Mbalax

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Mbalax is a genre of popular music developed in Senegal and Gambia. Evolving from the traditional rhythms of the Wolof people, and absorbing a Cuban influence, it incorporated electric guitars and other Western instruments in the 1970s. It was made popular by Senegalese pop star Youssou N'Dour. Mbalax has been affected by Ska and Folk Music.

Senegalese songs are usually unwritten, and certain instruments or musical styles (such as yela music for women) are reserved for specific genders or age groups. In the past, only Griots could perform music. Their traditional role was transmitting oral history, genealogies and social rankings, diplomacy, and storytelling. Today, griots continue to participate in naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.

A type of drum called the sabar is played by the Wolof people and accompanied by dancing. Another popular instrument is the kora (a 21-string harp made of the calabash gourd). The tama or talking drum also play a key part in mbalax often, as the sabar soloing in rhythm with the dancers steps. Mbalax music began as a tribal style using sabar drums but now incorporates a mix of Afro-Caribbean pop; it is popular in many parts of Africa. Mbalax is also popular in The Gambia, even among the non- Wollof and Sereer tribes.

Other popular mbalax artists are Assane NDaiye, Alou Mbie Nder, Papa Diouf, Thione Seck, Mbeye Dieye Faye (Youssou NDour's sabar player) Mada Ba, Abdu Raas, and Titi. The roots of Mbalax can be seen in the great masters of Sabar, like Dudou Njie Rose and Omar Thiam and Jam Bugum. As they say in Wollof Mbalax bi mokoyor!

Genres of African popular music
Afrobeat \| Apala \| Benga \| Bikutsi \| Chimurenga \| Highlife \| Isicathamiya \| Jit \| Jùjú \| Kwaito \| Kwela \| Makossa \| Marrabenta Mbalax \| Mbaqanga \| Mbube \| Morna \| Palm-wine \| Raï \| Rumba \| Sega \| Soukous/Congo/Lingala \| Taarab