SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Senegalese Sabar Drumming

Course Dates: 24-28 June, Mon-Fri 6-9pm
Course Fee: £95 (concs £75) -> book online

The Sabar drums (also known as djembe) produce the explosive rhythm section behind almost all modern Mbalax artists in Senegal today, including Youssou N'Dor, Baaba Maal and Cheihk Lo. Sabar drums are conga shaped instruments that are played with stick and palm technique. The drums are usually played in ensembles comprising of around 5-6 players, creating a rich and powerful poly-rhythmic sound, not unlike machine gun fire. The different drums in the sabar family all have different tonal values and have names such as Chol, N'derr, M'bung M'bung and Talbut. In traditional Sengalese culture, the Sabar drums were an instrument of communication as well as accompanying Griot praise songs. A sabar ensemble would be heard at all kinds of occasions such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and even wrestling matches, one of the most popular sports in Senegal. With Modou Diouf. 

Master drummer Modou Diouf. Modou comes from a long lineage of griot musicians from the Serre people of northern Senegal, and he will teach students a number of traditional compositions taking time to explain the culture, history and playing technique of this powerful family of drums.

A limited number of instruments will be available; please bring your own if possible.