The capital of Senegal, Dakar is not known for its serene natural landscapes. The beauty of the city comes in the form of its people and the citizens of Dakar have made their home one of the best musical cities in Africa.
Dakar has various clubs situated across the city and within those walls you’ll hear the Senegalese take on hip-hop, salsa, reggae and jazz. However don’t turn up too early as the party in this metropolis rarely begins before 2am. While an Afro-Cuban craze swept the city at the end of the last decade the implementation of Brazilian musical elements also saw local artists diversify their sonic palette.
But undoubtedly the large majority of artists in Dakar are all inspired by hip-hop. The city of just over one million people is home to over 3,000 hip-hop acts.
The rise of the genre in America saw a similar trend take off in Senegal, although it wasn’t until the late 80s that local rappers made the important cultural shift to rapping in Wolof, the country’s dominant indigenous language. The dialect change was affected by one of Dakar’s most famous hip-hop groups, Positive Black Soul.
Early hip-hop groups drew much of their sound from America, but as the years went by local acts fused those textures with Senegalese elements to create a truly unique sound.
Local musicians take their lyrical inspiration from the plight that affects Senegal and the rest of the continent. Hip-hop acts rap about everything from corrupt politicians to the economy and even foreign wars.
While the Dakar music market is largely segregated from the modern music industry, many people have heard Senegalese musicians without realising it.
Carlos Santana reworked ‘Guerilla Africa’ by Touré Kunda into ‘Africa Bamba’ for his 1999 album Supernatural. Local band Xalam, formed in 1969, were also hired by The Rolling Stones to play on their Undercover record, which was released in 1983.
While Dakar’s music scene is far more vibrant than most other African cities, it is one of the least visited music tourist areas in the entire world.
The local music is scene is untouched and undiscovered which provides a unique opportunity for tourists to experience a music scene that is lively yet unburdened by corporate pressures.
Dakar Festivals/Conferences
Afrikakeur
Both comedy and music are the focus of this festival, which is spread out across the entire city. Senegalese performers and international French speaking artists are welcome to attend, with Arfrikakeur providing the musicians and comedians with the opportunity to network. Audio, visual and live performances are all held through different venues in Dakar over two days in December every year.
St.Louis Jazz Festival
Just down the road from Dakar in the city of St.Louis is Africa’s greatest jazz festival. Jazz legends from all over the world perform across various venues in St.Louis over four days in late May or early June. The festival boasts at least thirty new groups on the lineup each year amongst many other renowned acts. Those who visit Dakar should take the time to drive up to St.Louis for this great jazz festival.
Dakar Record Stores
While there are very few record stores in Dakar that have an internet presence the city has many different locations where music lovers can scout LPs by local musicians. Markets might be your best port of call though, with Marché Sandaga (located in Central Dakar) and Ecomarché (located in Point E) as your best chance of finding vinyl. Marché Sandaga beholds a staggering amount of street stalls where you can find just about anything.
Dakar Music Venues
Club Thiossane, Sicap Rue 10 Point E
Owned by local legend Youssou N’Dour (who you can read more about below) this venue is one the most popular establishments in town. N’Dour plays shows in the early hours of Friday and Saturday mornings. While seeing the singer live in his homeland is worth the visit, Thiossane (pronounced Cho-sahn) is obviously incredibly popular. Be prepared to mingle on a packed dance floor. The local music though will make the experience more than worth it.
Just 4 U, Ave Cheikh Anta Diop Point E
One of the city’s best spots for live music this restaurant and bar holds concerts every night with the country’s top musicians all regularly stopping by to perform. With the club section located on an outdoor patio the atmosphere of Just 4 U is unlike any other venue in Dakar. Intimate inside the restaurant yet wild outside Just 4 U really does live up to its namesake.
Kilimanjaro, Soumbédioune
Located in Dakar’s Soumbedioune district, Kilimanjaro is an artisan market when the sun is out and a lively club by nightfall. The building from the outside may look derelict, but within you’ll find not only local DJs, but also performances from some of Senegal’s most renowned musicians. At this venue your night entail gyrating to some of the best music to be produced in Western Africa.
Dakar Acts You Should Check Out
Youssou N’Dour – Soundcloud
As one of the most famous singers alive in not only Senegal, but also the entire continent, N’Dour isn’t just an artist but also an actor, businessmen and a politician. Currently holding the portfolio for Tourism and Culture the singer-songwriter has released a plethora of albums that fuse jazz, rumba, hip-hop and soul music. The musician has played across the world and is one of Africa’s most celebrated singers.
Daara J – Soundcloud
This hip-hop trio rap in the Wolof language as well as English, French and Spanish. Reggae and Afro-Cuban textures all make up the core sound that is Daara J, while their rhymes feature activist themes drawn from the country’s poverty and political struggles. The outfit have released four albums, with their third, Boomerang, garnering critical acclaim. Their last album, School Of Life, was released in 2010.
Pee Froiss – Soundcloud
As one of the first local rap groups to include a female (Sista Joyce) in their lineup, this hip-hop group used Senegal instruments throughout their six album releases. Pee Froiss produced their own music videos, although their early music was produced by another revered local act in Positive Black Soul. Their last record, 2003’s Konkérants was the first to be sold internationally and the group have since appeared on European compilations.
