ABSTRACT

The hall is bright and colorful with a stunning variety of toabs (Sudanese saris) and fashionable dresses; excitement is in the air, and the crowded space is filled with visible anticipation. The wait ends with the arrival of the singer and her entourage of three to five women: one will be carrying a dalluka (a clay and skin drum), and in some cases, depending on the singer’s preference, there will also be one or two shatams (tambourines). The singer, feeling all-important and usually demanding a perfect setting, will wait until her seating place, the sound system, and the way her audience is seated are to her liking to ensure maximum audience participation and satisfaction.