Doudou Ndiaye Rose: Innovations on Tradition
August 22, 2015
Doudou Ndiaye Rose
1928 – August 19, 2015
Doudou Ndiaye Rose’s family is from Njanjoor in the Waalo region in the north of Senegal. His parents were Ibrahima Ndiaye and Coumba Rose Niang. Though géwël on both sides his family did not play the sabar. Doudou wanted to play and sought out information from those who knew, particularly among the Lebu. The history and rhythms of the sabar tradition he learned he passed on to his children.(1) Doudou Ndiaye Rose also used his remarkable talents and skills to develop innovations on the traditions that he learned. The most notable innovations are structured music classes for children, developing saber groups composed of women, and the majorettes which still exist today. Another innovation of Doudou Ndiaye Rose is the gorong yeguel, made by tuning one of the lower drums higher.(2)
The innovations Doudou Ndiaye Rose made are presented in the film clip below.(3)
This is the Rosettes in performance at a wrestling match.(4)
Notes
- Interview with Mamadou “Thiouna” Ndiaye, oldest son of Doudou Ndiaye Rose by Sipho Faye Bellinger and Kapono Ciotti. July 30, 2005 in Guediwaye, Dakar, Senegal.
- Interview with Mamadou “Thiouna” Ndiaye, oldest son of Doudou Ndiaye Rose by Sipho Faye Bellinger and Kapono Ciotti. July 30, 2005 in Guediwaye, Dakar, Senegal.
- The clips in the video demonstrating Doudou Ndiaye Rose’s innovations come from National Geographic Explorer, c. 1980s. (Géwël Tradition Project Archives)
- The video of the Rosettes performing at a wrestling match is taken from an RTS 1 special: 30 Years of Television, 1972-2002. (Géwël Tradition Project Archives)
Remembering Vieux Sing Faye
August 22, 2015
This video is clips from the April 2008 Sing Sing Tradition concert at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. Vieux Sing Faye, his sons Moustapha and Aziz Faye, and his grandson Malick Ngom were at the university as Distinguished Visiting Scholars and Artists in Residence for the Black Studies Program at Suffolk University. The concert was the culmination of their residency.
Vieux Sing Faye, Baj Géwël Ndakarou Jal Joop
August 21, 2015
Vieux Sing Faye
24 June 1937 – 18 August 2015
In memory of
Vieux Sing Faye, Baj Géwël Ndakarou Jal Joop
The Sing Sing Family compound in Medina, Dakar, Senegal.
Vieux Sing Faye plays at a tànnibéer in Oakum with son Moustapha Faye. 2002.
Vieux Sing Sing Faye, c. 1950s
Hands of Vieux Sing Sing Faye.
Vieux Sing Sing Faye, 2009.
In Memoriam II
August 20, 2015
The story of life is best told by deeds. -African Proverb
This statement speaks to the value of life. We are measured by how we live, by how we affect the lives of those around us – especially family and community. This week we have witnessed the passing of two significant Géwël Elders – Vieux Sing Sing Faye and Doudou Ndiaye Rose. As immeasurable as this loss is, this is also a time to remember the deeds of these men. During their lives they each worked to protect the values and traditions that are central to Senegalese society. But they also extended the boundaries of those traditions. Their children will continue to carry their work forward. Their many students will continue to carry their work forward. And we all, as we remember the lives of Pa Vieux and Pa Doudou, will also be carrying their work forward. Asé.
The video begins with comments by Moustapha Faye, eldest son of Vieux Sing Faye and Ndeye Thiam, and then has words from other members of the family.
This is the last interview with Doudou Ndiaye Rose, done after he helped lay Vieux Sing Sing Faye to rest. It is followed by an article about his passing.
Doudou Ndiaye Rose’s last interview
Doudou Ndiaye Rose
In Memoriam: Vieux Sing Faye
August 19, 2015
Vieux Sing Faye
24 June 1937 – 18 August 2015
Sing Sing Faye, Baj Géwël Ndakarou, was an institution not only in the city of Dakar, or the country of Senegal. His significance stretched beyond the borders of Senegal to span the world. But his base was in the community of Medina, and it was here that his significance was experienced daily.
I was fortunate to have Pa Vieux Sing Faye as a father and a friend; to have spent time with, worked with and learned from him. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
– Sipho Faye Bellinger
Pa Vieux Sing Faye
Pa Vieux Sing Faye Portrait
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with family members. (bottom, l-r) Mbaye Dieye Faye, Vieux Sing Faye, Bakari Djom. (top, l-r) Tako Faye, Moustapha Faye, Papa, and Papa Chas Faye.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye in a family discussion.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with Simb group.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with two of his Grand children, Abdoulaye Mbaye (left) and Ali.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with Zal (left) and nephew Nabi Faye.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye at the recording Studio during the recording of his CD, Sabar Xoot, Sing Sing Faye ak Ay Rakim.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye working with children at Young Achievers School. Mattapan, MA.
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with (left – right) son Moustapha Faye, grandson Malick Ngom, and son Aziz Faye at the 1st Sing Sing Tradition Concert, Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Aziz Faye dances to the accompaniment of (l-r) Malick Ngom, Pa Vieux Sing Faye, and Moustapha Faye.
PA Vieux Sing Faye plays with son Aziz Faye in concert, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, 2008
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with Anta Sane and Sipho Faye Bellinger. Boston, MA 2008
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with a group at Suffolk University. Boston, MA 2008
The Faye Brothers (l-r) Papa Lamine Faye, Pa Vieux Sing Faye and Papa Chas Faye. Sipho Faye Bellinger (rear). Medins Dakar. (Photo by Ken Martin)
Pa Vieux Sing Faye with Sipho Faye Bellinger. Medina, Dakar. (Photo by Ken Martin)
The Géwël Tradition 