... and Orchestra Baobab

The Baobab tree is one of the of iconic symbols of Senegal, and the image of the countryside dotted with these interesting looking, not to say grotesque, trees will be one of the enduring memories of my time here. But I will also remember Orchestra Baobab who played a stunning set on Saturday night at the Institute Francais, as part of the Jazz a Dakar concert series. Orchestra Baobab were at the very forefront of the music scene in Dakar in the 1980’s, only to become somewhat overshadowed with the emergence of the new stars like Baba Maal and Youssou n’Dour. However in recent years they’ve staged something of a comeback and although now all ‘getting on a bit’ (who am I to talk?), they’re touring and making albums again.
When we arrived at the Institute the place was already buzzing in anticipation. Luckily some friends had saved us some seats, so we took our places near the front of the amphitheatre and a few minutes later the band wandered on and just started to play – a sublime mixture of African and Cuban rhythms that soon had everyone on their feet. What a way to spend a lovely balmy African night, they played for 2 hours and I would have gladly stayed for another 2 hours. But all good things must come to an end – and as we wandered back out into the busy Dakar streets to get a taxi back home I could still hear the music running through my head – a great night, a great band!