Rich musical heritage on display at Dakar Railway Station
Around 35 kilometres away from the sports arena, Dakar’s Train Express Régional (TER) Station has been showcasing Senegal’s rich musical heritage, with local musicians performing in a series of mini concerts.
One of the nation’s best-known DJs, Chaanel Rhythm — also known as DJ Chanel — kept the crowds energised.
The DJ and producer, known for her performances at local sporting events, has headlined the last three editions of Dakar en Jeux.
“In Senegal, we are deeply rooted in our history. We have a very special relationship with our music — the Sabar, for example, is our language,” DJ Chanel told Olympics.com, speaking about the distinct Senegalese music style from her deck just outside Dakar’s main railway station, the final stop on the line linking the western tip of the country with the new city of Diamniadio.
“With the sabar (the traditional drum) we manage to communicate with each other. With mbalax (a popular urban dance music) we manage to communicate with each other, so there are still styles of music that we use to connect,
“There is also a strong relationship between sport and music because every year there are major sporting events that happen in Senegal.”