The sabar dance from Senegal which has traditionally been a female dance and an overt expression of female sexuality (notably paradoxically in an Islamic country) to a cacophony of uplifting, energising sabar drum beats has evolved into multiple forms through its organic transformation by men into a dance for them as well, and now features in music videos and contemporary African dance schools. Here’s an informative excerpt from anthropologist Sophie Schouwenaar’s thesis (via Roots & Wings Movement). The actual sabar dancing doesn’t start until 03:53 but it’s well worth the wait and meanwhile gives background on the dance, drums and community.

It reminded me (in a round about way) of an article I saw on the Boboraba (Djoula for ‘big bottom’) dance craze in Côte d’Ivoire , which as the name suggests is in praise of a large derriere and reportedly created business in the cosmetic industry by targeting gullible women. An elaborate account on the female posterior in popular culture, inspired by the same article is available on T’ings n’ Times. But just so you know what I am referring to, here’s the Boboraba music video by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh. For me, it’s reminiscent of ndombolo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. As you can probably already guess, it’s not safe for work (NSFW).