 Musical
Overview:
The
main ethnic groups are Mandinka, Fula, Wollof, Jola and Sarahule. Each of these groups has
its own particular traditional music and dance
forms associated to particular musical instruments. The Mandinka
have the Jalis (oratorical folk storytellers) who use the Kora lute
and sing well played tunes such as "Koulanjan", "Tara", "Duga",
"Sunjiatta Faso", "Tutu Jarra", "Lambang" and "Alla L'aa Ke".
Instruments:
 Local
musical instruments are made from local materials such as wood, hide,
calabash gourds and horns. The Djembe
is a drum is common to all ethnic
groups and are played at events marking rites of passage such as
ceremonial weddings, naming ceremonies and social gatherings. The
Boucarabou are played by the Jola which is comprised of several drums
with different pitches which is played all at once by the same
drummer.
For
bass beat musicians use the drums and for melody they use the Koras,
Balafon, Xalams and
Bolonbatas. The Jalis from the Wolof
people developed a wide variety of instruments that have become
staples of today's semi-traditional and popular music. In most areas,
Wolof music was rhythmic rather than melodic. Jalis accompanied their
highly energetic, predominantly monotone speech-song with the
Sabarro
(Djembe), the highest drum. They also
used the
Bellengo
as their bass drum. The Jola and Manjagos use the
Bombolo which
is an idiophone created from a long without animal hide.
There is the calabash called
the Sheikeire which is covered in sea shells or local beads and is
shaken with the hands to create a rattling beat.
Simbing:
This is an earlier version of the kora used by the Diola, it
resembles the shape of the kora but has a curved shaft and only 6
strings. It may date from the 13th century.
Xalam:
The Wolof (and some of
the Serere) have three kinds of lute-like
stringed instrument. Each type produces different sounds but they all
have a long, wooden oval-shaped body covered with skin.
Molo:
This is a one-string lute played with a horsehair bow originating with
the Toucouleur, Mauritanians and the Soninke (Serahule).
Tublub:
A long hollow calabash which is played by old Wolof and Serere
women by striking rhythmically with a piece of wood. One does not have
to be a Griot to play this instrument.
Rhombe:
A simple string attached to a stick, this instrument makes a
whirring noise, which, when used during circumcision and death rites,
protects the initiate and drives away the soul of the departed.
Other percussion are gourds covered with beads or shells, rattles,
bells or whistles and, something which everyone can use, clapping
hands.
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