Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a video of a 2008 documentary about Senegalese Hip Hop. In addition to this video, this post includes my transcription of the English words that were spoken and the English language subtitles that were given on the screen.
Selected comments from that video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
[Update 9/2/2016 4:00 PM] An excerpt of a 2015 article about Senegalese Hip Hop is included in the Addendum to this post.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in this documentary, and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the producers of this documentary and its publisher on YouTube.
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SHOWCASE VIDEO - African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal
mediathatmatters Uploaded on Jun 4, 2008
Step into the African Underground and listen to a new voice inspired by religion, politics, old school Hip Hop and Senegalese culture.
****
TRANSCRIPT
Pancocojams Editor - This is my transcription of that video. Sentences or parts of sentences given in italics mean that I'm not sure of that transcription. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Aziz Ndiaye- old school rapper
[speaking in English] “I said ah hip hop the hippy
the hippy to the hip hop
you don’t stop the rockin to the bang bang”
[English sub-titles] “Really these were my biggest influences”.
[screen titles] Nomadic Wax and Sol Productions presents An Underground Projic
African Underground: Democracy In Dakar
Filmed on location in Dakar
Aziz Ndiaye
[English subtitles] “I remember, Didier Awadi and I, back in the day, we were copying Kurtis Blow, and Grandmaster Flash, and Grandmaster Melle Mel.”
nix
Dakar All Stars
[English subtitles] – That is the force of America. It is not just rap that has come like that.
Ndongo d
DAARA J
[English subtitles] Public Enemy Fight the power, that influenced me so much. That’s when I began to write lyrics in Wolof.
Jojo
YATPU
[Speaking in English] – “I didn’t understand English. And he translate “Fight The Power” for us. And when we heard “Fight the power”, we wanted to do the same, you know.”
[English sub- titles- several speakers] – It was a form of expression that we soon realized could really educate people. So it was because we wanted to exteriorize what we had inside our hearts. What we really felt about this country. It wasn’t to copy the Americans, but we somehow were obliged in the beginning because it is a culture from the States.
Xuman
PEE PROIS
[speaking in English] When we say we rapping, when we making Hip Hop, definitely, we have a western way of the American experience. In the beginning, for me for instance, I was like “Okay. I was like wearing American people Nikes, big, big chains. I’m rhyming in English, talking about stuff that I didn’t really, um, understand the sense.
Aziz Ndiaye
[English subtitles]- They rapped in English and we did the same thing in Wolof. We were lucky to be able to go to learn English at school. So that is how we knew what they were talking about and it was then that real Senegalese Hip Hop began.
Xuman
PEE PROIS
[speaking in English] So when you talk about Hip Hop culture definitely you got a big influence from the U. S. But we start to um to flip this influence.
djiby daddy & bakhaw
DA BRAINS
[English subtitles] It is because of where we are from, because where we are from, the realities cannot be the same.
[speaking English subtitles] Africa is a ghetto.
Dakar is a ghetto.
The city of Dakar is a ghetto.
But it is not like BK, Brooklyn, Harlem.
It is not the same thing.
We don’t live the same way.
[rapping – with English sub-titles]
We give love to the fans
through the M-I-C.
We will never forget you.
We will always respect you.
We will never disrespect you.
We will never minimalize you.
[speaking- English subtitles]-We were born in this country- Senegal.
For example, we are Muslims. We are believers. We practice. We believe in God and we are young. We are messengers. Therefore there are certain things we cannot say to these young guys listening to our music.
[rapping- English subtitles]
So get closer, get closer.
Da Brains are back.
We will never fight with you.
There is mutual respect between us.
For more than 10 years, you have been good Muslims.
Only because of the love of God.
In the name of God, we can pay you back.
Xuman
PEE PROIS
[speaking English] In Senegalese Hip Hop, you have not the right church because now here it’s more- Islam influences more of the people than you know in the Western or you know whenever in the UK.
p- blow
TIGRAM-BI
[speaking English] For example, we respect the old people, you know. We respect the rule of Islam, you know. And we cannot in how we say say whatever we want
We don’t use to, for example, [English subtitle- misogynistic text]. -end of subtitle.
We never do this. You know. In our images, we never, for example [English sub-titles] we never have young girls and young women wearing sexy clothes.
-end of subtitle-
We never do this. Yeah, ‘cause we believe in something, you know. We must. We believe in God and we must respect the rule of Islam.
Gen kumbe
[rapping – English subtitle]
Thanks be to God.
You gave it to us.
You took it back from us.
Thanks be to God.
Would never refuse working hard.
Thanks be to God.
Even if you gave it and took it back.
Thanks be to God.
Xuman
PEE PROIS
[Speaking in English] Yeah, I’m a gangster. I kill. I kill people for fun. I sell drugs- No.
We can not do stuff like this. No. Never.
So our culture, we definitely must be conscious. We must be tough for the future.
Jo jo
YATPU
[Rapping- English sub-titles]
Globalization reminds me of balkanization.
Just like during colonization,
we call for our debts to be erased.
Liberation of the nations of the third world.
The system is a total shame.
Life in the ghetto is filthy.
Manipulation and pressure on the population.
The Question:
Why so much tension?
And hatred leads to violence, desolation, division,
genocide and concentration camps.
Uncle Sam has dirty hands.
The world’s elite in his back room.
Holdings, trusts, and multinationals.
[English subtitles- unidentified speaker]- In Africa, we have our own realities, our own culture,
and we are trying to export this culture.
Xuman
PEE PROIS
[Speaking in English] – We have a lot of different influences – from the Europe, from um France, from the U.S. And, ah, still our country is not that strong that we can not lose it.
djiby daddy & bakhaw
DA BRAINS
[English subtitles]- Heere, when we are on stage we just put on regular clothes, but when we are on tour, we get dressed in African attire.
[A video clip of gokb-bi-system dancing to djembe drums is playing in the background.]
We are obliged to because we represent Senegal. We represent the Red, Yellow, and Green. We represent Africa.
We do not rap in English or French. We rap in Wolof because we are Senegalese.
[other men speaking in English] – If we go down to USA to export our music, we just tell what we believe. We don’t do like them because we are not the same.
****
SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments from the video African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal are given in relative chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube, except for replies.
These comments aren’t meant to be taken as fact but rather to document the bloggers’ knowledge and/or lack of knowledge about the nation of Senegal and Senegalese Hip Hop and the bloggers' opinions about American Hip Hop and Senegalese Hip Hop.
2008
Rereversed
"Holy Jesus, Rap with a point!"
**
TeamPCA
"its seems like its got more points than the rap i hear in the U.S"
**
DJStewiee
"This is the kind of hip-hop that should be on mainstream in the US... No im not saying in their language, but I'm saying rap/hip-hop that has meaning"
UpwardFalls8 years ago
"Sick"
-snip-
"Sick" is an African American Vernacular English word that means "very very good".
