Perhaps the greatest band West Africa has ever produced has a new album coming out on October 23, 2026. Orchestra Baobab has a storied 50-year history blending all the styles native to Senegal and other parts of West Africa along with rhumba, jazz, and even bits of funk here and Continue Reading
Mande Music
Orchestra Baobab (Baobab-Gouye-Gui de Dakar) – Mouhamadou Bamba
Orchestra Baobab are perhaps my favorite band from Africa ever. That’s saying something, as they rank higher to me than the ever-brilliant Fela Kuti or Tony Allen. This particular album blends traditional West African pop and local traditions with an Afro-Cuban vibe, jazz, and even a hint of psychedelic music.