Baaba Maal

Baaba Maal

Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and songwriter from Podor, born in 1953. He grows up in a fishing community in northern Senegal and becomes a musician rather than following the traditional role often associated with his caste background. He is known for combining West African musical traditions with contemporary sounds.

Daande Lenol and early work

Maal forms Daande Lenol, a group built around a distinctive blend of traditional African instruments and an electronic approach. His solo career begins with Wango, released in 1988, followed by albums including Missing You, Lam Toro and Baayo.

Later releases and collaborations

In 2015, he records The Traveller for Marathon Artists, an album that reflects his interest in crossing between different musical forms. In 2018, he works with composer Ludwig Goransson on the soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther. He is also featured in the 2022 sequel Wakanda Forever, and is associated with the role of the Voice of Wakanda.