Aziz aka 'Ziza' embodies the unity of Africanist arts in his Wolof griot tradition of song, dance and percussion. His grandmother raised him until age 12 near Dakar, and then his mother – both griots. Female griots lead events through song and spoken word, while percussion is traditionally reserved for men.

Sabar is the griot drum and dance code of the Wolof, Sérères and Toucouleurs (Peul language). These kingdoms/language groups pre-date the Euro-colonial frontier lines of Senegal. Kings were accompanied by griots playing Sabar to announce their arrival and sing their praises ("louanges")  and recall their ancestors names. La Dior Diop had a griot, as did the Buur Sine. Continuing this tradition, the first President of Senegal, Léopold Sédar Senghor, had a female griot. Sabar drum and dance animates rituals such as birth, initiation, wrestling. 

Aziz plays and dances all Sabar rhythms, which became is livelihood at the tender age of 12 in Dakar. Aziz would like to share 3 sabar dances/ rhythms with DecodeNoir. Another griot, Boubacar NDiaye may also be invited to the project. We will apply for studio and travel funding to record these rhythms: