Senegal’s Orchestra Baobab have released Made in Senegal, a 12-track album marking the group’s first studio project since 2017.
Released through Strut Records in partnership with Madoky Music, the album was recorded in Dakar and explores heritage, love, resilience and cultural identity.
Tribute and reworked material#
The project follows Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng, released in 2017 in honour of the late band member. Made in Senegal combines original compositions with reworked songs from the group’s catalogue.
The lead single, “Togne Bakhoul”, was composed by the late vocalist Rudy Gomis as a tribute to his wife. Another track, “Tioro Bye Samba”, revisits a song originally recorded by Senegalese singer Thione Seck. “Casamance” pays tribute to the southern Senegalese region, which is home to several members of the orchestra.
Background and history#
Formed more than five decades ago as the resident band at Dakar’s Baobab Club, Orchestra Baobab developed a distinctive sound that combines Afro-Cuban rhythms, Wolof griot traditions, mbalax, Congolese rumba and jazz.
The group has continued performing despite the deaths of several founding members over the past decade. Its current line-up brings together veteran musicians, younger performers and relatives of former members, maintaining the band’s musical traditions.
Current line-up#
The present line-up includes:
- Thierno Koité, saxophone and bandleader
- Taga Koité, drums
- Moussa Cissokho, percussion
- Yahya Fall, rhythm guitar
- Zacharia “Papino” Koité, vocals
- Korka Dieng, vocals, the group’s first female frontwoman
- Malick Sy, bass
- René “Bolero” Sowatche, guitar
- Wilfrid Zinzou, saxophone and trombone
Release details#
In a statement accompanying the release, Strut Records described Made in Senegal as “another modern Baobab classic”. The label added that the album combines a fresh approach with strong connections to Senegalese musical traditions.
The album is available on vinyl, including a limited-edition double LP (long-playing record), on CD (compact disc) and on digital platforms.
