Baaba Maal rivals the star status of the world-famous Youssou N'Dour in his native Senegal. Although he was not born in the caste of 'griots' that produces singers and storytellers, Maal decided to make music his profession early on. He absorbed the traditional regional African music but also listened to the R&B, soul, jazz and blues played on the radio. After studying at the conservatory in
… Dakar, Maal was awarded a grant to continue studying in Paris. After returning to Senegal in 1984, Maal founded the band Dande Lenol, which mixes traditional African music with pop and reggae elements and uses electric instruments. Maal sings (because of his high singing voice his nickname is 'the nightingale') and plays the guitar. His latest album Jombaajo contains compelling and melodic music. (SvdP)more