as a common thread
At the heart of the project, “Baak Saaraba” occupies a special place. The “Baak”, presented in the document as a “word of memory, of genealogy, of story”, is conceived as a heritage and generational anthem. Its text summons origins, lands, courage, dignity and transmission.
“Knowing where we come from to better build where we are going” constitutes, according to the initiators, the essential message conveyed by this work. The project thus brings generations into dialogue, the elders being presented as the custodians of memory and the young as the heirs responsible for keeping this heritage alive.
The anthem brings together several artists and actors of Senegalese creation. Papis Niang is behind the conception and general idea, while El Hadj Bécaye Mbaye, Waly Seck, Tarba Mbaye, Fatou Guéweul Diouf, Youssou Dieng and Maguette Mbaye are among the performers. Vieux Sall is responsible for the composition, Babacar Diop and Aïcha Omaïs for writing the text, and Mariétou Diouf for production. DJ Kals is responsible for communications and also participates in the vocal identity of the project.
Artificial intelligence at the service of heritage
To give substance to this universe, a first video of around six minutes was produced using artificial intelligence. This production constitutes a first audiovisual presentation of the concept, before the production of a larger official and artistic clip.
The promoters explain that the use of AI responds to a desire for preview and creation, making it possible to materialize an artistic ambition despite financial constraints. They thus defend the idea that content devoted to Senegalese heritage can also appropriate new technologies to reach contemporary audiences.
The document specifies, however, that this video “does not constitute the definitive official clip”, but represents a first step towards a professional production bringing together the performing artists.
For promoters, the issue goes beyond the production of a simple music video. The aim is to produce “an audiovisual heritage work” capable of serving as a showcase for Senegal, its artists, its culture, its know-how and its diaspora. The project therefore requests support from the State to enable its official version to be produced.
The Heritage Gala Paris 2026 will take place on September 18 and 19. The first day will be devoted to “Tenkam Tenkam – In the footsteps of Saaraba”, with a large memorial walk departing from the Eiffel Tower square, bringing together more than 200 participants. The day will also be punctuated by speeches and an artistic closing.
The next day, the Espace Royal de Montreuil will host “Yendou – Keur Damel”, with a conference devoted to heritage and transmission, cultural presentations, gastronomy, stands, a tribute to Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose, as well as the artistic installation “Reine Saaraba”. A “Xawaré” evening is also announced with Tarba Mbaye and Fatou Guéweul Diouf.
A project focused on the diaspora
Through “Baak Saaraba”, the initiators display an international ambition: to reach a billion listens and make the anthem a tool for promoting Senegalese heritage. The planned strategy is based in particular on the media, digital platforms, the diaspora, artists, institutions and private partners.
The document also presents the project as a means of “creating a contemporary cultural story linking memory, identity, artistic creation and new technologies”, while promoting the country’s artists, artisans, creators and know-how.
Beyond the Parisian event, “Nagn Délou Saaraba” therefore intends to include Senegalese heritage in a dynamic of cultural transmission and export. The promoters wish, through the support requested from the State and partners, to give “Baak Saaraba” the means to become, in their words, “a real tool for cultural influence”.
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