• Bákk (alt. bak, back): Wolof term for “musical phrase” - Can be derived from spoken word, or created as purely musical compositions. 

Bákks represent verbal text - some are dedicated to particular people or families while others are just creative compositions. They can be handed down from generation to generation, either unchanged or modified over time. Nearly every day, new bákks are created by individuals or sabar groups as a whole. Bákks are extremely important because they distinguish one percussionist from another, or one family from another. Since each family has its own repertoire, they develop bákks that will become signifiers or markers of their family’s identity. Shorter passages are called rythme and usually function as long-distance signals, taking advantage of the sabar drum's volume to announce dinnertime, alert passerby to a snakebite and more. In many ways, bákks are another language.