This weekend, the city of Saint-Louis hosted the official launch of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the career of artist Souleymane Faye, an icon of Senegalese music. The festivities began at the French Institute in the old town with a panel discussion rich in discussions, marking the start of a series of cultural and scientific activities dedicated to “Diégo.”

This first act, dedicated to reflection, brought together several academics and cultural figures. Among the panelists, Professor Mamadou Dramé of Fastef (UCAD), praised the longevity and depth of Souleymane Faye's work.

"A fifty-year career is something exceptional. Few artists can boast of having spanned generations while remaining in the hearts of the Senegalese people. Souleymane Faye is not only a musician, he is also a thinker, a philosopher."

The researcher also highlighted the intellectual dimension of this celebration, the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, as well as the Cojeteau structure and the Culture of Mame Sira. The objective, according to him, is to "combine the artistic and scientific cachet" to better understand and promote the work of this complete artist.

An international conference planned for January

This launch marks the beginning of a long program that will culminate in an international conference scheduled for January 2026. Several proposals for communication have already been received, from Africa, America and Europe. Intellectuals from various backgrounds wish to pay tribute to the artist-composer.

The launch panel brought together academic figures such as Professors Khadijatou Diallo, Khalilou Sy, and Boubacar Kamara, each of whom approached Souleymane Faye's work from their own perspective and area of expertise. The initiative aims to popularize and promote an artistic production marked by the depth of its texts and the scope of its messages.

“Celebrating our legends while they are still alive”

Representing the Ministry of Culture, Hugues Dias, for his part, insisted on the importance of celebrating artists during their lifetime:

"If we have legends like Souleymane Faye, we must preserve them, value them and pay tribute to them while they are here. We often celebrate Bob Marley every May 11; let's do the same for our own cultural heroes," he said.

The Ministry of Culture representative also announced that the authorities intend to support this celebration through the publication of works retracing Souleymane Faye's artistic career. Discussions are underway with the Department of Books and Reading for the reissue of some of the singer's manuscripts.

Half a century of music and philosophy

Souleymane Faye, nicknamed “Diégo,” remains an iconic figure in Senegalese music. Known for his unique style and outspokenness, he successfully blended melody, poetry, and social reflection in his works.

This fiftieth anniversary celebration, which will last several months, is intended to be a comprehensive, artistic, intellectual and human tribute.

Through this program, Saint-Louis, the historic cradle of Senegalese culture where Souleymane Faye was known for a long time, thus becomes the starting point of a national tribute to an artist who knew how to “sing of the people, think for the people and live with the people.