Latin rhythms had a clear impact during the era of independence. Popularised across Africa, Congolese rumba spread through performers of the calibre of Grand Kallé (the author of _Indépendance Cha Cha_) and Franco Luambo. Another stronghold for this aesthetic was Senegal, which amplified it through figures such as the remarkable Laba Sosseh, the exuberant Africando, and the fascinating Orchestra Baobab. Emerging in Dakar within the club of the same name, Orchestra Baobab distinguished itself throughout the 1970s with a subtle mix of Wolof traditions, jazz and brass riffs, before being rediscovered in the early 2000s thanks to the British label World Circuit Records.
Gathered at Studio Le Claque, a Parisian venue renowned for its vintage equipment, the legendary African group launches this recording with mastery. Written by the late Abdoulaye Mboup, one of Baobab’s historic leaders, “Nijaay” captivates with its magnetic delivery. Revived as the opening track of _Made in Dakar_, this plea resonates with the great voices of the region. The lively “Bul Ma Miin” continues this Analogue session with a touch of nostalgia, its elegance heightened by a rhythm guitar with a deliciously retro sound. Finally, the impeccable “Jambar Yi” closes the set with precision. Everything falls perfectly into place, from the saxophone melody to the insistent percussion and the vocal phrasing, remarkable in its musicality.