Black Soofa

Black Soofa is the Senegalese ballet troupe Caro Diallo founded in l993. Based in Ziguinchor in the Casamance region of Senegal, it is composed of dancers, drummers and a griot. Griots come from the caste of performing artists. They preserve the history of the people by memorizing and singing it, in an oral tradition. In Black Soofa, the griot or “jeli”, plays the 21-stringed kora, an ancient instrument originally reserved to soothe the spirit of the king. During the weeks of Diallo’s dance camp and the sabuhallá healing workshop, the griot also sings the praises of those of us who need our praises sung.

Visit the Black Soofa Photo Gallery.