MUSP1670 · Music

Waaw Waaw Sabar: BC West African Music Ensemble

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course specializes in sabar, a drumming and dance style of the Wolof people from Senegal. Performed in many contexts, the sabar is heard at baptisms, weddings, wrestling matches, political and community gatherings, the Black Panther soundtrack, and the urban dance music called mbalax. Students will learn the repertoire performed at these events in weekly classes taught by A. Lamine Toure, a master drummer from one of Senegals oldest griot families. We welcome musicians, non-musicians, students, faculty, staff, African music fans, and members of the Boston community. We provide the drums. The ensemble is inspired by the Wolof expression "waaw waaw," a positive affirmation meaning "Yes!!", "That's Right," Good Job, and "Excellent." Our classes encourage collective participation, fun, and a deeper understanding of a millennia-old drumming tradition that continues to evolve as new technologies and musical styles emerge.