African musical royalty Orchestra Baobab have recorded their first studio album in nine years. The new release, Made in Senegal, brings elegance, a hypnotic groove, and proof that the Dakar band’s enduring legacy remains unshakable after more than half a century.
Orchestra Baobab was formed over 50 years ago as the resident band of the prestigious Baobab Club in Dakar, Senegal. Since then, they have become a true musical symbol for the entire continent. Their music is an unmistakable fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Wolof griot traditions, mbalax, Congolese rumba, and jazz. Although the group has faced the loss of several key founding members over the past decade, their story continues. Through an organic evolution, sons, nephews, and longtime collaborators have carried the torch forward, taking this iconic sound into a new era.
A New Line-up and the First Female Lead Singer in History
Made in Senegal, released on the respected imprint Strut Records in conjunction with Madoky Music, was recorded entirely in Dakar. The album celebrates home, heritage, love, and resilience. Musically, it offers a flawlessly blended cocktail: wonderfully mellifluous guitar work, hypnotic rhythms, joyous vocals, and exuberant horn sections that create an atmosphere both relaxed and effortlessly danceable.
Today’s line-up is led by long-time saxophonist and bandleader Thierno Koité alongside drummer Taga Koité, master percussionist Moussa Cissokho, and rhythm guitarist Yahya Fall. Joining the veterans is a younger generation—lead vocalist Zacharia “Papino” Koité, bassist Malick Sy, guitarist René “Bolero” Sowatche, and saxophonist/trombonist Wilfrid Zinzou. A significant milestone in the band’s history is the arrival of Korka Dieng, who becomes Orchestra Baobab’s first-ever female lead vocalist and frontwoman.
“We are like the tree we are named after. No matter what happens, the baobab stands firm.”
Songs Bridging Past and Present
On Made in Senegal, brand-new compositions sit effortlessly beside re-imagined classics. The lead single “Togne Bakhoul,” composed by the late vocalist Rudy Gomis, is a poignant ode to his wife. The track “Tioro Bye Samba” brings a classic song by Thione Seck back to life.
Among the album’s brightest highlights is “Casamance,” celebrating the Southern Senegalese region where several band members hail from, built around irresistibly lilting guitar lines by René Sowatche. The near seven-minute-long “Sibo Odia” provides space for dazzling solos from singer Dieng and saxophonist Koité. Celebrating the collective’s half-century journey, “Baobab 50 Ans” is a burst of characteristic ebullience.
“It is the perfect time for a new generation to discover the elegant, hypnotic sound of one of Africa’s greatest ever big bands.”
Orchestra Baobab’s latest offering is undoubtedly a strong contender for one of the world music albums of the year. It proves that as long as the musicians stay true to the collective’s unique DNA, Orchestra Baobab could easily be around for another 50 years. You can enjoy it in the coming days in the broadcasts of New Model Radio as our “Album of the Week.”
NMR (photo: press Orchestra Baobab)
