Professor Mamadou Dramé, a renowned Senegalese academic, has been appointed as a member of the international scientific committee for UNESCO's program "The Routes of Enslaved Africans: Resistance, Freedom, Heritage". This appointment recognizes his expertise and scientific contributions to understanding cultural expressions, social dynamics, and memory issues. As a professor of language sciences and assessor at the Faculty of Education and Training Sciences (FASTEF), he has been a pioneer in researching urban cultures in Senegal, particularly in rap, hip-hop, and slam.
Professor Dramé is also the coordinator of the Research Group on Contemporary Cultural Expressions (GRE2C). He has made significant contributions to bridging the gap between the university and the artistic world by organizing colloquiums and scientific meetings dedicated to major Senegalese cultural figures such as Kiné Lam, Baaba Maal, Thione Seck, and Souleymane Faye. His work has helped to establish artistic creations as valid research objects, reflections, and knowledge transmission.
This new international responsibility is a testament to the recognition of his academic achievements and strengthens the presence of University Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD) teachers and researchers in international scientific institutions. It also highlights the university's expertise and enhances the visibility of Senegalese scientific expertise globally. The appointment was announced on November 9, 2026.
The Rector of the University Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Professor Alioune Badara Kandji, extended his warm congratulations to Professor Dramé on behalf of the entire university community. This appointment is seen as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to academic research and his contributions to the cultural landscape of Senegal.
As a prominent figure in Senegalese academia, Professor Dramé's research focuses on the intersection of culture, language, and society. His work has been instrumental in promoting a deeper understanding of Senegalese cultural expressions and their significance in the global context. This appointment to the UNESCO committee is expected to further amplify his research impact and contributions to the global scientific community.
The UNESCO program "The Routes of Enslaved Africans: Resistance, Freedom, Heritage" aims to promote a better understanding of the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. As a member of the international scientific committee, Professor Dramé will play a crucial role in shaping the program's research agenda and contributing his expertise to the study of enslaved Africans' routes and their impact on contemporary society.
The appointment of Professor Mamadou Dramé to the UNESCO committee is a significant milestone for Senegalese academia and a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. It underscores the importance of continued investment in academic research and the recognition of Senegalese scholars' contributions to global knowledge production.
Key points
- Professor Mamadou Dramé's appointment to UNESCO's international scientific committee recognizes his expertise in cultural expressions, social dynamics, and memory issues.
