The Senegalese Society for Copyright and Related Rights (SODAV) conducted a three-day mission to Kédougou, from Thursday, November 6 to Saturday, November 8, 2025, as part of its national outreach tour. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration with cultural stakeholders in the region and to gain a better understanding of their daily realities.

A meeting for discussion and listening

The delegation, led by the chairwoman of the board of directors, Ngoné Ndour, met with artists, musicians, actors, filmmakers, dancers, and craftspeople at the Kédougou cultural center. In her opening remarks, Ms. Ndour praised the mobilization and vitality of the local cultural sector.

"We came to listen, understand and support. This tour allows us to speak directly with the actors about their difficulties, to explain their rights to them, but also to help them to better organize themselves to live with dignity from their art," she said.

She also stressed the need for artists to obtain their professional card and join SODAV in order to fully benefit from the returns on their works.

The difficulties expressed by local stakeholders

During the discussions, several artists from the region expressed their concerns, particularly regarding the weak recognition of their rights, the lack of information on membership procedures, and the low income generated by their works.

Musician Alassane Camara, a member of the Kédougou artists' collective, stated:

“We produce, we perform, but our works are often exploited without us receiving a penny. Many of us don't even know how to declare our creations to SODAV. We need training and support.”

Actress Fatoumata Sissoko echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lack of infrastructure and logistical support:

"Here in Kédougou, there are almost no suitable venues for performances. We often work in very precarious conditions. Yet, culture can be a lever for local development if it is properly supported."

SODAV's responses and commitments

In response to these grievances, the president of SODAV reassured participants of her institution's commitment to taking concrete action.

“We will strengthen our regional representations and increase training sessions for artists. The goal is for everyone to understand their rights and be able to benefit from better remuneration for their creations,” said Ngoné Ndour.

She also announced that SODAV will make available to cultural actors to better support the administrative procedures of artists in remote areas, particularly for obtaining the professional card.

A breath of hope for the artists of Kédougou

The meeting concluded on a note of hope and commitment. Participants welcomed this initiative, which they consider a first step towards better structuring the cultural sector in the region.

“We leave this meeting more confident. SODAV has made concrete commitments and we hope that things will move forward,” concluded painter Mamadou Diallo, one of the elders of the local cultural scene.

Through this tour, SODAV reaffirms its mission to protect and promote copyright, while bringing cultural administration closer to artists in the interior of the country. Kédougou, often overlooked in major national initiatives, thus sees its voice brought to the forefront of Senegal's cultural priorities.