Mouhamadou Bamba by Orchestra Baobab (Baobab-Gouye-Gui de Dakar)

In 1993, twelve years after its first release in Senegal, Sterns released the 3rd CD in its 'African Classics' series: “Bamba” by Orchestra Baobab. It pulled together tracks from two seminal albums by this iconic group, and has remained a consistent and well-deserved 'best-seller' ever since.

Now almost forty years after its first release and in partnership with a rejuvinated Syllart Records, Sterns are proud to present one of those albums, “Mouhamadou Bamba” as a limited edition 180 gram heavyweight vinyl, in its original sequence, specially remastered and with its own unique artwork.

“Mouhamadou Bamba” is a masterpiece. Under the musical direction of saxophonist Issa Cissoko, whose understated jazzy horn arrangements run throughout the album, along with guitarist Barthélemy Attisso, whose hypnotic, virtuoso solos are an outstanding feature, the album was recorded at the 'Golden Baobab' studio in Dakar and produced there by a young Ibrahima Sylla.

The use of the Baobab, both in name and imagery, highlighted the group's awareness of traditional Senegalese values when combined with those from outside, in this case with the Afro-Cuban music which had become so popular during the 1960s and 70s. Here montuno guitar patterns combine with Wolof vocals, and all are subtly married to the rhythms of Cuban son and other boleros.

The title track features the soulful and hauntingly beautiful voice of a young Thione Seck, singing in honour of Cheikh Mahamadou Bamba, a Senegalese relegious leader and founder of the Mouride brotherhood of Islam. It became one of Baobab's biggest ever hits.

Mahamadou Bamba, a genuine and justly deserved classic album, now officially available on vinyl for the first time in almost 40 years.

African and Brazilian music specialists since 1983.

First British record label to release recordings by Salif Keita, Youssou N'Dour, and Franco & OK Jazz.

Dedicated to bringing to the world the sublime music of Africa and its diaspora.

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