INTERVIEW: Sengalese singer Baaba Maal returns to NYC after 8 years away
Photo: Baaba Maal will perform at the Town Hall in New York City. Photo courtesy of Adrian Boot / Provided by Cindy Byram PR with permission.
Baaba Maal’s weekend concert at the Town Hall in New York City will be historic, especially for fans of the Sengalese singer who have been hoping for his return to the Big Apple after an eight-year absence. Their dreams will become reality Saturday, May 4 when Maal takes the stage with members of his own band and the Town Hall Ensemble.
Steven Bernstein will conduct the ensemble that evening, while Maal will bring his unique style of socially-conscious music to the crowd. Perhaps there will be selections from the singer’s most recent album, 2016’s The Traveller, or other choices from his recordings over the years, many of them focused on the communities and stories of rural Africa.
Maal, who plays guitar, belongs to the semi-nomadic Fulani people, according to his official website. Although he was born in Senegal, he is a self-proclaimed wanderer, taking his music near and far.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Maal about the special New York City event. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can your fans expect at this special performance with the Town Hall Ensemble?
Something very dynamic. I love performing with big bands and orchestras. It allows me to really push hard for different sounds and bring my music to another dimension.
Do you have to change a lot about your music to adapt it for the ensemble?
Adapt, more than change, in a very exciting way. It’s a challenge, and I love that.
What is the music scene like in Senegal? Are you impressed with the musical output of the country and its musicians?
Yes, a lot of young people are really doing great things — artists like Wally Seck and a young band called Takefa. Artists are experimenting with new sounds. Music very much part of the society in Senegal and in West Africa, I can say.
Why has it taken eight years to perform in New York City again?
I have been so busy doing so many things, but mainly I wanted to wait for the right opportunity. Something different. And to perform with the Town Hall Ensemble gives me exactly that and to work with Steve Bernstein on arrangements. I am really excited about it all.
It has been three years since The Traveller. Do you have plans to record a new album?
I have been recording since The Traveller. I recorded and worked on the soundtrack of Black Panther and also with Mumford and Sons, and others, too. Making music doesn’t always have to be one whole record of your own. It can be many things, as you know. I love collaborating with people. I have a big plan, which I’m just starting on, for my new record, actually. It’s early stages, but it will be a big surprise for people — a good one, I hope.
When did you first fall in love with music?
Maybe since before I was even born! As long as I remember I have loved music. When I was young I was always near to my mother and her friends, and they loved to sing and dance, either at parties or family gatherings. And my father also was very connected to music.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Baaba Maal will perform with the Town Hall Ensemble, under the direction of Steven Bernstein, Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. at the Town Hall in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
