Senegal Tennis

- Senegal Tennis -

Senegal Tennis

Tennis has been played in Senegal since colonial times and our federation is among the oldest in Africa.
Tennis saw a surge in popularity  in Senegal particularly in the 80's and 90's with some excellent performances by players like Yaya DOUMBIA (who had won several major awards at the international level), but also sisters 

Yaya DOUMBIA

BERTHA (several times champion of Africa). Plus the strong performance of their Davis Cup team which for a long time, was one of the best in Africa.

That was the Golden Age of Tennis in Senegal.

Currently the federal team headed by President Issa Mboup, strives to find solutions to impove the state of Senegal Tennis.

-The five-year plan for Senegal Tennis -

Senegal Tennis

The overall objective is to develop sustainable quality and quantity in the Senegalese courts.


The specific objectives, these are:

•  To discover and play tennis in 3000 thanks to young Senegalese JTI (Junior Tennis Initiative);
•  Perform technical missions in the regions;
•  Motivate technicians;
•  Form (or initiate) each year 30 students INSEPS;
•  Increase the number of licensees by 50%;
•  Double the number of youth tournaments;
•  To involve local authorities in the management of tennis;
•  To organize international tournaments for young men and women;
•  To host the regional center of the ITF young West Africa;
•  To integrate all existing programs;
•  Strengthen the administrative structure of the TSP;
•  To study the structure of the organization of the TSP compared with current regulations to the Department;
•  Develop a marketing plan and communication at the point of practitioners and the public to support the development program.

For more information on Senegal Tennis visit Senegal Federal Tennis site

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Sandaga Market - Dakar Senegal

Marche Sandaga -

Sandaga Market

The bustling Sandaga market is in a  dusty off-pink three-story building structure ...whose style echoes the spired terre battue (earthen-floored) markets and mosques of the Sahel. Located at the corner of Avenues Pompidou and Lamine Gueye Sandage is a truly African market. Wander among its labyrinth of stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to fabrics and electronics.
You will also have the opportunity to buy a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Outside the market, the avenue Emil Badiane is also filled with vendors.

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Kermel Market - Dakar Senegal

-Marché Kermel-

Marche' Kermel

The original Victorian style building constructed in 1860 burnt down in 1994, but the 1997 reconstruction has been closely modelled on the building's initial structure and decoration.
The covered Marché Kermel, behind Av Sarraut and within walking distance of Marché Sandaga. Marche Kermel is a popular market in Dakar. It is famous not only for its large variety of food and souvenirs sold: it is also known as a beautiful landmark because its building is a splendid piece of art.



Marche' Kermel-Original

Designed by the same Victorian architects that designed the Dakar train station.

At the Marche' Kermel you can find all types of European foods, all beautifully presented.  Here you will find modern shops such as butchers and spice stalls. 

Marche Kermel

Cows are butchered in front of customers,  lobster and shrimp try to escape boxes, and fresh fruit and vegetables abound. Around this market people are selling flowers, alongside small crafts shops selling straw/cane articles, wooden sculptures and leather goods.

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Other Markets

N'gor Island - Senegal

NGor Island

 N'gor Island - Senegal
N'gor Island is the place if you want to relax, you can find several small peaceful beaches. Ngor Island is clean and the vendors will not hassle you.

Ngor island has several beautiful, calm and peaceful   beaches. Best of all it  is not far from the Senegal City of Dakar. Ngor island is perfect the perfect day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Dakar.

NGor Island

the pirogues leave frequently from the N’Gor beach, the five-minute ride is only (500CFA or $1). Once on the island you can rent a paddle boat. Also for rent an umbrella/mat for 1,000cfa/day. Ngor Island is a lovey place for a walk down narrow alleyways past cute homes behind beautiful gates covered with bougainvillea. The world famous Senegalese singer Akon has a home on the island.

Like to hang ten???...On the island is a surf camp. Ngor Island is the home of N’gor Right, the legendary surfing wave in the first “The Endless Summer” movie.

NGor Island

If you eat at La Maison d’Italie restaurant, they will come pick you up/take you back in their boat.

You can also enjoy good seafood t at Chez Bineta a beach front restaurant ran by local chef MaMa Bineta.

