The Beauty of Senegalese Folk Music

The beauty of Senegalese folk music is its ability to tell a story. The music is a reflection of the people and their culture.

The Origins of Senegalese Folk Music

The Senegalese folk music is a combination of the music of the various ethnic groups that make up the country of Senegal. The music has been influenced by the music of the Wolof, the Serer, the Moorish, the Toucouleur, and the Mandinka peoples.

The griot tradition

The griot tradition is one of the most important aspects of Senegalese folk music. Griots are oral historians who preserve the history and traditions of their people through music and storytelling. They are similar to bards in other cultures, and their music is often used to commemorate special events or to praise important people.

Griots have been an important part of Senegalese society for centuries, and they play a significant role in the country’s music scene. Many griots are professional musicians who perform at weddings, funerals, and other important events. Some griots also work as teachers, passing on their musical traditions to new generations.

The griot tradition is particularly evident in the music of mbalax, a popular style of Senegalese folk music. Mbalax combines traditional folk melodies with modern instruments like electric guitar and drums. The resulting sound is catchy and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing. Many mbalax songs feature call-and-response vocals, which add to the infectiousness of the music.

If you’re interested in experiencing the griot tradition firsthand, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Senegal. You can see griots performing in public squares, at markets, and even in some restaurants. You can also attend one of the many festivals that take place in Senegal throughout the year, many of which showcase traditional Griot music.

The influence of Islam

Since the 11th century, Islam has played a significant role in West African music. The griots, who are traditional oral historians, praise singers and musicians, play a significant role in Senegalese folk music. The griots are known for their use of the kora, a 21-string harp, as well as their vocal abilities.

Traditional Islamic music is very different from the modern pop music that is popular in Senegal today. Islamic music is focused on the words of the Quran, and is meant to be devotional and spiritual. It is often performed in a group, with everyone singing or chanting together. This type of music is not meant to be danced to, but rather to be listened to and appreciated for its beauty.

While there are many different types of Senegalese folk music, it is all united by its focus on storytelling and its connection to the oral tradition. These songs often tell stories about history, culture and current events. Folk music is an important part of Senegalese culture, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Instruments of Senegalese Folk Music

The music of Senegal is usually considered to be very diverse and to have a number of different genres. The most commonly heard type of music is the folk music. This music is usually based on the music of the griots, which are the traditional storytellers of Senegal. The folk music of Senegal is usually very rhythmic and is often accompanied by dance.

The kora

The kora is a West African stringed instrument, traditionally played by the griot caste of wandering musicians and oral historians. The instrument is constructed from a large calabash gourd with a notched cow hide soundboard, over which are strung 21 sympathetic strings, and 13 or 14playing strings which run over a bridge to a small pegbox at the far end of the neck. The player uses only their thumb and index finger to pluck the playing strings in polyrhythmic melodies.

Though the kora is most commonly associated with the Mandinka people of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Gambia, it is also played by the Serer people of Senegal as well as other groups throughout West Africa. The kora has been play an important role in Senegalese folk music for centuries, and continues to be an important part of the country’s musical heritage.

The sabar

Of all the instruments used in Senegalese folk music, the sabar is probably the most important. The sabar is a drum that is played with the hands and has a very distinctive sound. It is used to keep time and to provide a rhythm for the other instruments.

The sabar is usually played by two people. One person sits in front of the drum and plays the bass, while the other person stands behind and plays the lead. The leadplayer often improvises, and this is one of the things that makes Senegalese folk music so interesting.

Other instruments that are used in Senegalese folk music include the kora (a string instrument), the xalam (a type of lute), and various percussion instruments such as the djembe (a hand drum) and tama (a talking drum).

The tama

The tama is a goblet-shaped drum that is played with the bare hands. The right hand controls the tension of the central skin, while the left hand strikes the rim. This produces a beautiful, deep sound that is an essential part of Senegalese folk music.