****
2009
Medy
"SALAM TO MY BROTHER IN SENEGAL FRO KEEPING IT 100 PERCENT, UR MUSLIM BROTHER FROM CHICAGO AND EGYPT. keep real hiphop alive its essence self expression"
**
JoeMclarg
"We use rap as a blunt instrument they use it as a surgical tool"
**
SmashingKinpumps
"What language are they speaking in? It sounds like french but I know it's not..right?"
**
Reply
gio80shardao7
"in the video are speking mostly wolof, french or english;) real hip hop !"
**
Reply
eternalshadow2006
"they speak french and wolof^^"
**
Reply
Gameris1973
"wolof what is that"
**
Reply
frogator
"one of the THOUSANDS of languages spoken in Africa, more specifically, I believe of Senegal...correct me if I'm wrong"
**
sexymodelboy
"I didn't know they spoke French in Senegal."
**
hahayo44
"i speak hatian creole so i kinda understand i never knew the people of senegal speak french....................there hot but i like todays hip-hop!!!!!!"
****
ADDENDUM
From http://musicinafrica.net/hip-hop-senegal?language=en Hip-hop in Senegal
Feb 09, 2015 • by In-house Senegal, By Keyti
"Senegalese rap music is considered today as a genre of its own; a genre with such a persuasion and mobilization power that it is often feared.
In the history of music in Senegal, the meteoric rise of rap music is probably one of the most interesting phenomena to witness. For several decades, rap music has become the true voice of the youth and is now accepted as an art. Furthermore, it has proven to be a powerful force capable of persuading and mobilizing the masses. This makes it the most controversial music genre in Senegal.
Thousands of young people are using this musical genre to express their creativity, struggles and dreams of a better life, from the depths of the Fouta region in the north to the remotest village of Casamance in the south and from the border with Mali to Dakar, the capital city...
In the early 1980s, Dakar was booming and changing. In its early days, Dakar had been home to mostly middle-class neighborhoods. As the city expanded, suburbs emerged for more disadvantaged people coming from other parts of the country, often fleeing a severe drought that lasted for decades. These new demographic and economic factors, combined with a strong tradition of immigration, opened the city of Dakar to the rest of the world and thus to new lifestyles, clothing fashions and music trends....
In this context, hip-hop began to take over Dakar. Dances like ‘smurf’, popping and breakdancing inspired the creation of hundreds of dance groups across the city. The growing Americanization trend of Senegalese youth through these dances opened the doors to rap in the mid-1980s. Indeed many of the early rappers’ careers started with dance. Most of them plunged back into anonymity, with the exception of Duggy Tee and Matador, who enjoyed successful music careers.
One of the greatest paradoxes of the introduction of hip-hop music in Senegal is that unlike the United States, where it originated, or Europe, it was the privileged class that first adopted and promoted its lifestyle...This is simply because the wealthier youth had the opportunity to travel abroad and were returning with albums, movies and VHS tapes of rap videos. These tapes were copied and exchanged throughout the city....
Despite its popularity at live events, it was only in 1991 that the first rap single from a Senegalese artist was released. It was a single by MC Lida, a rapper unknown on the local scene because he was living in Italy at that time. His maxi-album Teubeul Ma Teub opened the way for local rap production. Many people consider Positive Black Soul’s album released in 1992 Boul Falé as the first Senegalese rap album because of the aura of the rap group at the time and the fact that they were living in Senegal. After these early releases, so many albums have been recorded that it has become very difficult for the public to follow and keep up with all of them.
Hip-Hop in Senegal Today
Today, 25 years after its emergence, the Senegalese rap industry is undoubtedly one of the most prolific of the continent, with artists coming from all over the country as well as Dakar. They have also managed to retain a solid audience over time. However...Albums come out one after another but most of them face the same fate - they are commercial flops because of issues like a lack of distribution networks, which often makes them inaccessible to the public, a lack of proper promotion and a lack of live performances. Today only a handful of hip-hop artists are able to live off their craft and the only artists who tour regularly including outside of the country are Matador, Didier Awadi and Daara J Family...
The other major issue facing Senegalese rap is that most songs are performed mainly Wolof. This makes it difficult to have an international career, unlike artists from other parts of west Africa, who rap mostly in French and can therefore sell themselves internationally...
The strength of Senegalese hip-hop is the political commitment of the rappers, which has helped them maintain an international presence. Since its inception, Senegalese rap has been strongly influenced by politics. Most rappers denounce poor living conditions and the abuse of political power - almost to the point that every rapper feels obligated to address politics in order to be heard"."....
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Senegalese Hip Hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senegalese Hip Hop. Show all posts
Friday, September 2, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
Senegalese Music: Thione Ballago Seck - "Mbaakh" (information, video, & comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases the song Mbalaxh by Senegalese singer Thione Ballago Seck. Information about that performer is also included in this post.
A few selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/information-about-senegalese-gewels.html for information about Mbalax music.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes. I love the music, and love watching the dancing. I also love the traditional Senegalese fashions that are worn in this video.
Unfortunately, I don't know any language but English. I'd love to know what Mbaakh means and what this song is about.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Thione Ballago Seck for his musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THIONE BALLAGO SECK
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thione_Seck
"Thione Ballago Seck (born March 12, 1955) is a Senegalese singer and musician in the mbalakh genre. Seck comes from a family of "griot" singers from the Wolof people of Senegal. His first job was with Orchestre Baobab, but he later formed his own band, Raam Daan, which he still heads.
Seck's album Orientation was one of four nominated for BBC Radio 3's World Music Album of the Year in 2006. In much of his music, and notably on this album, Seck experiments with the use of Indian & Arabic scales....
Years active
1970s–present
Associated acts
Orchestre Baobab, Raam Daan"
-snip-
Thione Ballago Seck's son Waly Seck is also a popular singer.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO : THIONE BALLAGO SECK / MBAAKH
mor talla BYFALL, Published on Aug 23, 2012
la belle voix de thione ballago seck sur un rythme de mbalakh bien arrange donne ce beau tube MBAAKH de l'album DIAGA.video réalisée par serigne mor talla niang (BYFALL)
-snip-
Google translate from French to English with my guesses to correct that translation given in brackets:
the beautiful voice of thione seck Ballago [performs "Mbalakh" from the wonderful album "Diaga". the video is produced by serigne mor talla niang (BYFALL)]
-snip-
Selected comment from this video's discussion thread:
Unless otherwise noted, the non-English comments are in French and include Google translate from French to English. My standard American "translation" of these English translations are sometimes given in brackets.
BIAYE MAMADOULAMINE, 2012
comme toujours THIONE le monument de la musique sénégalaise est revenu avec ce beau tube merci!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-snip-
as always THIONE the monument of Senegalese music returned with this beautiful [video] thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**
Celestin Bedzigui, 2014
Camerounais vivnat aux USA et bien que ne comprenant pas un seul mot, cette voix et la musique sont d' une beaute ''universelle''... Je ne comprends d' ailleurseurs pas pourquoi malgre sa beaute et l' energie et la qualite de ses clips, en dehors de Youssou Ndour, la musique senegalaise ne s' exporte pas plus. Je ne viens que de decouvrir Thione Seck, l autre jeune Seck, ou Pape ...l autre... Des voix et des musiques extraordinaires !!!!!
