Senegalese wrestling differs from that practised more commonly in western and Asian countries — mostly because of the traditional rituals practised by competitors.
In western countries, these mystic rituals are often colloquially called voodoo, but the Senegalese call it gris-gris
.
The entire population, from toddlers to grandmothers, follows the big wrestling matches either in the stadium, on the television, or on the street. These unusual rituals are usually performed with the presentation and veneration of traditional amulets, the use of magic potions, and hypnotic drumming, songs and dance — all as an integral part of the wrestling match.
To prepare, wrestlers dance alone in a trance-like state to ear-deafening hypnotic drums and repetitive beats.
In the last ten years, the traditional sport of La Lutte Sénégalaise ha
s become a million dollar spectacle, mostly because of big telecom sponsors, TV stations, and new media channels. This has led to the most successful wrestlers becoming media-stars and billionaires, giving young men in this African country a very different perspective.
For wrestlers who succeed there is not only social recognition, along with high value prizes into the hundreds of thousands of US dollars for the highest profile fights, but also the chance of well-paid jobs in the security industry or as a trainer in a wrestling school.
One of many mystical rituals performed by the wrestlers is releasing pigeons which is believed to bring the wrestler luck.
Senegal’s climate is too hot for wrestl
ing during the day, so competitions always take place in the evening, often lasting until well after midnight.
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