The Lebu (Lebou, Lébou) are a subgroup of Wolof in Senegal, West Africa, living on the peninsula of Cap-Vert, site of Dakar.
[4] The Lebu identity, separate from neighboring Wolof and Serer communities, goes back at least as far as the early 15th century, before European explorers arrived in the area.
There were Lebu at Lake Guiers by the 16th century, and by 1700 they had moved into the Cap Vert peninsula, expelling a few Mandinka tribes already there.
[7] In 1790, despite the fact that most Lebous remained animist, Dial Diop [fr] led these marabouts to declare independence.
After 20 years of war, in 1812 Cayor finally recognized their independence and Diop was proclaimed serigne (spiritual leader) of the community.