Orchestra Baobab Made In Dakar Rare

• Mapenda Seck
• Issa Cissokho

Formed in 1970 as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic club band, Orchestra Baobab rode the crest of the Cuban craze which gripped Congolese popular music culture in the early 1970s. A number of former members or the group were veterans of the famous Star Band, the renowned resident group at Dakar's famed Miami Club. This ensured Orchestra Baobab already had a popular following when they released their debut album in 1972 titled 'M'Beugene'.The band's creative heyday lasted from 1972 to 1987 and during this period they released some 15 albums. Orchestra Baobab's blend of Afro-Cuban music fused with authentic West African influences made them one of the most popular Sengalese bands of the '70s and '80s.

Mapenda Seck

Issa Cissokho

Their thoughtful combination of French and Portugese-influenced harmonies typical of the Casamance region, overlaid on the traditional Wolof griot percussive structure made Orchestra Baobab, stand out from their peers. Griots were traditionally blacksmiths and from these caste origins comes the griot drumming tradition which is evident in the bands recordings. Their 1982 album 'Pirates Choice', released in 1989, was to become their most famous album. After disbanding in 1987 the band made a comeback in 2002 with the album 'Specialist in All Styles' and have subsequently released more material maintaining their popularity within the world music genre.Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved.