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Baaba Maal

Senegalese singing star Baaba Maal talks to John Wilson about his formative influences.

Now one of West Africa’s most internationally acclaimed musicians, Baaba Maal trained at a Paris conservatoire and went on to become a kind of musical ambassador, taking stories of his homeland all around the world. He has collaborated with Brian Eno and film composer Hans Zimmer, recorded an album with Mumford and Sons, and was a key member of the Africa Express touring project led by Damon Albarn. A festival favourite, Baaba Maal has energized crowds at Glastonbury and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Proms alike. More recently, Marvel fans know him as the voice of Wakanda, having sung on the Black Panther movie soundtracks.

Baaba Maal talks about his early life in Senegal where, as the son of a fisherman, he wasn’t expected to become a singer. He discusses the role of the griot in Senegalese storytelling and musical culture. He recalls early song-gathering trips around West Africa with his friend and collaborator Mansour Seck, his formal musical training in Paris, the powerful voice of Senegalese singer Sory Kandia Kouyaté, and meeting Nelson Mandela.

Producer: Edwina Pitman

Available now

43 minutes

Last on

Mon 8 May 2023 14:15

Broadcasts

  • Sat 6 May 2023 19:15
  • Mon 8 May 2023 14:15

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