| Njuup | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Serer religion (Ndut rite of passage[1][2][3][4]) |
| Cultural origins | Ancient (religious) |
| Typical instruments | Tama, Perngel, Lamb, Qiin (especially in theWoong orXaat dance[5]), Vocals,Sabar, Drum |
| Subgenres | |
| Mbalax[1][2] | |
| Part ofa series on |
| Serers andSerer religion |
|---|
  |
Education |
TheNjuup tradition is aSerer style ofmusic rooted in theNdut initiation rite, which is arite of passage that young Serers must go through once in their lifetime as commanded in theSerer religion.[3]
Njuup songs arereligious in nature.[6] For a large part of its history, Njuup was only used within the Ndut ritual. The history of Njuup comes from the older Ndut style of teachings. Young Serer boys in the ndut (nest) were required to create religious tunes during their rite of passage to take their minds off the transitional experience, build their aesthetic skills, and enhance their spirituality. The veneration of SererPangool influenced the songs of theNdut, including Njuup.[6]
ModernSenegambian artists who sing the purest form of Njuup in theSerer language includeRémi Jegaan Dioh[4][7] andYandé Codou Sène.[8]
Njuup is theprogenitor ofMbalax music.[1][2] Mbalax music originated when prominent Senegalese artists, suchYoussou N'Dour, began to incorporate Njuup into their works[3][1][2] Unlike Njuup, which is religious, Mbalax is party music. All Mbalax artists are strongly influenced by the Njuup tradition.Senegalese artists who specialize in Mbalax includeMbaye Dieye Faye,Youssou N'Dour, andThione Seck.[4][3]
