Sing Sing Juniors Sabar Drum and Dance Ensemble

I want to devote this entry to Sing Sing Juniors Sabar Dance and Drum Ensemble. This group, founded in 2004, is a modern manifestation of the Géwël Tradition.

Malick Ngom, lead drummer for Sing Sing Juniors.

The members of the group are all members of the Sing Sing géwël family, who are the géwëls for the Cap Vert peninsula where Dakar is located. Each member of Sing Sing Juniors has grown up in that rich tradition and continues to work within that tradition. However, the group is also unique because it is taking the traditions they have inherited to new places, in new ways without losing touch with the long history and deep roots of that tradition. When they play, the elders are pleased to listen to them, the generation that preceded them is amazed, and the members of their generation get excited.

Magor Mbaye, Serigne Mor Ndiaye and Aziz Faye.

The group is the creation of Moustapha Faye, first son of Vieux Sing Faye and Ndeye Thiam. He was assisted in their manifestation by his cousins Doudou Faye and Isma Aw. When the group made their debute at Rue 23 in 2004 it drew quite a bit of attention. Musicians from all over Dakar came to pay homage to the Sing Sing family and to recognize a new star on the horizon. The performers who came to participate included the young members of the Doudou Ndiaye Rose family, the late singer Ndongolo, and Alioune Mbaye Nder. But everyone was there to see Sing Sing Juniors. (A clip from their debute is on their website – www.singsingjuniors.com )

Singer Ndongolo performed at the debute of Sing Sing Juniors, July, 2004.

It was also a rare opportunity to see them perform in a concert setting. Most often when they play it is in a more traditional context. They are constantly called upon to play sabar parties (tànnibéer’s) all over the city. But they also play for marriages, baptisms (ngentes), woman’s association meetings (turs), healing ceremonies (ndeup), wrestling matches (làmb), faux lion events (simb), and other traditional and contemporary events. This is in itself a testament of their abilities. In order to play traditional events one must have a deep understanding of the culture the events are part of and be able to play the appropriate rhythms correctly. The older géwëls at these events will not allow young folks who do not posses the proper knowledge and ability to play. With Sing Sing Juniors they are always pleased to see the continuation of the tradition that they have carried forward.

Malik Faye, drummer and dancer with Sing Sing Juniors

However, Sing Sing Juniors also brings a fresh take on the tradition. This is very evident when they play sabar parties or women’s association events. As secular events they are less bound by tradition so they have more opportunity to spice up the rhythms and play new compositions. Their knowledge of the tradition allows them to do this in a way that both maintains the cultural integrity of the rhythm while transforming it at the same time. The dancers provide a visual representation of this by providing fresh interpretations of traditional movements as they work through the group’s new bakks or musical compositions.

Jolie Mboup, dancer with Sing Sing Juniors

The inspiration that creates and drives the group comes from Moustapha Faye, the first son of Vieux Sing Faye and Ndeye Thiam. Since he was a child he accompanied his father and uncles when they performed their work. His skill in playing sabar drums and his knowledge of the traditions of the peoples of Senegal is unparalleled in his generation. He is a direct link between the oldest living generation of the family and the new generation, represented by Sing Sing Juniors

Moustapha Faye playing col with Abdoulaye Bâll.

The Sing Sing Juniors drum ensemble is led by Malick Ngom and the dance ensemble by his older sister Nogaye Ngom. They are the grandchildren of Vieux Sing Faye. They grew up in the Sing Sing family compound on Rue 23 in the Medina community of Dakar, Senegal. As children they went with their elders to traditional events, both sacred and secular; as they grew up they participated in those events, assisting and accompanying the preceding generation. They have inherited the tradition of the Sing Sing family, perfected their knowledge and skills under the tutelage of their elders and developed a high level of artistry in the presentation of their heritage. The depth of their abilities is evident when they work and when they perform; but it is also evident when you listen to the groups first CD. (available at CD Baby and Calabash Music)

Nogaye Ngom, lead dancer of Sing Sing Juniors.

Sing Sing Juniors CD cover.

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Here are some additional photos of the Faye family visit to Boston in April 2008..

This summer there is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested to experience the Gewel Tradition first hand. The Black Studies Program at Suffolk University in Boston is having a summer program in Dakar Senegal. The Gewel Tradition is a central part of the class offerings with two of the classes being taught by members of the Sing Sing family- BLKST 263 – Sabar: The Music and Dance of Senegal and BLKST 264 – The Gewel Tradition in Sound and Motion. Both classes recognize the connection between the drum rhythms and the dance steps so there is an element of each in both classes. BLKST 263 has dance as the focus and in this class students will be introduced to sabar dance technique and traditional dance movements. BLKST 264 will teach students about the sabar drums and the techniques for playing them. They will also learn about the rhythms, bakks (or musical compositions), and the sabar drum orchestra. Students in both classes will also have the opportunity to expereince sabar drum and dance in both traditional and popular contexts. The instructors for these classes are Moustapha Faye, Aziz Faye, Malick Ngom and Nogaye Ngom, all members of the Sing Sing gewel family. The will be assisted by members of the Sing Sing Juniors Sabar Drum and Dance Ensemble. For more information on these instructors check out earlier postings and stayed tuned for additional postings that will be up soon.

In addition to these classes students will have the opportunity to learn about another artisan tradition in BLKST 463 – The Art of the Silver Smith. In this class students will have the opportunity to learn about each aspect of the jewelry making process from families of traditional silver smiths. Students will learn how to use the tools of the smith and will apply their creativity to the creation of  chains, rings, pendants and bracelets. The other classes offered – HST 330 – The History and Culture of Senegal and CJN 419 – Photography in Dakar are taught by Prof. Robert A. Bellinger and Prof. Ken Martin respectively, both Suffolk University faculty members. University credit is available for all classes. To get more information or to register for the classes please contact Prof. Robert A. Bellinger, Director, Black Studies Program at: rbelling@suffolk.edu