Orchestra Baobab announces new album Made in Senegal

Senegalese Afro-Cuban fusion group Orchestra Baobab is releasing its first album of new material in nearly a decade, titled ‘Made in Senegal’. The 12-song collection features approximately half newly composed tracks, including ‘Gorgorlou’ by Wilfried Zinsou and ‘Wida’ by lead guitarist ‘Bolero’ Lagratte.

As the ensemble approaches its 50th anniversary, it is navigating significant lineup changes following the deaths of several founding members in the early 2020s. The group is integrating a new generation of musicians to preserve its signature blend of Wolof griot traditions, Congolese rumba, Senegalese mbalax, and jazz.

Among the new members is vocalist Korka Dieng, the band’s first female member, who joined in 2023. Percussionist Mountaga ‘Taga’ Koite, the last remaining original member, expressed confidence that the younger talent will sustain the orchestra’s legacy for decades to come.