The British Broadcasting Commission (BBC) has released its list of Most Creative Cities in the World and Dakar has got a spot. The list features, according to the BBC, creative scenes that demand international attention in a rapidly changing world.
The BBC says that the Senegalese capital is at the centre of Africa’s youthquake.
With 60% of its population under 25 years old, Africa is the youngest continent on the planet, and thanks to its year-round surf culture, politically-engaged outlook and thriving contemporary art scene, Dakar is at the centre of the youthquake. Senegal’s capital is the westernmost city on Africa’s mainland and a hotbed for the nation’s new generation of artists, designers and students.
Dakar is being recognized for among other things, the continued swell of creatives and creative events that it houses.
For one, Africa’s oldest running biennial Dak’Art, Dakar Fashion Week, the Senegalese fashion designer who has dressed the likes of Beyonce and Naomi Campbell– Selly Raby Kane, surf brand Bantu Wax founded Yodit Eklund which has also been featured in CNN‘s African Voices, The Museum of Black Civilisations among others.
Dakar is set to host the Olympic Games come 2022. It will be the first African city to host the games since its inception in 1896.
Also on the list is Bangkok- Thailand, Belgrade- Serbia, Sharjah- UAE and Mexico City- Mexico.
Click here for the full list on the BBC.
Photo credit: BBC