-snip-
[I am a] Cameroonian living in the US and despite not having a single word, the voice and music of a beauty '' universal '' ... I do not understand of ailleurseurs why despite its beauty and the energy and quality his videos, apart from Youssou Ndour, the Senegalese music s not export more. I only come to discover Thione Seck, the other young Seck, Pape ... or the other ... Voices and extraordinary music !!!!!
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases the song Mbalaxh by Senegalese singer Thione Ballago Seck. Information about that performer is also included in this post.
A few selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/information-about-senegalese-gewels.html for information about Mbalax music.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes. I love the music, and love watching the dancing. I also love the traditional Senegalese fashions that are worn in this video.
Unfortunately, I don't know any language but English. I'd love to know what Mbaakh means and what this song is about.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Thione Ballago Seck for his musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THIONE BALLAGO SECK
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thione_Seck
"Thione Ballago Seck (born March 12, 1955) is a Senegalese singer and musician in the mbalakh genre. Seck comes from a family of "griot" singers from the Wolof people of Senegal. His first job was with Orchestre Baobab, but he later formed his own band, Raam Daan, which he still heads.
Seck's album Orientation was one of four nominated for BBC Radio 3's World Music Album of the Year in 2006. In much of his music, and notably on this album, Seck experiments with the use of Indian & Arabic scales....
Years active
1970s–present
Associated acts
Orchestre Baobab, Raam Daan"
-snip-
Thione Ballago Seck's son Waly Seck is also a popular singer.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO : THIONE BALLAGO SECK / MBAAKH
mor talla BYFALL, Published on Aug 23, 2012
la belle voix de thione ballago seck sur un rythme de mbalakh bien arrange donne ce beau tube MBAAKH de l'album DIAGA.video réalisée par serigne mor talla niang (BYFALL)
-snip-
Google translate from French to English with my guesses to correct that translation given in brackets:
the beautiful voice of thione seck Ballago [performs "Mbalakh" from the wonderful album "Diaga". the video is produced by serigne mor talla niang (BYFALL)]
-snip-
Selected comment from this video's discussion thread:
Unless otherwise noted, the non-English comments are in French and include Google translate from French to English. My standard American "translation" of these English translations are sometimes given in brackets.
BIAYE MAMADOULAMINE, 2012
comme toujours THIONE le monument de la musique sénégalaise est revenu avec ce beau tube merci!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-snip-
as always THIONE the monument of Senegalese music returned with this beautiful [video] thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**
Celestin Bedzigui, 2014
Camerounais vivnat aux USA et bien que ne comprenant pas un seul mot, cette voix et la musique sont d' une beaute ''universelle''... Je ne comprends d' ailleurseurs pas pourquoi malgre sa beaute et l' energie et la qualite de ses clips, en dehors de Youssou Ndour, la musique senegalaise ne s' exporte pas plus. Je ne viens que de decouvrir Thione Seck, l autre jeune Seck, ou Pape ...l autre... Des voix et des musiques extraordinaires !!!!!
-snip-
[I am a] Cameroonian living in the US and despite not having a single word, the voice and music of a beauty '' universal '' ... I do not understand of ailleurseurs why despite its beauty and the energy and quality his videos, apart from Youssou Ndour, the Senegalese music s not export more. I only come to discover Thione Seck, the other young Seck, Pape ... or the other ... Voices and extraordinary music !!!!!
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Senegalese Music: Fata ("El Presidente") featuring Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck - "Nguenté" (information, video, & comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties (ngentes; also found as nguentes and nguenté.
Part III showcases a Senegalese video of "Nguenté" by Fata (also known as "El Presidente") featuring Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck. Fata (El Presidente) is a Senegalese Hip Hop recording artist. Mbaye Dieye and Waly Seck are Senegalese Mbalax recording artists.
Selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post. Many of those comments are written in French or in Spanish. Google translate translations to English of those comments are also given in this post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/descriptions-of-senegalese-baby-naming.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents excerpts from one book and two blog posts about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/information-about-senegalese-gewels.html for Part II of this series. Part II provides information about gewel (griots), Mbalax, and Senegalese Hip Hop.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Fata, Mbaye Dieye, and Waly Seck for their musical performances. Thanks to all those who produced this video, and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
Disclaimer:
It's the policy of this blog not to feature videos or sound files that contain profanity. I don't speak any language besides English. Hopefully, the lyrics in this Hip Hop video are clean. If not, I offer my apologies.
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INFORMATION ABOUT THESE SENEGALESE RECORDING ARTISTS
Note: Excerpts #1 & #2 are given in this post as they are written in English. Excerpt #3 is translated from French to English by Google Translate.
FATA (EL PRESIDENTE)
From http://www.africafilms.tv/en/personnes/1152
"Fata (El Presidente) Rapper (Sengal)
Whose real name is Moustapha Gnigue, Fata "El presidente " was born in 1976 in Saint Louis in northern Senegal. He made his first steps in the hip hop movement when he was just 12 years old at the opening ceremony of his college CEM Henry Guillabert . The young , reckless and brave , proposes to go on stage to present his first show , he had not prepared text ... Public reaction invigorates the young man then rushes in research models , inspiration like Mc Solaar , Benny B and other pioneers of American rap .
His career starts and he do duets with singers known as Viviane Chidid ... This mixture of Rap / styles Mbalax , earned him criticism from his peers . Very tenacious, Fata managed to win and be loved by the Senegalese public.
He also worked as an animator of rap emissions at 2stv and made some appearances in the TV movies " Bégué time" [by] Papis Niang"
****
MBAYE DIEYE FAYE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbaye_Dieye_Faye
"Mbaye Dieye Faye is a singer and percussionist in Senegal. He was born to a modest family of griots...
Now, Mbaye Dieye Faye is famous singer and percussionist in Senegal. He makes rhythm in his music, the Mbalax...
Mbaye Dieye Faye is the percussionist of ”Super Etoile” band. But he has a tendency to sing at the same time with Youssou Ndour. He plays an important role in the band. Mbaye Dieye Faye has his own style in music, very much appreciated by Senegalese people, particularly women. In “Mbalax” rhythm, he introduced—as he calls it—“Khorom” (Salt ). Nobody can dance to his music without getting tired. Indeed, it is very hard to follow his drums. And it’s like making sport, because dancing his music means jumping, moving one’s body, and all members. So, nothing must be calm.
The role of Mbaye Dieye Faye in the band is also to make entertainment adequately. He is a griot, a repository of oral tradition, a praise singer, but he is more interested in singing love and romance. Most of the time he uses “Tassou”, a kind of speech with some rhythms, reminding one of rap music. That is mainly for amusing people, but often, speeches contain vulgar expressions. And for him, it is for exciting dancers, and having them moving more."...
