a short introduction
Wolof music and culture have a lot in common with their neighbor Mandinka (part of the Mande culture). The instruments are basically the same and the griot traditions are strong in both cultures. But there are significant differences. First, the languages are not the same. Second, wolof music are influenced by liturgic singing from the Islamic brotherhoods and the Serer polyphony. Wolof music is more percussive and are played uptempo and funky. The truly Wolof instruments are xalam, the tama, and the sabar set of drums. But they are also influenced by the other instruments of the region such as the beautiful West African harp, the kora, the 1 string viola of the Fulani (riiti), the flute of the Fula, the balafon and they have adopted the tabala drums of the Maures.
Dance-Lecture with Ms. Maimouna Gaye/Senegal - Giessen, University 2003
Experience of AfricanDanceCulture means:
Experience of Dynamics, Energy, Power
Ms. Gaye is a professional dancer; her ancestors are Wolof, but she has performed in many groups in Senegal, which try to unify stylistic elements of several ethnic groups living in the country. The dances she is teaching are based on traditional dances often with the traditional name, but according to the actual situation, variations are created, elements are added and the result are new transcultural creations. Nevertheless offers the introduction in the special gestures and movement characteristics of this area an unreplaceble sensory experience.
