Youssou N\'Dour
Mbalax\'s global ambassador and Senegal\'s most iconic voice.
Baaba Maal
Senegalese griot tradition meets global world music.
Orchestra Baobab
Legendary Dakar Afro-Cuban dance band.
Akon
Senegalese-American R&B/hip-hop global superstar.
Cheikh Lo
Senegalese Afro-Cuban-mbalax fusion artist.
Ismael Lo
Senegalese folk-blues singer-songwriter.
The Dakar music scene
Dakar (Senegal) is represented on the Genesis of Sound map by 6 bands and artists across 3 genres. Mbalax\'s polyrhythmic pulse, driven by Youssou N\'Dour, defines Senegalese identity.
The most represented genres are afrobeats (3), classical (2) and hip-hop (1).
The earliest year on record is Baaba Maal (1953) and the latest is Akon (1973); the busiest decade on the map is the 1950s with 4 acts.
Notable acts to start with: Youssou N\'Dour, Baaba Maal, Orchestra Baobab and Akon. Every entry links to Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube searches.
Nearby music scenes
Questions about Dakar music
What music is Dakar known for?
Dakar is known for afrobeats, classical music. Notable acts include Youssou N\'Dour, Baaba Maal, Orchestra Baobab.
How many bands are from Dakar?
The Genesis of Sound map features 6 bands and artists from Dakar, spanning afrobeats, classical, hip-hop.