Senegal’s acclaimed Orchestra Baobab is set to release “Made in Senegal,” its first album of new material in nearly a decade, continuing the legacy of the Afro-Cuban and West African fusion band more than 50 years after its formation. The album is scheduled for release on Friday and showcases a blend of regional Wolof griot music, Congolese rumba, Senegalese mbalax, jazz, and other influences, filtered through an Afro-Cuban style.
Formed in 1970, Orchestra Baobab quickly became a dominant force in Dakar’s music scene, known for its vibrant, swinging sound fueled by guitars, drums, saxophones, and vocals. The band went on hiatus before returning in the early 2000s to international acclaim. Today, the nine-member ensemble includes original veterans alongside newer musicians, many in their 30s and 40s, who have gradually taken on roles within the group.
The band’s rhythm guitarist, Yahya Fall, 76, explained that the latest compositions bring “freshness” and new elements to the ensemble’s established sound. Vocalist Korka Dieng, who joined in 2023 as the group’s first and only female member, emphasized the younger generation’s commitment to preserving the core identity of Orchestra Baobab while introducing subtle personal influences. Dieng, 44, described the band’s evolution as a way to keep the music relevant for the 21st century.
Mountaga “Taga” Koite, 73, the last original member, expressed confidence that the younger musicians would ensure the band’s longevity, possibly reaching a century in existence. The group remains a national treasure, regularly touring Europe and performing at renowned Dakar venues such as Just For You, where their signature songs continue to inspire audience participation and dancing.
Among the new tracks on “Made in Senegal” are compositions by the new generation. Trombone and tenor saxophonist Wilfried Zinsou, 48, contributed “Gorgorlou,” a song named after a Wolof term for hardworking individuals striving to get by. Lead guitarist “Bolero” Lagratte, 37, who joined following the death of long-time member Barthelemy Attisso in 2021, composed “Wida,” referencing the historic slave port in Benin known as the “door of no return.”
The band has also faced recent losses with the passing of notable members including singer-percussionists Balla Sidibe and Rudy Gomis, as well as famed saxophonist Issa Cissokho. Their 2017 album “Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng” honored a fallen founding vocalist, reinforcing the group’s deep ties to its history.
Despite changes in personnel, the spirit and influence of Orchestra Baobab remain strong. Koite noted that the essence of the music continues to ignite dance floors as it always has. Fans like 62-year-old Moustapha Samb see the band as a symbol of memory and resilience in Senegalese culture, one that now bridges generations through its evolving yet enduring sound.