- artist:ORCHESTRA BAOBAB
- event type:WOMEX 24 Showcase - Official Selection
- date:24 Oct 2024
- time:21:45 - 22:30
- city/area:Manchester
- venue:Theatre Stage, Manchester Central Exchange Auditorium
- country:United Kingdom
- event posted by:Piranha Arts
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Orchestra Baobab are back, celebrating 50 years as one of Senegal's most influential bands. Originally formed as the resident band at the Baobab Club in Dakar, their trailblazing mix of Afro-Cuban sounds mixed with Wolof and Mande influences brought them a string of successful releases culminating in the landmark album, Ken Dou Werente in 1982. During the ‘80s the rise of mbalax as the new wave of popular Senegalese dance music overshadowed the Baobab style and they almost disbanded. But in 1989 UK label World Circuit re-released Ken Dou Werente as Pirate's Choice, effectively relaunching their career on an international level. Over time, members have come, gone, passed away, but Orchestra Baobab head into their 50th anniversary led by four veterans of the old days and a posse of newer recruits keeping the distinctive flag flying.