****
WALLY SECK
From https://www.wallyseck.com/site-officiel/biographie.html
[translated from French to English by Google Translate]
"Coming from a griot family, Waly Seck was born April 27, 1985 in the Senegalese capital. Early on, he had a penchant for football...
Meanwhile, Thione Seck is a monument of Senegalese music and an internationally renowned artist prepared the ground for his son. He found him a place in his group what the RAAM DAAN. ... since childhood, [Wally had been used] to sing and act out the songs of his father. You will understand by this that it was not very difficult for Thione Seck to Wally what it has become today.
The return of the prodigal son has wreaked havoc in Senegal. Because with the release of his first single DIOUDO BO-end 2007, the melodious voice of Wally has delighted many. Three years after the release of his single, precisely December 17, 2010, Wally Seck released his first album entitled VOGLIO; which means wanting in Italian. An album of 7 songs which was appreciated and that allowed him to impose his brand....
With [his] 3rd album, Wally has shown once again that he is the worthy heir of Thione Seck. As stated so well the adage "good blood can not lie.""
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOFata feat Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck " Nguenté "
Artbimanageman,Published on Nov 2, 2013
el presidenté avec waly seck et mbaye faye un vrai chef d'oeuvre regarder etapprecier
[Google Translate from French to English: El Presidente with waly seck and Mbaye Faye a true masterpiece watch [and appreciate]
-snip-
"Nguente" = Senegalese baby naming ceremony/party
****
SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated comment given first. These comments may not be in consecutive order. I've assigned numbers to this comments for referencing purposes only.
I've only included comments in English, in French, or Spanish. The Google translate to English translations of the French and the Spanish comments are included after those comments.
My American English translations of those translations are sometimes also given. I planned to refrain from commenting about some of these comments, but I didn't completely succeed. In addition to sharing my thoughts on the saying "Keep it up" and the combining of African American slang with French or Spanish, I've included some information that I found online about the word "machala" (marshallah" and similar spellings). That word was frequently included in comments, and I was curious to know what it meant.
2013
1. Aissatou Niane
"Waly il chante bien,c magnifique"
-snip-
Waly he sings well, beautiful c
[Google translate French to English]
**
2. Oumie Mahmud
"Awsomee!!. I waited for this video ever since the "making off" was uploaded. Love the talented trio. Thank you Art B"
**
3. ManSour Djite
"Nice Fat boy!!! Thia kaw thia kanam! Mixage bien réussi!!! Proud of our culture!!!"
-snip-
I think that the middle part of this comment may be in Wolof. I don't think that "Fata" really translates to the English word "fat". Perhaps that was a typo or mistranslation on the part of the commenter. Which leads me to ask, is "Fata" a Wolof nickname, and if so what name does it come from?
**
4. sidi mohamed fall
"fata est un homme simple"
-snip-
Fata is a simple man
[Google translate from French to English]
I think “simple” here means meaning non-pretentious, not one to put on airs, [act important]]
**
5. amina gning
"VRAIMENT TROP NICE TROIS STYLES DE MUSIQUE DANS UN MEME SON !! machala chacun a assuré en plus la qualité du son et de la video est tres bonne"
-snip-
REALLY TOO NICE THREE MUSICAL STYLES IN ITS SAME !! machala each assured more quality sound and video is very good
[Google translate from French to English]
-snip-
Read the Addendum below for information about the word "machala" and similarly spelled words that are found in these comments.
**
6. abdoulaye sow
"la réalité des senegalais"
-snip-
the reality of Senegalese
[Google translate from French to English.
My translation of Google translate- [This video] shows how Senegalese really live.
**
7. Ousmane Diagne
"C est cool le clip big up"
-snip-
I guessed this one: This is a cool video [clip]. Big up.
[Notice the combination of French, African American Vernacular English, standard English, and Jamaican Patois.]
**
8. Mbaye ndiaye
Une idee tres original bonne kontinuation lé gars
-snip-
A very original idea good luck guys
[Google translate from French to English]
****
2014
9. Omar Ndiaye
"he volto escuchar mencanta las palabra el ritmo et la musica"
-snip
I returned to hear the word I love the rhythm in music
[Google translate from Spanish to English]
**
10. Mariama Dieng
"trés bonne musique machalla rien que de la classe et de l'originalité. bravo à fata, waly et Mbaye dièye faye"
-snip-
very good music machallah nothing but class and originality. Congratulations to fata, waly and Mbaye Faye Dièye
[Google translate from French to English]
**
11. aminata samb
"vous chante bien machallah bonne continuation"
-snip-
machallah you sing well good luck
[Google translate from French to English]
**
12. adaleite noorr
"trèeeeees nice le clip!!!! Tous mes encouragements et bonne continuation El Presidente"
-snip-
Here's my guess:
very nice clip (video). You have my encouragement and best wishes [for your continued success], El Presidente.
**
13. oumie ceesay
"Wally i love u the voice is so so specia just like your
dad.Karrmasalla wally"
**
14. DIOP Khady
"tro cool ton new style de rap fata, jadore"
-snip-
I guessed this one: Too cool, very [?] new style of rap, Fata. I love it.
**
15. Sarah Janneh
"Nice song keep it up"
-snip-
The saying “keep it up” is found in discussion threads for a lot of contemporary African music. I think it’s like the American saying “Keep up the good work”; meaning [I wish you] “continued success.” I also wonder if the phrase "bonne continuation" which Google translate translated to "good luck" might also be a form of that "keep it up" saying.
**
16. Ansou Camara
"hahahahah la verdad Fata eres grande y todos tu compañantes habéis trabajado en este clip ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ qui siguais asi para siempre.
la canción es super bien y el video "
-snip-
hahahaha truth Fata are great and all your companions have worked in this clip qui siguais like this forever.
the song is super good and video
[Google translate from Spanish to English]
**
Mame Absa Gueye
17. "c juste un HIT"
-snip-
c just a HIT
[Google translate from Spanish to English] Note the combination of Spanish with an English word.
**
18. modou ba
"c bien chante par waly seck"
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
c [Does "c" mean "This is?] a good song [great singing] by Waly Seck.
-snip-
My American English translations or guesses are in the brackets.
****
2015
19. Luno Maker
"Le premier clip de rappeur qui a atteind le Million de Vues, Congrats El Presidente"
-snip-
The first clip rapper who has reached the Million Views, Congrats El Presidente
[Google translate from French to English]
My American English translation of that translation: “The first rap video to reach a million v iews. Congrats El Presidente." I'm assuming that the commenter meant "the first Senegalese rap video or the first African rap video to reach one million views...
That video has 1,136,737 2/7/2016 viewer hits as of 2:25pm EST February 7, 2016.
**
20. Thierno Fata
"jécoute toujour cet music fata 4ever"
-snip-
I listen to this music toujour fata 4ever
[Google translate- French to English]
**
21. Souleymane Bah
"Cool"
**
22. maxentos kroos
"moy bomb"
-snip-
I think "moy" may be the Spanish word "muy" (English= very) and
"bomb" is African American Vernacular English (slang) for something that is dynomite (hot) = very good.
