Senegalese Artist Xalil Cissé Reveals Team Behind Olympic Ceremony

Xalil Cissé, the artistic director behind a recent Olympic ceremony, has spoken about the team that worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. In an interview, Cissé described himself as the least creative member of the team, crediting his collaborators for their innovative ideas. The team, which included Adama Diop, Marième Ngom, and Maguette Gueye, among others, worked together to create a unique and captivating performance.

Adama Diop, the metteur en scène, was a key member of the team. Cissé had not previously worked with Diop but was impressed by his work and passion for his craft. Diop's experience and creativity were instrumental in shaping the ceremony's concept, which centered around the symbolism of the circle. This theme was woven throughout the performance, connecting African culture to the Olympic rings.

The team also included designers Maguette Gueye, Khadija Bâ, and Selly Raby Kane, who were responsible for creating the costumes and sets for the ceremony. Cissé praised their work, stating that he had no hesitation in choosing them for the project. Each designer brought their unique style and expertise to the performance, blending traditional African elements with modern flair.

Ismaïla Talla, alias Iss 814, was the director musical behind the ceremony's music. Cissé spoke highly of Talla's talent and creative vision, which impressed him during their initial conversation. Talla's music was a key element of the performance, blending traditional African instruments with modern rhythms. The two artists worked closely together, experimenting with different sounds and styles to create a unique soundtrack.

Khady Kassé, the scénographe, was responsible for designing the physical elements of the performance. Despite joining the project relatively late, Kassé quickly became an integral part of the team. Her experience as a scénographe for the Biennale de l'art africain contemporain de Dakar served her well in this project. Cissé also noted that his previous experience working on the opening of the Stade Abdoulaye Wade helped the team navigate the logistics of the event.

The ceremony's finale featured a déambulation, or fashion show, with nine stylists contributing 50 outfits. Cissé praised the young designers for their creativity and enthusiasm. The performance also incorporated elements of Dakar's urban culture, including scenes of everyday life and nods to local artists. The figure of Issa Ramangellisa Samb Joe Ouakam was portrayed by artist Obree Daman, who brought the character to life with his performance.

The Olympic ceremony was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Cissé's team worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, blending traditional African elements with modern styles and themes. The performance was a celebration of Senegalese culture and a showcase of the country's rich artistic heritage.

Key points

• The team behind the Olympic ceremony included Adama Diop, Marième Ngom, and Maguette Gueye, among others.
• The ceremony's concept centered around the symbolism of the circle, connecting African culture to the Olympic rings.
• The performance featured a blend of traditional African elements and modern styles, showcasing Senegalese culture and artistic heritage.