NGor Island

Wherever you go on the island, you will be surrounded by the sunlight, flowers and the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.

Read more about Surfing in Senegal

Other Dakar Day Trips

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Cathedral of African Remembrance - Dakar Senegal

Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories

Aka...

The Cathedral of African Remembrance

Cathedral of African
Remembrance

At the end of WW1 Bishop Jalabert living in Paris was named vicar general of Dakar. He was given the . mission to raise funds to build the Cathedral of African Remembrance under the patronage of Our Lady of Victories. It is located on Boulevard de la République in the area of Dakar-Plateau . The sanctuary is built on the site of an ancient cemetery Lebu (Muslims).  The land was  granted to the Catholic Church by the government. The cathedral was consecrated February 2, 1936 by Cardinal Verdier , Archbishop of Paris.

Cathedral of African
Remembrance

The funeral of former President Leopold Sedar Senghor was celebrated there in 2001 .
Cardinal Hyacinthe Thiandoum ,who died in 2004 , is buried in the back of the altar, near the statue of Our Lady of Victories, patron saint of the cathedral

 

 This beautiful Catheral was recently restored. Designed by architect Charles-Albert Wulffleff ,it draws its inspiration from multiple sources: Sudan style towers and Byzantine domes and terraces.


 A vast dome lit by twenty windows occupies the center of a building like a Greek cross . Porticos 

extending three arms of the cross. The choir , surrounded by a walkway giving access to five chapels, is the fourth.



Face of a Angel

On the facade of the cathedral you will see the angels by famous sculptress  Anna 

Quinquaud whose features are inspired by the Fulani tribe. Materials from Africa was used... pink sandstone from Sudan , marble from Tunisia , wood from Gabon , and carpet Ouagadougou carpet.

 On the large entrance portico, flanked by two towers, was displayed in capital letters the following inscription: "In the dead of Africa grateful France". Now the original text has been replaced by another: "To the Virgin Mary Mother of Jesus the Savior."

Visit the website of The Archidiocese of Dakar 

Day Trips and Things to do in Dakar

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Mosqué de la Divinité - Dakar Senegal

Mosque of the Divinity

Mosque of the Divinity

Taking the coastal road on the West Corniche, bordering the Atlantic Ocean , you'll see the stunning Mosqué de la Divinité perched on the coast near Les Mamelles quartier. This beautiful mosque was built by Mohamed Gueye Gorgui Seyni .This architectural project was revealed to him in a dream. Construction began in May 1992 and completed October 1997. Visits are best made during the day and are free of charge.

Mosque of the Divinity

For more information The Mosque de la Divinite

Vist our page for Dakar Day trips and things to do

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Top 7 African Fashions Websites

Our Top Seven Fashion & Accessories Websites featuring African products and textiles in no particular order



Gildan Nodza

Gidan Nodza Handbags - Gidan Nodza was founded in 2004 as a venture dedicated to creating bags and other fashion accessories using designs based centrally on African motifs fused with the latest fashion trends. The name Gidan Nodza is the Hausa language term for 'House of Nodza' and 'Nodza' in turn means 'That which is awake but yet asleep' in the Mambila language of North Eastern Nigeria. The name is a metaphor for the duality of existence or life.

Middlesex Textiles

Middlesex Textiles- 
A  family business that has been trading since 1969. They specialists in Swiss Voiles, Laces,Wax Prints and various other West African fabrics. Having three outlets in London UK which are renowned worldwide for selling the highest quality fabrics at extremely competitive prices ! Due to the fact that they are one of the largest importers and exporters of west African fabrics in the world. Middlesex textiles specialise in both retail and wholesale purchases.


Swahili Imports

Swahili Imports  - Since 1994, Swahili Imports has been building a network of artisans across Africa. Swahili's partnerships center on fair and sustainable profit generation, artisan advancement and modern, earth-friendly product development.More than 1000 retail stores, museums, educational institutions and catalogs worldwide currently sell Swahili Imports products, and a limited selection of Swahili Imports products may be purchased via this website and through our Swahili retail store in Eugene's historic Fifth Street Public Market.

