Orchestra Baobab live at the Philharmonic Hall on the 15th of June 2025
Born in Dakar in the early 1970s, Orchestra Baobab has long been renowned as one of Senegal’s most legendary bands. With a blend of African-Cuban style, traditional Griot music and international pop traces, Orchestra Baobab offers upbeat rhythms, melodic vocal lines and guitar riffs that have long been an identifier in their music. Their wide cultural background, from Senegal to Togo and Morocco and influences from reggae, soul, son cubano and jazz, make Orchestra Baobab an expression of a unique sound blend without abandoning traditional roots; their 2002 album Specialist in All Styles speaks for itself, with traces of Congolese rumba and Senegal’s mbalax.
In their 50-year-long history, Orchestra Baobab has kept their essence and spark, adapting through the years and welcoming family into their band. A few of the original band members’ sons are currently at the front of the ship, with legendary Ndianga Dieng’s son Alpha Dieng driving the vocals in the band. Dieng is joined on the mic by drummer Taga Koité’s son Papito, with Moussa Sissokho on congas, Thierno Koité on saxophone and Yahya Fall on rhythm guitar.
Their collaborations throughout the years have contributed to their rich sound, with Buena Vista Social Club’s own Ibrahim Ferrer and Senegalese singer and songwriter Youssou N’Dour producing a few of their tracks. Their 2024 singles “Boulène Dème” and “Jambar Yi” inaugurated their upcoming album, keeping the expectations as high as they have always been for those following their long music career.
Find Orchestra Baobab live at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on June 15th, raising funds for for Africa Oyé – a live explosion of sound and demonstration of musicianship that will get your feet, bones and soul moving.
Writeup by Carlota Moreno
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