Sabar

"It's not often talked of with respect," said Nigerian-born Chike Nwoffiah, whose first feature film "Sabar," set in California, is competing in the Diaspora category at FESPACO.

Reuters: Top News 2009

When I move to the Djembe, I am aware of the history inherent in each step and I lift the weight of each village on my shoulders in ancient recognition; but, with Sabar I am in tune with modern-day urban Africans who, like Oaktown's 3.5.7, often throw convention to the wind.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

It was said through various multi-media platforms that, "When Youssou N'dour brought the exuberant and sensual rhythms of the Sabar into the clubs, he took the lid off the scene."

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

I first witnessed the picturesque beauty of Sabar dance along the streets of Brooklyn, courtesy of the music video "How Come" from Fugees member Wyclef Jean and Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

The sounds of the M'bung M'bung, Lambe, Talmbat, Gorong Yeguel, Tama and the rest of the seven piece drum orchestra resonated throughout our studios; with Galan sticks scattered across the floor, double lapas and delicately held t-shirts in proper Senegalese style, Sabar's "lid" had been lifted.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Sabar dance has proven to be the thread that links every facet of my life into a unique tapestry that makes sense.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

I first witnessed the picturesque beauty of Sabar dance along the streets of Brooklyn, courtesy of the music video "How Come" from Fugees member Wyclef Jean and Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Sabar, the national pulse of Senegal, is also the term collectively used to describe the intricate and sophisticated genre of Senegalese inspired dancing that originated on the urban streets of Dakar.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Unfortunately, some fundamentalists still plague YouTube comment boards, scouring through Leumbeul videos -- the most heavily watched traditional Sabar booty dance -- only to give these women the appellation of "Prostituée."

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Eventually a Sabar class emerged in Los Angeles and it soon became our way of life and the topic of almost every conversation.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012