What is mbalax in Senegal?

Mbalax, or mbalakh, is a popular form of dance music in the West African countries of Senegal and the Republic of The Gambia. The music is a fusion of musical traditions from the Serer people—one of the largest ethnic groups in Senegal—and popular music from the West.

What is mbalax dance?

“Mbalax (or Mbalakh) is the national popular dance music of Senegal and the Gambia. Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal.

What music do they play in Senegal?

Like country blues, calypso, reggae, beguine and even rap. One of the most important folk rhythms of Senegal, is Yela. During pre-colonial era, Senegalese empires used to call people for important events. It is also a traditional music performed by women.

Is mbalax a word?

Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal. The genre’s name derived from the heavy use of accompanying rhythms used in sabar called mbalax.

What is sabar drumming?

The Sabar, which originated with the Serer people, is a traditional drum from Senegal (also played in the Gambia). It is generally played with one hand and one stick and is a very loud drum. A Sabar ensemble is an impressive sound, and the music and dance is often played at a frenetic speed.

What is Senegal culture?

Most of the Senegalese population practices Islam, and about 6% still practice indigenous religions. Senegal has long been considered a cultural mecca of the African continent. Senegalese artisans are famous for their gold, silver, and bronze jewelry, as well as use of antique and amber beads.

What sport is popular in Senegal?

Sports and recreation The country has national men’s and women’s football and basketball teams that rank among the best in Africa. Traditional African wrestling is also extremely popular throughout the country, and Senegalese wrestlers are among the best-known national sports figures.

What type of instrument is a Sabar?

The Sabar, which originated with the Serer people, is a traditional drum from Senegal (also played in the Gambia). It is generally played with one hand and one stick and is a very loud drum.

How is the Bougarabou played?

Playing the bougarabou drum can follow either conga or djembe techniques. Traditionally, it is played by hands only or using a stick. The stick can still be used, but is only suggested if the drummer knows proper technique. With the skins used for the bougarabou drum heads these days, it may be easy to damage the drum.

Is Senegal an Arab Africa?

Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest….Senegal.

What is a Sabar drum?

sabar – single-headed drum played with one hand and one stick; played by Wolof griot percussionists of Senegal. “Sabar” refers to the name of the drum, the dance associated with it, and also the drum and dance event at which it is played.

What is meant by Sabar?

Sabr (Arabic: صَبْرٌ, romanized: ṣabr) (literally ‘endurance’ or more accurately ‘perseverance’ and ‘persistence’) is one of the two parts of faith (the other being shukr) in Islam.

What is Bougarabou made of?

The bougarabou is made from hollowed out wood, with an hourglass shape and a head skin typically from cow or buffalo.

What is Mbalax?

Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal.

How did mbalax music become so popular?

Its local supremacy has prompted the creation of derivative genres such as ‘rock mbalax’, ‘zouk mbalax’ or even ‘salsa mbalax’. But its long march towards recognition wasn’t easy on the local scene. Mbalax music had to go through several stages and transformations before reaching its current status.

Why has Mbalax failed to establish itself internationally?

Despite its success on the local scene, Mbalax has failed to establish itself on the international scene. Veteran musician Vieux Mac Faye puts this failure down to the fact that Mbalakh is based on ternary rhythms that are largely unknown to western audiences.

Why did mbalakh fail?

Veteran musician Vieux Mac Faye puts this failure down to the fact that Mbalakh is based on ternary rhythms that are largely unknown to western audiences. In his opinion, this is a great disadvantage.