****
2016
23. Abdoulaye Diallo
"cool"
**
Seydou Seck
"+ibu hallucinant Mamadou Seck"
-snip-
Mamadou Seck amazing + ibu
[Google translate from French to English]
****
ADDENDUM: WHAT "MACHALA" (MASHALLAH) AND JAZAK ALLAHU KHAYRAN MEAN
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashallah
"Mashallah (Arabic: ما شاء الله, mā shāʾa llāhu), also masha'Allah, is an Arabic phrase that expresses appreciation, joy, praise, or thankfulness for an event or person that was just mentioned. While mashallah is used as an expression of respect, it also serves as a reminder that all accomplishments are considered by Muslims to be achieved through the will of Allah. It is generally said upon hearing good news.
In some Muslim cultures, people may utter mashallah in the belief that it may help protect them from jealousy, the evil eye, or a jinx. In Islamic aqeeda (matters that are believed with certainty), it is understood that protection comes only from Allah…
Examples]
Person A: I have just become a father!
Person B: Mashallah!
Person A: Your house is beautiful, mashallah!
Person B: Jazakallahu khayran!
-anip-
"Machalla" and similarly spelled words derive from the Arabic word "mashallah".
Information about the meaning of "Jazakallahu khayran" is found below.
****
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazak_Allah
..."Although the common Arabic word for "thanks" is shukran (شكرًا), jazāk Allāhu khayran is often used by Muslims instead, in the belief that one cannot repay a person enough, and that Allah is able to reward a person the best. Often the response to jazāk Allāhu khayran is wa ʾiyyākum (وإيّاكم), which means "And to you". A more formal reply is "w-antum fa-jazākum Allāhu khayran" (وَٱنْتُمْ فَجَزَاكُمُ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا) which means "And you too, may Allah reward you with goodness"".
****
This concludes Part III of this series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties (ngentes; also found as nguentes and nguenté.
Part III showcases a Senegalese video of "Nguenté" by Fata (also known as "El Presidente") featuring Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck. Fata (El Presidente) is a Senegalese Hip Hop recording artist. Mbaye Dieye and Waly Seck are Senegalese Mbalax recording artists.
Selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post. Many of those comments are written in French or in Spanish. Google translate translations to English of those comments are also given in this post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/descriptions-of-senegalese-baby-naming.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents excerpts from one book and two blog posts about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/information-about-senegalese-gewels.html for Part II of this series. Part II provides information about gewel (griots), Mbalax, and Senegalese Hip Hop.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Fata, Mbaye Dieye, and Waly Seck for their musical performances. Thanks to all those who produced this video, and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
Disclaimer:
It's the policy of this blog not to feature videos or sound files that contain profanity. I don't speak any language besides English. Hopefully, the lyrics in this Hip Hop video are clean. If not, I offer my apologies.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THESE SENEGALESE RECORDING ARTISTS
Note: Excerpts #1 & #2 are given in this post as they are written in English. Excerpt #3 is translated from French to English by Google Translate.
FATA (EL PRESIDENTE)
From http://www.africafilms.tv/en/personnes/1152
"Fata (El Presidente) Rapper (Sengal)
Whose real name is Moustapha Gnigue, Fata "El presidente " was born in 1976 in Saint Louis in northern Senegal. He made his first steps in the hip hop movement when he was just 12 years old at the opening ceremony of his college CEM Henry Guillabert . The young , reckless and brave , proposes to go on stage to present his first show , he had not prepared text ... Public reaction invigorates the young man then rushes in research models , inspiration like Mc Solaar , Benny B and other pioneers of American rap .
His career starts and he do duets with singers known as Viviane Chidid ... This mixture of Rap / styles Mbalax , earned him criticism from his peers . Very tenacious, Fata managed to win and be loved by the Senegalese public.
He also worked as an animator of rap emissions at 2stv and made some appearances in the TV movies " Bégué time" [by] Papis Niang"
****
MBAYE DIEYE FAYE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbaye_Dieye_Faye
"Mbaye Dieye Faye is a singer and percussionist in Senegal. He was born to a modest family of griots...
Now, Mbaye Dieye Faye is famous singer and percussionist in Senegal. He makes rhythm in his music, the Mbalax...
Mbaye Dieye Faye is the percussionist of ”Super Etoile” band. But he has a tendency to sing at the same time with Youssou Ndour. He plays an important role in the band. Mbaye Dieye Faye has his own style in music, very much appreciated by Senegalese people, particularly women. In “Mbalax” rhythm, he introduced—as he calls it—“Khorom” (Salt ). Nobody can dance to his music without getting tired. Indeed, it is very hard to follow his drums. And it’s like making sport, because dancing his music means jumping, moving one’s body, and all members. So, nothing must be calm.
The role of Mbaye Dieye Faye in the band is also to make entertainment adequately. He is a griot, a repository of oral tradition, a praise singer, but he is more interested in singing love and romance. Most of the time he uses “Tassou”, a kind of speech with some rhythms, reminding one of rap music. That is mainly for amusing people, but often, speeches contain vulgar expressions. And for him, it is for exciting dancers, and having them moving more."...
****
WALLY SECK
From https://www.wallyseck.com/site-officiel/biographie.html
[translated from French to English by Google Translate]
"Coming from a griot family, Waly Seck was born April 27, 1985 in the Senegalese capital. Early on, he had a penchant for football...
Meanwhile, Thione Seck is a monument of Senegalese music and an internationally renowned artist prepared the ground for his son. He found him a place in his group what the RAAM DAAN. ... since childhood, [Wally had been used] to sing and act out the songs of his father. You will understand by this that it was not very difficult for Thione Seck to Wally what it has become today.
The return of the prodigal son has wreaked havoc in Senegal. Because with the release of his first single DIOUDO BO-end 2007, the melodious voice of Wally has delighted many. Three years after the release of his single, precisely December 17, 2010, Wally Seck released his first album entitled VOGLIO; which means wanting in Italian. An album of 7 songs which was appreciated and that allowed him to impose his brand....
With [his] 3rd album, Wally has shown once again that he is the worthy heir of Thione Seck. As stated so well the adage "good blood can not lie.""
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOFata feat Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck " Nguenté "
Artbimanageman,Published on Nov 2, 2013
el presidenté avec waly seck et mbaye faye un vrai chef d'oeuvre regarder etapprecier
[Google Translate from French to English: El Presidente with waly seck and Mbaye Faye a true masterpiece watch [and appreciate]
-snip-
"Nguente" = Senegalese baby naming ceremony/party
****
SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated comment given first. These comments may not be in consecutive order. I've assigned numbers to this comments for referencing purposes only.
I've only included comments in English, in French, or Spanish. The Google translate to English translations of the French and the Spanish comments are included after those comments.
My American English translations of those translations are sometimes also given. I planned to refrain from commenting about some of these comments, but I didn't completely succeed. In addition to sharing my thoughts on the saying "Keep it up" and the combining of African American slang with French or Spanish, I've included some information that I found online about the word "machala" (marshallah" and similar spellings). That word was frequently included in comments, and I was curious to know what it meant.
