After a 10-year pause, Orchestra Baobab’s album ‘Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng’ was released in March of this year to a very patient and eager fanbase.

Excited by the tribute album, we wanted to learn a bit more about the Senegalese band we printed for and their record label, World Circuit Records.

Orchestra Baobab is a Senegalese group that formed back in 1970, and after disbanding for 10+ years, re-formed in 2001. They are best described by their label as a dance-band that “fus(es) Afro-Cuban rhythms and African tradition.”

Above: Orchestra Baobab, via Billboard

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Nick Gold, one of the founders and the long-time producer at World Circuit Records, was keen to get the band involved and in 1989 released an album Orchestra Baobab had recorded back in ’82. After 20+ years of running, the record label is well known for its “artist-led” approach and the world music that’s been a result.

In 2016, one of the longtime members of Orchestra Baobab, Ndiouga Dieng, passed away. To commemorate him, the band released a tribute album in March 2017 followed by an EU tour.

Above: Poster for the ‘Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng’ album

We were delighted when World Circuit Records approached us in need of merch for their artist. We created hem tags for the label, and screen printed Orchestra Baobab’s album artwork onto black t-shirts.

Above: At Primavera Sound Festival in 2016, via OkayAfrica

Orchestra Baobab has two upcoming UK shows, as part of their EU tour. We highly recommend checking them out (and cop a shirt while you’re at it!)

Monday 30 October @ KOKO, London

Tuesday 31 October @ Manchester Gorilla, Manchester

For tickets and more information, head to their site.