African Bags

African Bags - Africa Bags are hand-crafted on foot powered treadle sewing machines in one of 7 villages in Malawi, Africa. We send profits from the bag sales directly back to Malawi every month.  This is a non-profit organization.  They rely on volunteers to help us market the bags here in America.  Goals- To economically empower the people of Malawi Africa with a sustainable economy. To reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. Buy the bag that is saving lives in Malawi!

Vlisco

Vlisco -Since 1846 Vlisco has been designing and producing colourful fashion fabrics that form an essential part of the lively West and Central African culture. Vlisco has an innate sense of the expressive and creative strength of African consumers and, for generations, has succeeded in surprising and inspiring her passionate clientele with unique designs. As the sole authentic designer and manufacturer of such fabrics as ‘Wax Hollandais’, Vlisco is unparalleled when it comes to quality, professional skill and innovation.

Le Tabouret D'or

Le Tabouret D'or -  Is an e-boutique that carries modern luxury African fashion crafted by the continent’s top designers. With the launch of Le Tabouret D’Or, gone are the days that a tailor is your only link to unique African fashion!

Congo Rose  -  Congo


Congo Rose

Rose is Africa Remixed.The Fabrics have been collected from all over the African continent, carefully chosen in the local markets and handmade into our original designs in Cape Town, South Africa. Their Passion is for the people of Africa, especially the women. We believe that by producing locally we are making a positive impact in the lives of these women and the many people they support within their families and communities. Production is based on principals of fair trade. All products are produced by highly talented seamstresses. The Creations are bought by charismatic people who celebrate their individuality by choosing something unique, inspired and exceptionally well made. They embrace lifestyle diversity and creativity.
Other Great Fashion Sites:

• Tamboo Bamboo

• The Madness of Wax a Blolg
• Jewel by LIsa
• Neks 2U
• Bella Naija
• Fah-Schyon Blog

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Senegal's Glass Painting - History

Senegal  Glass Painting

The Senegalese under glass painting so called “fixé under glass” and “souwere” in wolof came to Senegal fom the Arabic countries through Tunisia with the return of muslim pilgrims from “La Mecque” at the end of the XIXth century.

Senegal Glass Painting

Initially, the topics related to Senegal glass painting are based on religious themes linked to local Islam : traditions (rituals and stories), brotherhoods (witchdoctor) and daily scenes (coranic school), and they tend to move into Senegalese history, most of the time linked to colonialisation, and into profane field such as portraits – scenes of daily life, and popular wisdom.

This art might look  like a painting covered by a glass. But this is not the case. The glass itself is painted and used as a support to the painting similar to paper, canvas or wood. It is at the same time the support and the protective coat of the painting which is carried out on the back of the glass and then, seen by transparency.

Senegal Glass Painting

 The making of a souwere requires first to clean and to remove the grease of the glass plate. The drawing is performed either on paper and then transferred on the glass, or directly on the glass  with a feather or a thin brush with black painting, setting the limits of the surface which will be coloured later on.

Glass painting is also known as "reverse glass painting," which more closely describes the technique used to produce it. With reverse glass painting, the artist is working on the back of the glass, which is the opposite of what a painter would do on canvas. He must work backwards to create the work. Facial expressions and details are painted on first, and background scenes are applied last.

Senegal Glass Painting

Any details : inscriptions, signature of the artist or details which are added at the end of the work on another kind of support, must be drawn at the beginning and then reversed to appear at the first level and right side out. Finally, a last coat of painting is applied covering the whole glass plate : parts remaining blank like the ones already painted and dry in order to finalize the drawing. It is important to notice that Bass has used other materials in the same drawing such as sand and Indian ink (men and women portraits). Sometimes, he has underlined the transparency of glass, avoiding to cover it (“les enfants talibés).

Visit the page of Mor Gueye - World Famous Senegalese Glass Painting Artist

Visits Page for Senegal Arts,Music ,Film and Nightlife

You can order Senegal Glass from..Swahili Imports

Mor Gueye - Senegal Master of Glass Painting

Mor Gueye - Artist

Mor Gueye -Artist .  He is the internationally recognized master of the Senegalese art of reverse glass painting and his paintings are held by many public collections worldwide. At age 80, Mor Gueye continues to run an active studio in Dakar, Senegal where his work is avidly sought by private collectors.

