A Platform for Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
About "50 ANS "
As a reminder, the epic begins in the heart of the Medina of Dakar at the end of the
1960s, in a night-club built around a baobab tree and where the group developped a
diversity of styles reflecting the cultural mix and strong musical personalities of its
founding members.
From 1977, Orchestra Baobab continued its residency at Jandeer Night Club. In
1978, the group released two albums : Baobab in Paris Volume 1 & 2.
Two other albums followed: Gouygui Dou Daanou (1979) and Sibou Odja (1980),
refining the group's style.
The seminal Ken Dou Werente (1982) with the pieces Utrus Horas, Coumba,
Werente Werigne... signs the most beautiful hits of African music ever recorded.
Shortly after that, however, the group almost disbanded... new musical trends
coming from outside and inside Senegal, such as Mbalaax, distracted the public's
attention and the days seem numbered for the Orchestra.
In 1989, the reissue of Ken Dou Werente renamed Pirate's Choice by the English
producer Nick Gold who released the album on his label World Circuit relaunched
their career. The Baobab Orchestra was back on tour. The album Specialist in all
styles (2002) confirmed this new adulation and the group went on to perform
unforgettable shows receiving “standing ovations” such as at the Barbican in
London.
Made In Dakar (2007), co-produced by Youssou N'Dour, marks a return to basics.
Indeed, after touring the world, the group settled into a new residence at the Dakar
club Just4U, the music playing all night during intimate concerts in the restaurant
garden.
2024: Today, with the support of new members, the group is proud to present around
ten new titles, all unpublished, all carrying their faithful universal, humanist, pacifist
message.
The group entered the 21st century with renewed international fame and continues
touring, making audiences young and old dance in festivals and concert halls around
the world: Europe, North and South America, Asia, and of course in Africa.
Lively and vibrant,
1960s, in a night-club built around a baobab tree and where the group developped a
diversity of styles reflecting the cultural mix and strong musical personalities of its
founding members.
From 1977, Orchestra Baobab continued its residency at Jandeer Night Club. In
1978, the group released two albums : Baobab in Paris Volume 1 & 2.
Two other albums followed: Gouygui Dou Daanou (1979) and Sibou Odja (1980),
refining the group's style.
The seminal Ken Dou Werente (1982) with the pieces Utrus Horas, Coumba,
Werente Werigne... signs the most beautiful hits of African music ever recorded.
Shortly after that, however, the group almost disbanded... new musical trends
coming from outside and inside Senegal, such as Mbalaax, distracted the public's
attention and the days seem numbered for the Orchestra.
In 1989, the reissue of Ken Dou Werente renamed Pirate's Choice by the English
producer Nick Gold who released the album on his label World Circuit relaunched
their career. The Baobab Orchestra was back on tour. The album Specialist in all
styles (2002) confirmed this new adulation and the group went on to perform
unforgettable shows receiving “standing ovations” such as at the Barbican in
London.
Made In Dakar (2007), co-produced by Youssou N'Dour, marks a return to basics.
Indeed, after touring the world, the group settled into a new residence at the Dakar
club Just4U, the music playing all night during intimate concerts in the restaurant
garden.
2024: Today, with the support of new members, the group is proud to present around
ten new titles, all unpublished, all carrying their faithful universal, humanist, pacifist
message.
The group entered the 21st century with renewed international fame and continues
touring, making audiences young and old dance in festivals and concert halls around
the world: Europe, North and South America, Asia, and of course in Africa.
Lively and vibrant,
