Orchestra Baobab return with 'Made In Senegal', their first album since 2017

Orchestra Baobab, one of West Africa's great dance bands, release 'Made In Senegal' on 23 October on Strut, in partnership with Madoky Music. It is their first studio album since 'Tribute To Ndiouga Dieng' (2017).

The band's story begins in 1970, when the Baobab Club opened in Dakar. The new record, made entirely in the Senegalese capital, celebrates that half-century of music, down to a track called 'Baobab 50 Ans'.

Its 12 songs mix new material with re-imagined classics. Lead single 'Togne Bakhoul' was written by the late Rudy Gomis; 'Tioro Bye Samba' reworks a Thione Seck classic; 'Casamance' and 'Senegal' complete the picture.

After losing several founding members, the group has rebuilt around sons, nephews and long-standing collaborators, led by saxophonist Thierno Koité. Korka Dieng becomes the band's first permanent female lead singer, alongside Zacharia 'Papino' Koité.

In Dakar, a press conference is announced for 20 October at Just 4 U, followed by a public listening session and a meeting with the musicians on 22 October at the Pathé cinema.