Senegalese Drumming and Dancing at P.S. 19 on Staten Island

On Friday February 27th, 4th and 5th grade students in the YMCA after school program at P.S. 19 on Staten Island enjoyed a fun afternoon of Senegalese drumming and dancing. Global Guide Papa Faty presented a workshop on Senegalese arts and crafts and featured a drum and dance lesson as well. Papa began by discussing what arts and crafts means to the students. They talked about what they enjoy drawing and painting such as animals, people and sports. Papa then explained how people in Senegal have approached similar topics in their arts and crafts.

Papa showed several Senegalese paintings depicting scenes of the traditional activities of everyday life such as classrooms, group prayers at mosques and the national sport of wrestling. He also talked about popular craftworks in Senegal such as drum-building. He explained how people hollow out pieces of ebony wood and stretch leather over the top, fastening it with ropes to create a drum. Papa had such a djembe drum with him and showed the students what the final product looks like. He demonstrated the different methods of hitting the drum in order to achieve varying sounds and let the students try it out for themselves.

Papa explained how historically, people used the djembe as a means of communication. People were able to make announcements and transmit messages using different rhythms on the drum. Today, its primary use is as an integral part of Senegal’s national music, known as “mbalakh”.

The highlight of the workshop was when Papa organized a dance circle and showed everyone a Senegalese dance. Meanwhile the students passed around the djembe, trying to play the rhythms Papa had shown them. Afterwards it was the students’ turn to dance, and as Papa provided the music on the drum, they did their best to recreate the dance. The dance circle was a big hit and students had a great time trying the Senegalese drumming and dancing. Overall, Papa’s presentation was exciting, interactive and it gave the students firsthand experience with Senegalese traditions.