Evolution of Senegalese Music 

1960s

Modern Senegalese music took off in the 1960s after becoming a newly independent country.  Traditional drums like the sabar were introduced by leading orchestras and Cuban influence created a Latin style of music in Senegal. 

1970s

In the 1970s, the president of Senegal, Leopold Sédar Senghor, opted to create a band, Le Baobab, to reflect the local culture of Senegal and also act as entertainment for the country’s official guests. Growing trends towards traditional percussion instruments and talking-drums emerged alongside with a new style called Mbalax started to emerge.

1980s

The 1980s saw a disappearance of Cuban style music in Senegal and Mbalax came to be the most popular musical genre in Senegal. 

Contemporary Senegalese Music

Contemporary Senegalese music includes classic West African drumming styles, the kora and the native sabar drum and dance tradition. Music is an essential part of life in Senegal and is used in daily life for all sorts of purposes. Specifically, drumming and music is most notably found in weddings, baby naming ceremonies, or ladies’ afternoon teas. As aforementioned, mbalax is currently Senegal's national popular music.  Mbalax came about when the griots began experimenting with traditional Senegalese music, Cuban music and American R&B and soul.