2013
1. Aissatou Niane
"Waly il chante bien,c magnifique"
-snip-
Waly he sings well, beautiful c
[Google translate French to English]
**
2. Oumie Mahmud
"Awsomee!!. I waited for this video ever since the "making off" was uploaded. Love the talented trio. Thank you Art B"
**
3. ManSour Djite
"Nice Fat boy!!! Thia kaw thia kanam! Mixage bien réussi!!! Proud of our culture!!!"
-snip-
I think that the middle part of this comment may be in Wolof. I don't think that "Fata" really translates to the English word "fat". Perhaps that was a typo or mistranslation on the part of the commenter. Which leads me to ask, is "Fata" a Wolof nickname, and if so what name does it come from?
**
4. sidi mohamed fall
"fata est un homme simple"
-snip-
Fata is a simple man
[Google translate from French to English]
I think “simple” here means meaning non-pretentious, not one to put on airs, [act important]]
**
5. amina gning
"VRAIMENT TROP NICE TROIS STYLES DE MUSIQUE DANS UN MEME SON !! machala chacun a assuré en plus la qualité du son et de la video est tres bonne"
-snip-
REALLY TOO NICE THREE MUSICAL STYLES IN ITS SAME !! machala each assured more quality sound and video is very good
[Google translate from French to English]
-snip-
Read the Addendum below for information about the word "machala" and similarly spelled words that are found in these comments.
**
6. abdoulaye sow
"la réalité des senegalais"
-snip-
the reality of Senegalese
[Google translate from French to English.
My translation of Google translate- [This video] shows how Senegalese really live.
**
7. Ousmane Diagne
"C est cool le clip big up"
-snip-
I guessed this one: This is a cool video [clip]. Big up.
[Notice the combination of French, African American Vernacular English, standard English, and Jamaican Patois.]
**
8. Mbaye ndiaye
Une idee tres original bonne kontinuation lé gars
-snip-
A very original idea good luck guys
[Google translate from French to English]
****
2014
9. Omar Ndiaye
"he volto escuchar mencanta las palabra el ritmo et la musica"
-snip
I returned to hear the word I love the rhythm in music
[Google translate from Spanish to English]
**
10. Mariama Dieng
"trés bonne musique machalla rien que de la classe et de l'originalité. bravo à fata, waly et Mbaye dièye faye"
-snip-
very good music machallah nothing but class and originality. Congratulations to fata, waly and Mbaye Faye Dièye
[Google translate from French to English]
**
11. aminata samb
"vous chante bien machallah bonne continuation"
-snip-
machallah you sing well good luck
[Google translate from French to English]
**
12. adaleite noorr
"trèeeeees nice le clip!!!! Tous mes encouragements et bonne continuation El Presidente"
-snip-
Here's my guess:
very nice clip (video). You have my encouragement and best wishes [for your continued success], El Presidente.
**
13. oumie ceesay
"Wally i love u the voice is so so specia just like your
dad.Karrmasalla wally"
**
14. DIOP Khady
"tro cool ton new style de rap fata, jadore"
-snip-
I guessed this one: Too cool, very [?] new style of rap, Fata. I love it.
**
15. Sarah Janneh
"Nice song keep it up"
-snip-
The saying “keep it up” is found in discussion threads for a lot of contemporary African music. I think it’s like the American saying “Keep up the good work”; meaning [I wish you] “continued success.” I also wonder if the phrase "bonne continuation" which Google translate translated to "good luck" might also be a form of that "keep it up" saying.
**
16. Ansou Camara
"hahahahah la verdad Fata eres grande y todos tu compañantes habéis trabajado en este clip ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ qui siguais asi para siempre.
la canción es super bien y el video "
-snip-
hahahaha truth Fata are great and all your companions have worked in this clip qui siguais like this forever.
the song is super good and video
[Google translate from Spanish to English]
**
Mame Absa Gueye
17. "c juste un HIT"
-snip-
c just a HIT
[Google translate from Spanish to English] Note the combination of Spanish with an English word.
**
18. modou ba
"c bien chante par waly seck"
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
c [Does "c" mean "This is?] a good song [great singing] by Waly Seck.
-snip-
My American English translations or guesses are in the brackets.
****
2015
19. Luno Maker
"Le premier clip de rappeur qui a atteind le Million de Vues, Congrats El Presidente"
-snip-
The first clip rapper who has reached the Million Views, Congrats El Presidente
[Google translate from French to English]
My American English translation of that translation: “The first rap video to reach a million v iews. Congrats El Presidente." I'm assuming that the commenter meant "the first Senegalese rap video or the first African rap video to reach one million views...
That video has 1,136,737 2/7/2016 viewer hits as of 2:25pm EST February 7, 2016.
**
20. Thierno Fata
"jécoute toujour cet music fata 4ever"
-snip-
I listen to this music toujour fata 4ever
[Google translate- French to English]
**
21. Souleymane Bah
"Cool"
**
22. maxentos kroos
"moy bomb"
-snip-
I think "moy" may be the Spanish word "muy" (English= very) and
"bomb" is African American Vernacular English (slang) for something that is dynomite (hot) = very good.
****
2016
23. Abdoulaye Diallo
"cool"
**
Seydou Seck
"+ibu hallucinant Mamadou Seck"
-snip-
Mamadou Seck amazing + ibu
[Google translate from French to English]
****
ADDENDUM: WHAT "MACHALA" (MASHALLAH) AND JAZAK ALLAHU KHAYRAN MEAN
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashallah
"Mashallah (Arabic: ما شاء الله, mā shāʾa llāhu), also masha'Allah, is an Arabic phrase that expresses appreciation, joy, praise, or thankfulness for an event or person that was just mentioned. While mashallah is used as an expression of respect, it also serves as a reminder that all accomplishments are considered by Muslims to be achieved through the will of Allah. It is generally said upon hearing good news.
In some Muslim cultures, people may utter mashallah in the belief that it may help protect them from jealousy, the evil eye, or a jinx. In Islamic aqeeda (matters that are believed with certainty), it is understood that protection comes only from Allah…
Examples]
Person A: I have just become a father!
Person B: Mashallah!
Person A: Your house is beautiful, mashallah!
Person B: Jazakallahu khayran!
-anip-
"Machalla" and similarly spelled words derive from the Arabic word "mashallah".
Information about the meaning of "Jazakallahu khayran" is found below.
****
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazak_Allah
..."Although the common Arabic word for "thanks" is shukran (شكرًا), jazāk Allāhu khayran is often used by Muslims instead, in the belief that one cannot repay a person enough, and that Allah is able to reward a person the best. Often the response to jazāk Allāhu khayran is wa ʾiyyākum (وإيّاكم), which means "And to you". A more formal reply is "w-antum fa-jazākum Allāhu khayran" (وَٱنْتُمْ فَجَزَاكُمُ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا) which means "And you too, may Allah reward you with goodness"".
