Customer Reviews

Palm World Voices: Baaba Maal [CD, DVD, Book & Map]

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This deluxe package -- a best-of CD, a DVD and a really pretty booklet, along with an ornate map of Senegal -- is a fine introduction to Baaba Maal, one of the great African pop superstars of our time. The real heart of this collection is the video disc, which includes a nice documentary that introduces Maal in the flesh, as it were, presenting the mix of sincere humility and cold calculation that his celebrity requires. Maal takes a film crew to his hometown, and even into his family compound, a humble set of stone buildings inside a walled courtyard; he explains how the Senegalese griot class -- the keepers of West African musical tradition -- initially attacked him as an interloper. Maal's social background, coming from a family of fishers, should have prevented him from performing music... and would have, had he not pursued his career regardless of their wishes... Now, of course, he is a huge star and has been embraced by the griots as a keeper of the flame and a gift from the gods... The film also discusses how Maal and his partner, Mansour Seck, researched music from other cultures and tribes, and how he has sought to widen his status to that of an "African" performer, while still maintaining their connection to their local roots. It's a fascinating portrait of an artist who is both humble and driven: his charisma and inner power burst out of every frame, even as he appears to be the slightest and most demure of men. The music disc is less gratifying, though. It begins with several lovely acoustic tunes, than quickly shifts into a slick, fusion-y "pop" mode which holds less appeal for folks like me. Still, as an overview of his career and musical philosophy, this is a perfect introduction to Maal and his brand of Senegalese music.

If you are not familiar with Baaba Maal, this is a great introduction. Likewise for moderate fans. The CD presents a decent selection of songs from over his career. The DVD includes a 40 minute documentary that starts with Baaba Maal in his hometown, an intimate look at his home and family. It also shows many bits of live performances, from huge festival appearances to small shows in African villages. Also featured are 3 performances from the Live at Royal Albert Hall concert.
Overall, a fine collection for newbies and fanatics alike!

I am African American and have spiritually connected to my African brother--I am a visual artist, and music is essential to my creative process...part of every piece I create is touched by Baaba Maal