I’m back with another edition of Leftover Links, this time featuring the music of Senegal. The West African nation has given us a variety of genres such as mbalax and artists such as Youssou N’Dour, Thione Seck, Xalam 2, Akon, MC Solaar.
- Senegal has a rich history of traditional music – how it lives on in modern music – Brett D. Molter explored the history of Senegalese music and its connection to modern music (The Conversation)
- In Senegal’s thriving hip-hop scene, this beatmaker insists women have a seat at the table – Aminata Thiam (aka Myamy) is one of Senegal’s few female beatmakers and she teaches women how to make beats and grow the female Senegalese presence in the genre. (AP)
- Senegal music icon Baaba Maal named UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador – Congratulations to Baaba Maal on the position which he received last year (Africa News)
- How Senegal’s artists are changing the system with a mic and spray paint – A cultural center in Senegal is creating a safe space where artists can use their platform to speak about climate change while also finding opportunities in the art and music scene. (NPR)
- Senegal 70 – Sonic Gems & Previously Unreleased Recordings from the 70s (Analog Africa Nr. 19) – 4 years in the making, in partnership with Teranga beat the current leading label for Senegalese music, Analog Africa proudly offer an insight into the musical adventures that were taking place in the major Senegalese cities during the 60s and 70s. (Bandcamp)
- Hip Hop Beat Made In A Senegalese Hospital – When it comes to hip hop sampling you can sample absolutely anything, even the sounds of people in a Senegalese hospital. That’s what happened when Beat Making Lab made a hip hop beat in Senegal. (Sampleface)
- Music as a Tool for Peacebuilding in Senegal ahead of the 2024 Elections – From last year:
By examining the historical precedents for musicians’ socio-political activism and peacebuilding in Senegal, we can better understand their implications ahead of the 2024 national elections.
(Wilson Center) - Messages by Music – Senegal in Transition – A film about contemporary Senegalese society, its ethnic, linguistic, religious and musical diversity, and how griots play a role in bringing those things out. (RAI FILM)
- MC Solaar performs albums inspired by African griots & American rap – The Senegalese born rapper spoke about performing at Jazz à Vienne (Africa News)