****
This concludes Part III of this series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Information About Senegalese Gewels (Griots), Mbalax, & Senegalese Hip Hop)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a three part series about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties (ngentes; also found as nguentes and nguenté.
Part II provides information about gewel (griots), Mbalax, and Senegalese Hip Hop. These topics are larger than the subject of "ngentes". However, the information that is found in this post helps provide background for those non-Senegalese watching the video entitled "Nguente" that is showcased in Part III of this pancocojams series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/descriptions-of-senegalese-baby-naming.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents excerpts from one book and two blog posts about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/fata-el-presidente-featuring-mbaye.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases a Senegalese video of "Nguenté" by Fata (also known as "El Presidente") featuring Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck.
Selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post. Many of those comments are written in French or in Spanish. Google translate translations to English of those comments are also given in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
DEFINITIONS OF THE WORDS GRIOTS & INFORMATION ABOUT GRIOTS (GEWELS) IN SENEGAL
From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/griot
"Origin of the word "griot" = "1955-60; < French, earlier guiriot, perhaps ultimately < Portuguese criado domestic servant, altered in W African coastal creoles" ** From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbalax
..."Senegalese songs are usually unwritten, and certain instruments or musical styles are reserved for specific genders or age groups. In the past, only griots could perform music. Their traditional role was transmitting oral history, genealogies and social rankings, diplomacy, and storytelling. Today, griots continue to participate in naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals."...
**
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalese_hip_hop
"History Of Griots
Prior to the wide spread of hip hop in Senegal, traditional music was transcended through pre-ordained griots. The term griot, also known as gewel, can be defined as, "… traditional praise-singer, musician, social go-between, counselors, or dancer and acrobat," [3] These individuals were born into, "endogamous, professionally specialized group often referred to as a 'caste'." [3] Their position in Senegal society was that of much importance for griots were are also known for their abilities as oral specialist who, "…had to guarantee not only the survival of their people as a culturally and historically defined group, but also the social status of the nobles they were attached to." [3] Griots were culturally responsible for knowing their genealogies in speaking and in song, to recite for the nobles.
Through they were not considered "upper-class", they were given food, clothing, jewels, land and slaves for their work. "While they could attain high individual status through their work and their social behaviors, their social status as a group was low. They depended economically on the nobles who paid them for their services, they could not attain positions of political power, and they were not allowed to bear arms…" [3] Understanding their role in society is understanding the importance of expression in Senegal. As historians, entertainers, and musicians, griots were influential in many ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, births, religious parades, and politics, for they used song and speech to recite important information with the usage of praise songs."
-snip-
This excerpt is reformmated for this post to enhance reading clarity.
Note that the Wolof word for "griots" is "gewel". Also note that both males and females can be gewel (griots).
****
INFORMATION ABOUT MBALAX MUSIC
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbalax
"Mbalax (or Mbalakh) is the national popular dance music of Senegal and the Gambia. Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal. The genre's name derived from the heavy use of accompanying rhythms used in sabar called mbalax.
History and influence
Mbalax (meaning rhythm in the Wolof language), is a type of music that traces some of its technique to the conservative and the religious Serer music tradition of Njuup (the progenitor of Mbalax), developed in Senegal in the early 1970s. Like many other francophone West African countries the Senegalese popular music scene was partially influenced by soul, blues, jazz, R&B, and rock from the United States, varieté from France, Congolese rumba, and Latin pop from the Caribbean and New York (e.g., pachanga, son, charanga, salsa, and Latin jazz) .[citation needed] In this mix of African diasporic sounds Senegalese fans and musicians wanted their own urban popular dance music so they began singing in Wolof (Senegal's lingua franca) instead of French, and incorporated rhythms of the indigenous sabar drum (see Mangin[1]). Dancers began using moves associated with the sabar, and tipping the singers as if they were traditional griots.
Among the bands that played this new style, Etoile de Dakar (starring Youssou N'Dour and El Hadji Faye), and Raam Daan (starring Thione Seck), Xalam II, and Super Diamono. Since becoming popular, both Mbalax and its associated dance have spread to other regions such as Mali, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and France. This dissemination has come about through radio, audio cassettes and televised video clips.
Mbalax instrumentation includes keyboards, synths and other electronic production methods. However, it is the Nder (lead drum), the Sabar (rhythm drum), and the Tama (talking drum) percussion, and widely influenced African and Arabic vocalistic stylings that continue to make Mbalax one of the most distinctive forms of dance music in west Africa and the diaspora"....
-snip-
Read the excerpt about griots above.
Thione Seck is the father of Waly Seck who is featured in the video that is showcased in Part III of this series.
Click the "Mbalax" tag below for pancocojams posts on that music genre. Among those posts is http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/youssou-ndour-serigne-mbacke-sokhna-lo.html and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/thione-ballago-seck-mbaakh-information.html
****
INFORMATION ABOUT SENEGALESE HIP HOP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalese_hip_hop
"Senegalese hip hop began to emerge in the early 1980s. When hip hop first hit the scene in Africa, it went from merely being a fad, to a more social and political movement. Amongst the most influential leaders of this movement were artists from the country of Senegal. With the modernization of the country, and the rise in media, the youth of Senegal were able to embrace a new form of expression. One of the main reasons why hip hop has become preeminent in Senegal is due to its mixture of sound and culture. "Senegal's hip hop scene is distinctive and its artist extremely talented. The country has a history of strong musical traditions..." [1] Moreover, hip hop has not only become an aspect of life for the Senegalese people, but more importantly has translated to a way of life, gathering influence from the musical expression prior to its rise in Senegal, and understanding their past as it pertains heavily to its socially present state within music...
Modern Griots and Modern Music[edit]
After World War II, there was a rise in the night club scene where more diverse forms of music began to be played by foreigners. Coincidentally enough, Senegal became very much interested in the new form of fashion. However, this allowed non-griots the opportunity to capture persons which was once the job of the griots. While there was much competition between the two, modern day griots used their positions as a way to incorporate modern day music. While in modern-day Senegal, griots can be placed in three categories. "Those who have decided to refrain from practicing their hereditary profession and have taken up some other occupation; those who continue to perform, without innovation, and those who have managed to find or create a new kind of occupation that still seems to fit the traditional griots' ethos adapting the art of their ancestors to modern requirements and possibilities." [3] The griot's position in society, most relevant to modern day music, are those who use their song and dance as a new kind of occupation while still practicing the traditional legacies of past griots. These individuals are still highly respected for their responsibilities, and have also become incorporated in popular music culture. "Praise songs, far from being superseded, have instead become incorporated into popular music..." [3] Today, "griots have found new meaning for old customs, and new functions for old skills," [3] Although they originated from a caste which held no political power, modern griots still hold much power and status and are better off in life then modern families.
-snip-
Read the excerpt about griots above.
I've included a tag for "African Hip Hop" and intend to feature other videos of African Hip Hop artists, in addition to the video that is showcased in Part III of this series.
****
This concludes Part II of this series.
