Cultural origins Ancient (religious) | ||
Stylistic origins Serer religion (Ndut rite of passage) Typical instruments Tama, Perngel, Lamb, Qiin (especially in the Woong or Xaat dance), Vocals, Sabar, Drum | ||
The Njuup tradition is a conservative Serer style of music rooted in the Ndut initiation rite (a rite of passage that young Serers must go through once in their lifetime as commanded by the Serer religion).
Contents
History
The history of Njuup derives from the Ndut classical teachings. Young Serer boys in the Ndut (nest) were required to compose religious songs during their circumcision rite of passage in order to take their minds off the pending circumcision operation, develop their artistic skills and spirituality. These songs are Serer religious in nature. The Njuup tradition is the progenitor of Mbalax and for a long part of its history has remained within the confines of the Ndut. Unlike the Mbalax which is a party music, the Njuup tradition is religious, and it was not until some prominent Senegalese artists such Youssou N'Dour (himself of Serer heritage) began to incorporate it in their early works thereby giving birth to the Mbalax music. All Mbalax artists are strongly influenced by the Njuup tradition. There are also other Senegambian artists who sing the purest form of Njuup in the Serer language, some of these include Rémi Jegaan Dioh, the late Serer diva - Yandé Codou Sène, etc.
Influences
The Serer religion especially the veneration of certain Serer Pangool influenced the religious songs sang in the Ndut such as the Njuup, which in turn influenced the Mbalax and Senegalese artists who specializes in Mbalax i.e. Mbaye Dieye Faye, Youssou N'Dour, Thione Seck, etc.