LE MBALAX IS THE NATIONAL POPULAR DANCE MUSIC OF SENEGAL AND GAMBIA.

BASIC FACTS

• Le Mbalax is a fusion of popular Western music and dance
• Music genres such as rock is blended with jazz, soul, Latin
• Sabar, is the traditional drumming and dance music of Senegal
• Most of the music is made up by Sabar
• Le Mbalax means rhythm in the Wolof language.

CREATION OF LE MBLAX

• The people of Senegal wanted their own urban popular dance music.
• Le Mbalax was influenced by American Soul, Reggae, and Hip Hop.
• Senegalese people, started mixing Wolof and sabar with modern music.
• Le Mbalax a mix of modern music combined with sabar was created.
• Dancers soon developed quick-paced dances, to blend with the tempo.

HOW DOES IT REFLECT THE CULTURE?

• Le Mblax is different than American music
• Though inspired and influenced by it, it uses a totally different style
• Le Mbalax shows the traditional sabar of Senegal, and in mixes in Wolof
• This reflects the Senegalese culture with the use of sabar, and the rhythm
• Rhythms are fast, the perfect tempo for traditional Senegalese dancing

COMPARED TO AMERICAN MUSIC

• The rhythm is faster and more lively than American music
• Though It borrows elements from American music,
• Le Mbalax is very lively, and fast-paced, based on sabar
• Though similar to American music, Le Mbalax has a different style
• The sabar, percussion and use of Wolof make up this popular song