Major Sabar Ceremonies

Sabar drumming is an important part of daily life, appearing in events ranging from life cycle ceremonies to sporting matches and political meetings.

Life Cycle Events:

Role of Sabar Drumming in Mariage

(Weddings)

In weddings, the sabar dance and drumming are integral to the celebration. The high-energy drumming, accompanied by the energetic movements of the dancers, is designed to uplift the spirit of the gathering and invite joy and good fortune. The rhythms can vary depending on the stage of the wedding or specific traditions within a family or community. For example, the rhythms might change between the bride's entrance, the exchanging of vows, or the celebratory dances afterward. The griots—who are skilled in performing these rhythms and narrating the wedding's significance through song—use the sabar drumming to enhance the storytelling aspect of the event. The presence of sabar drumming during weddings not only creates an atmosphere of festivity but also strengthens cultural identity and unity within the community.

Role of Sabar Drumming in Ngente / Baptème (Naming Ceremonies)

Similarly, sabar drumming plays a central role in Ngente (naming ceremonies), marking the celebration of a new life within the community. The birth of a child and the naming ceremony is an occasion for the entire community to come together in joy and anticipation. The sabar drum's rhythmic beats are often used to accompany the griot's songs, which may include praises for the newborn, stories about their lineage, or blessings for their future. These rhythmic phrases and "bàkks" celebrate the child's identity and their place in the broader cultural and familial context. The drumming here is not only an expression of joy but also of hope for the child’s future, with each rhythm potentially holding unique meanings passed down through generations.

The Political Meeting:

Politicians often hire sabar drummers to play at their meetings. This drumming is meant to draw attention to the meeting, as well as attract any potential supporters. To attract attention, the sabar players play combinations of rythmes and bàkks to introduce the politicians (the drumming is not meant for dancing).

At political meetings, drummers will play as the politician arrives, then stop playing during the speech, only to resume play after the speech has concluded. Special bàkks are often created to praise specific political figures.

Muslim Holidays:

Two of the most celebrated holidays in the Muslim calendar:

Korité: the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and thus the first day people can eat during daylight
Tabaski: the day commemorating Abraham’s faith. Commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his own son to God. On this day, thousands of sheep are slaughtered to commemorate Abraham

Both holidays require wearing fine clothing and visiting family and friends, asking each other for forgiveness.

Sporting Events:

Wrestling:

In Senegal, traditional wrestling (làmb) is the most popular national sport. Làmb is steeped in tradition - combining sport and drumming. Today, top lutteurs (wrestlers) earn large cash prizes and are granted a heroic status.

There are specific rythmes played at wrestling matches: the most important is tuus which is played during the wrestler's grand entry. Wrestlers are accompanied by their own special bákks. For example, Figure 6.2 depicts the Tyson rhythm; the signature rhythm for wrestler Mohammed Ndao.

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