Mbalax , combining jazz , blues , and rock with traditional rhythms , is the dance music of Senegal . The godfather of the scene is the century - old drummer Doudou N'Diaye Rose . His instrument is the sabar , the traditional drum played with the hand and a stick . Faada Freddy summed up my impressions best : `` Being African is not a matter of color -- it 's about heart . '' Younger generations are enhancing the sound with new influences to reach international audiences .
Mbalax , combining jazz , blues , and rock with traditional rhythms , is the dance music of Senegal . The godfather of the scene is the century - old drummer Doudou N'Diaye Rose . His instrument is the sabar , the traditional drum played with the hand and a stick . Younger generations are enhancing the sound with new influences to reach international audiences .