Baaba Maal press photo
Photo by Matthew Donaldson

Baaba Maal releases a music video for his “Freak Out” single featuring The Very Best

Baaba Maal is a visionary singer, cultural ambassador, and epic storyteller from Podor, Senegal. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Freak Out” single featuring The Very Best.

Baaba Maal – “Freak Out” video feat. The Very Best

In the song is a proverb that comes from the Fulanis: “The one who knows everything and doesn’t say anything is the wrong person. If you know, you have to share your knowledge. But the one also who knows everything and says all the things is also the one who destroyed everything. Because you should know, in your knowledge what you have to say and what you don’t have to say. It’s not everything that has to be said.”

‘Freak Out’ is a mesmerizing example of Baaba Maal’s alchemy. The song contains a blend of traditional and futuristic sounds, which has brought Baaba’s music from Senegal to Hollywood and everywhere in between. Also, “Freak Out” is taken from Baaba Maal’s forthcoming album, “Being,” set to be released via Marathon Artists on March 31st, 2023.

Baaba Maal – “Being” album

Baaba Maal - “Being” album cover art

Baaba Maal wasn’t destined to be a performer – in West African culture, the ancient griot caste traditionally produces singers and poets, and Baaba was born in 1953 in the northern Senegal town of Podor into the fisherman’s caste. Growing up surrounded by music, inspired by indigenous African music, American R&B, soul, jazz, reggae, and blues, Baaba defied expectations and became a musician, challenging the monopoly the griots had on information.

Baaba Maal

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Baaba Maal attends Marvel Studios' "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" premiere at Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
Photo by Amy Sussman/WireImage

In the 1970s, Baaba moved to Dakar, joining the 70-piece, Asly Fouta. Later, he performed with Mansour Seck. They spent some time in Paris, where they recorded the 1984 album, “Djam Leelii.” Returning to Senegal, Baaba formed the group, Daande Lenol (“The Voice of the People”) and developed a highly distinctive sound fusing traditional African instruments with an innovative electronic approach. Recently, Baaba has become renowned as the voice of Wakanda having helped Ludwig Goransson create the sound of Marvel’s Black Panther movies.

Baaba Maal – “Traveller” (Visualiser)

In 1988, Baaba Maal released “Wango,” the first in a series of acclaimed solo albums including Missing You, Lam Toro, and Baayo. In 2015, he recorded “The Traveller” for Marathon Artists with producer Johan Karlberg (The Very Best, Self Esteem) and collaborated with Mumford & Sons, reflecting his passion for adventurously blurring diverse musical forms.

We recommend adding Baaba Maal’s “Freak Out” single to your favorite African playlist. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales or other compensation.

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