Source: TikTok - orchestra.baobab

Follow to get updates on shows and tickets

Concerts & Tours Orchestra Baobab

Follow to get updates on shows and tickets

2027

Mar25

Liverpool

Future Yard

From £36.16

Tickets

Still looking for the right experience?

Discover concerts, events, and hidden gems waiting for you.

Take a look!

About Orchestra Baobab

Orchestra Baobab, formed in Dakar in 1970, stands as one of Senegal’s most influential and enduring musical ensembles. Originally the weekend house band for a nightclub popular among government officials, the group was founded by saxophonist Baro N’Diaye and included key members from the Star Band. Their sound masterfully fused Cuban rhythms—long cherished across West Africa since the 1940s—with traditional Wolof melodies delivered by griot singer Laye M’Boup. This innovative blend quickly propelled Orchestra Baobab to legendary status, rivaling Guinea’s iconic Bembeya Jazz.

Following the tragic death of M’Boup in 1974, vocalist Thione Seck joined, broadening the band’s repertoire by incorporating Maninke and Malinke influences. Throughout the 1980s, Orchestra Baobab released seminal albums such as "Pirates Choice" (1982) and "Bamba" (1983), cementing their place as Senegal’s leading band. However, the rise of Youssou N’Dour’s mbalax style in the mid-1980s diminished their prominence, leading to their disbandment in 1987.

The group experienced a powerful revival in the early 2000s after the European reissue of "Pirates Choice," which sparked renewed international interest. They reunited to tour globally and released "Made in Dakar" (2007), continuing to evolve while honoring their roots. The passing of founding members Ndiouga Dieng in 2016 and Balla Sidibé in 2020 marked bittersweet milestones. In tribute, the band recorded "Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng" (2017), featuring collaborations with artists like Cheikh Lo and Thione Seck. Today, Orchestra Baobab’s legacy endures, celebrated for their masterful synthesis of African traditions and global sounds, profoundly shaping world music.

Genres

Electro•Latin•Pop•Traditional