Bail (Senegalese hip-hop)
The bail is the Wolof term for hip-hop in Senegal. This musical movement was born in Dakar at the end of the 1980s and quickly established itself as one of the most powerful voices of Senegalese youth. Senegalese rap is characterized by a blend of French and Wolof, strong political references, and an influence from the local mbalax.
The legendary group Positive Black Soul (PBS), founded in 1989, is considered the father of the bail. Other notable artists include Daara J, Akhenaton (originally from Kaolack, exiled in France), Jul, and the late Soily F (Monssooon Show). Senegalese bail is known for its political commitment — rappers played an active role in the Y’en a marre movement and in supporting the candidacy of Abdoulaye Wade and then Macky Sall.
The bail often incorporates traditional instruments (kora, djembé, balafon) and borrows from reggae, R&B and mbalax.