Baabamaal

"I believe that spirituality is more important than politics and material things. When you create a work you must do it not for yourself but for every human being." This is the driving force behind Baaba Maal's music. He doesn't simply create a song, he writes and sings about issues vital to his community (and the entire world), with topics ranging from global unity and care for the environment to the decreased value of West African currency. He has released two albums, Firin' In Fouta (1995) and the recently released Nomad Soul. As a special addition to his latest album, Baaba enlists the help of a wealth of guests, including Jamaican reggae superstar Luciano, Sinead O'Connor's back-up singers The Screaming Orphans, and trumpet player Jon Hassell. Baaba's home lies in the tiny northern villages of Senegal, and the Fulani musical tradition. Yet Baaba has experienced and incorporated aspects of countless cultures into his music. In addition to the many native African musical influences in his music, he adds elements of Cuban, funk, rap, reggae and House rhythms. This combination, along with Baaba Maal's natural stage presence, makes for an infectious sound, a renewed social conscience and a remarkable show. He can move from a fast-paced, high-energy rhythmic dance to a melancholy song about the plight of the African people. Baaba's band members include Mansour Seck, Bayo Oumar Ndiaye, Massamba Diop, Alioyne Diouf, Tonia Lo, Assane Cisse, Hilaire Hary Chaby, Kauding Cissoko, Diagne Mabeye, El Hadji Niang, Bahkane Seck and Ndongo Mbaya.

  -- LG