37 years of PBS: When respect fills the house

The Grand National Theater of Dakar was the scene of exceptional enthusiasm this weekend. On Saturday, August 8th, for the anniversary of Positive Black Soul, the temple of Senegalese culture was packed. More than three decades after the early days of Didier Awadi and Duggy Tee, PBS chose to celebrate its 37th anniversary by bringing together two generations for a 100% old-school evening filled with nostalgia, respect, and raw energy.

The room was packed. Families, former activists of the hip-hop movement, young discoverers and figures of the scene had come to pay tribute to the pioneers of African rap.

From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere set the tone. And the lineup lived up to expectations. PBS kicked off the evening with their undiminished energy, before giving way to a host of guests, each showcasing a different facet of Senegalese music. As always, Carlou D whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Artists Viviane Chidid and Wally Balago Seck captivated the audience with their powerful vocals and elegant performances, creating a seamless bridge between mbalax and hip-hop. With a more rootsy sound, Ngaka Blindé brought a sense of gravity and the power of lyrics. Following them, Ismael Lo and Baaba Maal added another dimension to the night with their authentic voices and sounds, reflecting the group's pan-African roots.

For music lovers, the gamble paid off with this evening devoid of spectacular effects, focused on the essentials. The audience knew the lyrics, sang along to the choruses, and applauded each intergenerational exchange. In this packed hall, the Grand Théâtre rediscovered its primary function: a place where culture is shared and passed on.

On August 8th, PBS didn't just celebrate an anniversary. The group offered Dakar a journey through rap to mbalax, folk to reggae, with Senegalese pride as its central theme. Positive Black Soul also demonstrated that their commitment remains undiminished, even after 37 years of ups and downs.