A mural over 7 metres high, depicting three Senegalese athletes, has been created by a Senegalese-Irish female graffiti artist duo on the façade of Colobane TER station in Dakar. The initiative is supported by the Irish Embassy in Senegal.
Colobane, a historic and working-class neighbourhood of Dakar, is one of the most densely populated areas in the Senegalese capital. Its iconic market, renowned for its bargains and endless selection of fabrics, attracts thousands of people every day, whether they’re passing through the station or walking past on their way there.
It is on the façade of this popular site that a mural was conceived, designed and created. It depicts three Senegalese athletes: Tening Faye, Taekwondo champion; Combé Seck, Canoeing champion; and finally Julie Marie Gomis, Athletics champion and the first Senegalese woman to compete at the Olympics.
Putting female athletes in the spotlight
Their portrait was painted from photographs by two artists: Zienixx from Senegal, one of the first female graffiti artists in Africa, and KinMx, real name Kathrina Rupit. An Irish national, she arrived in Senegal just a few days ago to take part in this project. “It’s my first time here and I’m very happy to be part of this project.Senegal is a truly magnificent country, very inspiring. There is art everywhere, in the streets, on people’s clothes. It’s a wonderful experience,” she said.
Both artists are particularly committed to international women’s rights. In Ireland, KinMx is part of a feminist collective fighting against gender-based and sexual violence. Zienixx, Africa’s first female graffiti artist, works daily to raise the profile of African women artists. Both are delighted to have been able to take part in a project that highlights women in sport. “Whether in sport, art or culture, women are always in the background. We’re trying to bring them to the fore through this project,” explains Zeinixx.
The champions’ emotions
Julie Marie Gomis, 74, Athletics champion and Senegal’s first female Olympian; Combé Seck, African Canoe-Kayak champion in her thirties; and Tening Faye, a teenager and rising star of Taekwondo, are depicted in this mural.
Present at the unveiling ceremony on 27 March, Julie Marie Gomis and Combé Seck spoke of their emotions. “I am very proud to be represented here. It is a message for the youth, for their future. I really want to encourage them,” said Julie Marie Gomis.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve witnessed something like this; it gives me a great deal of strength and courage,” added Combé Seck.
Three women, athletes, Senegalese, champions in their disciplines, but above all from three different generations, embodying the passing on of knowledge and legacy in sport.
in sport. Promoting urban art
This project forms part of YEESAL, a programme to promote urban art launched by the YOGOC as part of the Dakar 2026 YOG.
The mural was created with the support of the Irish Embassy in Senegal, which has been based in Dakar since 2023. “We haven’t been here for very long – it’s quite recent – but we are beginning to realise the full potential of the young people here. We wish to support projects related to culture, sport, gender equality and the empowerment of women in particular,” said the embassy’s project manager.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November. This is the very first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa. 2,700 athletes and 206 delegations are expected in Dakar, Saly and Diamniadio to take part in the competition.