The Styles of Senegalese Folk Music

There are various styles of Senegalese folk music, each with their own distinct history and traditions. The three most popular styles are the griot music of the Wolof people, the sabar music of the Serer people, and the mbalax music of the Wolof people.

Mbalax

Mbalax is a form of Senegalese music that emerged in the 1970s. It is a fusion of traditional Wolof music, Cuban rhythms, and Western rock and pop. The word mbalax means “rhythm” in the Wolof language. Mbalax is the most popular form of music in Senegal and has helped to spread Senegalese culture around the world.

Mbalax songs are typically about love, loss, and life’s trials and tribulations. The lyrics are written in both Wolof and French, and are often sung in a call-and-response style. The music is usually accompanied by drums, percussion, bass guitar, and keyboards.

Mbalax’s popularity has grown in recent years, due in part to the success of Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour. N’Dour’s 1984 album Immigrés was a breakthrough for mbalax, helping to introduce the style to international audiences. N’Dour continued to experiment with mbalax on subsequent albums, adding elements of jazz, soul, and hip-hop.

Other Senegalese artists who have popularized mbalax include Ismaël Lo, Cheikh Lo, Baaba Maal, Thione Seck, and Viviane N’Dour (Youssou N’Dour’s sister). Mbalax has also been influence by artists from other countries, including Peter Gabriel (who collaborated with Youssou N’Dour on the album Oyo), Paul Simon (who featured Baaba Maal on his album Graceland), and Rachid Taha (who fused mbalax with raï on his album Tekitoi).

Sabar

Sabar is a West African drumming style that originates from the Senegal region. The music is traditionally played at ceremonies and festivals, and is known for its complex rhythms and fast tempo. The most commonly used drum in Sabar is the sabar drum, which is a large, cylindrical drum that is played with two sticks.

Sabar music is usually performed by a group of drummers, who sit in a circle and take turns playing the lead role. The lead drummer sets the pace for the others and often improvises solos. The other members of the group play supporting roles, keeping the rhythm steady and providing accompaniment.

Sabar music is highly rhythmic and often features rapid drumming patterns. The music typically has a call-and-response structure, with the lead drummer calling out phrases and the other members responding. This back-and-forth between the lead drummer and the rest of the group creates a complex, yet easy to follow groove that is perfect for dancing.

If you’re looking to add some Senegalese flavor to your next party or event, consider hiring a Sabar band!

Taasu

Taasu is a traditional folk music of the Wolof people of Senegal. It is characterized by its use of call and response vocals, as well as drumming and dancing. The music is often performed at religious ceremonies and celebrations.

The Popularity of Senegalese Folk Music

Senegalese folk music has been gaining popularity in recent years. This type of music is unique and has a rich history. It is a great way to experience the culture of Senegal.

The international appeal of Youssou N’Dour

Youssou N’Dour is a world-renowned Senegalese singer, songwriter, and drummer. He has been credited with bringing Senegalese music to a global audience and has been hugely influential in the development of world music. His unique style combines traditional Senegalese folk music with elements of jazz, rock, and R&B, and he has released more than 20 albums over his career. N’Dour is one of the most popular musicians in Africa and has won numerous awards, including Grammys and an Emmy. He was also appointed UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2004.

The popularity of mbalax

Mbalax is a form of Senegalese folk music that combines sabar drumming with popular music. It is the most popular form of music in Senegal, and has been exported to other parts of Africa and the world.

Mbalax began to gain popularity in the 1970s, when it was adopted by Senegal’s state radio station as the country’s official music. Mbalax artists such as Youssou N’Dour and Orchestra Baobab became household names, and the genre came to be associated with Senegal’s national identity.

Today, mbalax is enjoyed by people of all ages in Senegal. It is commonly heard at weddings, parties, and other celebrations. Mbalax has also influenced the sound of popular music in other parts of Africa, and its popularity continues to grow globally.