Notes on Sabar Terms

SABAR TERMS 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. griot - oral historian and/or musician in formerly casted West African societies; the Wolof term for griot is géwël. Wolof – dominant ethnic group in Senegal. Although only 40% of Senegalese consider themselves ethnically Wolof, the Wolof language is spoken and understood by 90% of the Senegalese population. Specific names of sabar drums (from tallest to shortest): nder - tallest open-bottom sabar; usually serves as the lead drum in the ensemble. mbëng-mbëng ball - second-tallest open-bottom sabar mbëng-mbëng - medium-sized open-bottom sabar tungune - shortest open-bottom sabar. “Tungune” means “midget” in Wolof. cól - closed-bottom, egg-shaped bass drum; has the lowest sound in the ensemble. Can lead the ensemble, especially at wrestling matches. rythme - dance rhythm. Usually a fairly short unit that is played repeatedly. Dance rhythms performed at a sabar (usually in this order): Ardin Baar mbaye Farwu jar Kaolack (mbalax) Ceebu jën Lëmbël bàkk - musical phrase. In general, longer than a rythme. Bàkks can be derived from spoken word, or created as purely musical compositions. mbalax - literally means “accompaniment”; refers to the accompaniment part played on the mbëng-mbëng, which is the most important part. Also now used as an umbrella term for the Senegalese popular music genre made famous by Youssou N’Dour. This genre is noted for its strong sabar component, “marimba” keyboard style, and highly syncopated guitar riffs. talmbat & tulli - two accompaniment parts played on the cól. Texts Ma demoon ba Gambia Fekke fa auto bu neex Diko dawal, diko dawal Diko dawal ba Senegal I went to the Gambia To find a nice car I drove it, I drove it I drove it to Senegal Abdou, avec Abdou Jusqu’à la mort Abdou, with Abdou Until his death