The light of his paintings reflects the strength of a blazing sun, the colors draw their strength and tone in the land and people of the African continent.

His work has appeared in a number of exhibitions in Africa and Europe. He and his son Serign Gueye were featured in the exhibition A Saint in the City at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, and in the exhibit’s companion catalogue written by Allen and Mary Nooter Roberts. Mor Gueye uses a technique known as “reverse glass painting,” where he paints on the back of glass panes. He is an ardent “Baye Fall” (a Sufi sect of Mouridism in Senegal). As a young man, Gueye recounts that Amadu Bamba, the great leader of the Mourides, came to him in a dream that led to his first painting. While Gueye works in a range of genres, most of his paintings  depict scenes from Mouride history and life. Gueye considers himself an historian, and his real joy is in painting scenes of Bamba's life. He feels his paintings are ‘like prayers’, which convey baraka or blessings. As the race of the panther, the light of his paintings reflects the strength of a blazing sun, the colors draw their strength and tone in the land and
people of the African continent.

Click here to Visit Mor Gueye's Website
Visit page for Senegal Glass History

Senegal's Fashion Victims

Skin Bleach???

To see the effects of racism based on skin color most clearly, one should go to the developing world. In richer countries people are increasingly comfortable, and successful, regardless of their natural skin color, but in many African countries like Senegal, trying to change one's skin color is still seen as a way to get ahead.
"Some Senegalese women," Emilie, a student at Dakar University, told ABC News, "are trying to look like the white girls they see on television."

From ads on highway billboards, to little stands in marketplaces, skin bleaching products are almost everywhere.

They sell well, despite what public health officials say are grave risks of using them, including cancer.


Sami Sosa

The cheapest creams cost around $5 per tube, a small fortune in Senegal, and they are also among the most dangerous.

At a market in Dakar, a young hairdresser who was unwilling to reveal her name told ABC News she had used the creams. "It's more beautiful to have lighter skin. A bit lighter, it's a bit better," she said.

Read the rest of the story by ABC News BEN BARNIER    

Senegal revokes licences of foreign fishing trawlers

Senegal Fishing

Government demands that 29 ships offload their catches before leaving the west African country's territorial waters.

The new government of Senegal has cancelled the licences of 29 foreign fishing trawlers, demanding that they offload their catches in the capital Dakar before leaving the west African country's territorial waters.

The dramatic move on Tuesday by fisheries minister Pape Diouf follows growing resentment at overfishing and alleged corruption of the previous government's licencing system. It is expected to defuse threats by Senegal's 52,000 small-scale inshore fishermen to take direct action against the owners of foreign trawlers.

In 2006, Senegal cancelled its licencing agreements with the heavily subsidised EU fleet in an attempt to protect its industry from foreign vessels. But dozens of giant 10,000-tonne factory ships registered in Russia, Lithuania, Morocco, Ukraine, Mauritius, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, China, Belize and elsewhere were able to acquire new licences. Using satellite technology and often working together, they have been able to take hundreds of tonnes of fish a day.

Read the rest of the story by  John Vidal.....

Senegal revokes licences of foreign fishing trawlers....

Senegal Flag and National Anthem

The flag of Senegal is modeled on the French flag. The Senegal flag has three vertical stripes of green, yellow and red respectively with a star in the center. The green stripe in the flag of Senegal symbolizes Islam, progress and hope.

Yellow represents the natural wealth and progress of the country, which will be attained by the collective work of people.

 Red stands for the common African struggle for independence. All the colors are pan-African colors. The star on the flag of Senegal signifies unity and hope.

Senegal National Anthem

Senegalese Flag History:The Senegalese flag was adopted on August 20, 1960, just after gaining independence from France in 1959. Senegal joined the Sudanese Republic, which is now Mali, to create a union called the Mali Federation, in 1959, but withdrew from the Federation in 1960. The Mali Federation's flag was based on the French flag, with the French blue-white-red colors being replaced with the pan-African colors of green-yellow-red.

Interesting Senegalese Flag Facts:Early in 2004, President Wade of Senegal reportedly had designed a new flag for the country, but in doing so he violated the country's constitution as only the vote of the Senegalese people have the right to change any of the country's symbols.
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