Orchestre Baobab

Orchestre Baobab is a Senegalese band. It was organized in 1970 as a multi-ethnic, multi-national club band.

Related Topics:
Senegal - 1970

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Put together by saxophonist Baro N'Diaye, original members included singers Balla Sidibe, Rudy Gomis, and Laye Mboup; guitarists Barthelemy Attisso and Latfi Ben Geloune; bassist Charlie N?Diaye; drummer Mountaga Koite; and saxophonist Issa Cisskho. Ndiouga Dieng and Medoune Diallo sometimes sat in with the band, and personnel changed frequently. Later, singer Thione Seck and his younger brother Mapenda Seck joined the band.

Related Topics:
Baro N'Diaye - Balla Sidibe - Rudy Gomis - Laye Mboup - Barthelemy Attisso - Latfi Ben Geloune - Charlie N?Diaye - Mountaga Koite - Issa Cisskho - Ndiouga Dieng - Medoune Diallo - Thione Seck - Mapenda Seck

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The group played an Afro-Cuban-Caribbean fusion. Unlike other Senegalese bands, they added Casamance harmonies and drumming (from southern Senegal), melodies from Togo and Morocco to the more common Wolof (from northern Senegal) influences. They recorded 20 vinyl albums between 1970 and 1985. Competition from mbalax, a new sound in the mid 1980s, overwhelmed Orchestre Baobab. By 1987, the band had broken up.

Related Topics:
Afro - Cuba - Caribbean - Casamance - Harmonies - Togo - Morocco - Wolof - Vinyl albums - 1985 - Mbalax - 1987

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Reissues of their old recordings in Europe led to the reformation of the band in 2001. Orchestre Baobab toured Europe and made a new recording with guest appearances by Cuban superstar Ibrahim Ferrer and Senegal star Youssou N'dour.

Related Topics:
Europe - 2001 - Ibrahim Ferrer - Youssou N'dour

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In 2002 Orchestra Baobab released Specialist in all styles which was produced by Youssou N'dour.

Related Topics:
2002 - Specialist in all styles - Youssou N'dour

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Orchestra Baobab gained attention from American media in 2003 when musicians Trey Anastasio and Dave Matthews filmed a documentry named Trey and Dave go to Africa which aired on VH1. The two visit Senegal and perform with Orchestra Baobab during the program.

Related Topics:
2003 - Trey Anastasio - Dave Matthews - VH1

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Orchestre Baobab performed at Live 8 in Johannesburg, a series of concerts to end poverty.

Related Topics:
Live 8 - Johannesburg - Poverty

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