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This is Part II of a three part series about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties (ngentes; also found as nguentes and nguenté.
Part II provides information about gewel (griots), Mbalax, and Senegalese Hip Hop. These topics are larger than the subject of "ngentes". However, the information that is found in this post helps provide background for those non-Senegalese watching the video entitled "Nguente" that is showcased in Part III of this pancocojams series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/descriptions-of-senegalese-baby-naming.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents excerpts from one book and two blog posts about Senegalese baby naming ceremonies/parties.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/fata-el-presidente-featuring-mbaye.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases a Senegalese video of "Nguenté" by Fata (also known as "El Presidente") featuring Mbaye Dieye & Waly Seck.
Selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in that post. Many of those comments are written in French or in Spanish. Google translate translations to English of those comments are also given in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
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DEFINITIONS OF THE WORDS GRIOTS & INFORMATION ABOUT GRIOTS (GEWELS) IN SENEGAL
From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/griot
"Origin of the word "griot" = "1955-60; < French, earlier guiriot, perhaps ultimately < Portuguese criado domestic servant, altered in W African coastal creoles" ** From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbalax
..."Senegalese songs are usually unwritten, and certain instruments or musical styles are reserved for specific genders or age groups. In the past, only griots could perform music. Their traditional role was transmitting oral history, genealogies and social rankings, diplomacy, and storytelling. Today, griots continue to participate in naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals."...
**
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalese_hip_hop
"History Of Griots
Prior to the wide spread of hip hop in Senegal, traditional music was transcended through pre-ordained griots. The term griot, also known as gewel, can be defined as, "… traditional praise-singer, musician, social go-between, counselors, or dancer and acrobat," [3] These individuals were born into, "endogamous, professionally specialized group often referred to as a 'caste'." [3] Their position in Senegal society was that of much importance for griots were are also known for their abilities as oral specialist who, "…had to guarantee not only the survival of their people as a culturally and historically defined group, but also the social status of the nobles they were attached to." [3] Griots were culturally responsible for knowing their genealogies in speaking and in song, to recite for the nobles.
Through they were not considered "upper-class", they were given food, clothing, jewels, land and slaves for their work. "While they could attain high individual status through their work and their social behaviors, their social status as a group was low. They depended economically on the nobles who paid them for their services, they could not attain positions of political power, and they were not allowed to bear arms…" [3] Understanding their role in society is understanding the importance of expression in Senegal. As historians, entertainers, and musicians, griots were influential in many ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, births, religious parades, and politics, for they used song and speech to recite important information with the usage of praise songs."
-snip-
This excerpt is reformmated for this post to enhance reading clarity.
Note that the Wolof word for "griots" is "gewel". Also note that both males and females can be gewel (griots).
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INFORMATION ABOUT MBALAX MUSIC
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbalax
"Mbalax (or Mbalakh) is the national popular dance music of Senegal and the Gambia. Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance such as jazz, soul, Latin, and rock blended with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal. The genre's name derived from the heavy use of accompanying rhythms used in sabar called mbalax.
History and influence
Mbalax (meaning rhythm in the Wolof language), is a type of music that traces some of its technique to the conservative and the religious Serer music tradition of Njuup (the progenitor of Mbalax), developed in Senegal in the early 1970s. Like many other francophone West African countries the Senegalese popular music scene was partially influenced by soul, blues, jazz, R&B, and rock from the United States, varieté from France, Congolese rumba, and Latin pop from the Caribbean and New York (e.g., pachanga, son, charanga, salsa, and Latin jazz) .[citation needed] In this mix of African diasporic sounds Senegalese fans and musicians wanted their own urban popular dance music so they began singing in Wolof (Senegal's lingua franca) instead of French, and incorporated rhythms of the indigenous sabar drum (see Mangin[1]). Dancers began using moves associated with the sabar, and tipping the singers as if they were traditional griots.
Among the bands that played this new style, Etoile de Dakar (starring Youssou N'Dour and El Hadji Faye), and Raam Daan (starring Thione Seck), Xalam II, and Super Diamono. Since becoming popular, both Mbalax and its associated dance have spread to other regions such as Mali, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and France. This dissemination has come about through radio, audio cassettes and televised video clips.
Mbalax instrumentation includes keyboards, synths and other electronic production methods. However, it is the Nder (lead drum), the Sabar (rhythm drum), and the Tama (talking drum) percussion, and widely influenced African and Arabic vocalistic stylings that continue to make Mbalax one of the most distinctive forms of dance music in west Africa and the diaspora"....
-snip-
Read the excerpt about griots above.
Thione Seck is the father of Waly Seck who is featured in the video that is showcased in Part III of this series.
Click the "Mbalax" tag below for pancocojams posts on that music genre. Among those posts is http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/youssou-ndour-serigne-mbacke-sokhna-lo.html and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/thione-ballago-seck-mbaakh-information.html
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INFORMATION ABOUT SENEGALESE HIP HOP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalese_hip_hop
"Senegalese hip hop began to emerge in the early 1980s. When hip hop first hit the scene in Africa, it went from merely being a fad, to a more social and political movement. Amongst the most influential leaders of this movement were artists from the country of Senegal. With the modernization of the country, and the rise in media, the youth of Senegal were able to embrace a new form of expression. One of the main reasons why hip hop has become preeminent in Senegal is due to its mixture of sound and culture. "Senegal's hip hop scene is distinctive and its artist extremely talented. The country has a history of strong musical traditions..." [1] Moreover, hip hop has not only become an aspect of life for the Senegalese people, but more importantly has translated to a way of life, gathering influence from the musical expression prior to its rise in Senegal, and understanding their past as it pertains heavily to its socially present state within music...
Modern Griots and Modern Music[edit]
After World War II, there was a rise in the night club scene where more diverse forms of music began to be played by foreigners. Coincidentally enough, Senegal became very much interested in the new form of fashion. However, this allowed non-griots the opportunity to capture persons which was once the job of the griots. While there was much competition between the two, modern day griots used their positions as a way to incorporate modern day music. While in modern-day Senegal, griots can be placed in three categories. "Those who have decided to refrain from practicing their hereditary profession and have taken up some other occupation; those who continue to perform, without innovation, and those who have managed to find or create a new kind of occupation that still seems to fit the traditional griots' ethos adapting the art of their ancestors to modern requirements and possibilities." [3] The griot's position in society, most relevant to modern day music, are those who use their song and dance as a new kind of occupation while still practicing the traditional legacies of past griots. These individuals are still highly respected for their responsibilities, and have also become incorporated in popular music culture. "Praise songs, far from being superseded, have instead become incorporated into popular music..." [3] Today, "griots have found new meaning for old customs, and new functions for old skills," [3] Although they originated from a caste which held no political power, modern griots still hold much power and status and are better off in life then modern families.
-snip-
Read the excerpt about griots above.
I've included a tag for "African Hip Hop" and intend to feature other videos of African Hip Hop artists, in addition to the video that is showcased in Part III of this series.
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This concludes Part II of this series.
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