Mbalax emerged in early 1970s Senegal and Gambia, synthesizing indigenous sounds with soul, jazz, Latin pop, and Afro-Cuban influences. The high-energy genre features sabar drum-driven rhythms, vibrant brass sections, and dynamic Wolof vocals blending traditional intonations with modern styles. Youssou N'Dour and Étoile de Dakar brought mbalax to international audiences in the mid-1980s, preserving griotic heritage through themes of love, spirituality, and cultural pride.
