Date(s): 28th - 30th January 2012

Venue: Celtic Connections, The Sage, The Barbican

Described as one of the world's great live acts by the Guardian. After three years away the mighty Orchestra Baobab are making a long awaited return to the UK to play a handful of live dates in January 2012. One of the defining acts in contemporary African music, Orchestra Baobab, first formed in 1970, fused Senegal’s formerly predominant Afro-Cuban sounds with Congolese rumba, Ghanaian high life, griot singing and other local styles.

Originally the house band at Dakar’s hottest nightspot the Baobab Club, they attained huge popularity, paving the way for such stellar compatriots as Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal. Subsequent rediscovery by Western world music audiences prompted their triumphant reformation in 2001, since when their latest album, 2007’s Made in Dakar, has won widespread critical reviews.

With their classic 70s line-up almost intact, the band are playing better than ever, still generating the same level of enthusiasm and excitement that has been their trademark for many years. Featuring the hypnotic melodies of virtuoso guitarist Barthélemy Attisso, Issa Cissoko’s distinctive tenor saxophone, and the voices of four lead singers, Orchestra Baobab’s unique take on the Afro-Latin sound is as essential as it ever was.

28 January - Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow
29 January – The Sage, Gateshead
30 January – The Barbican, London

For more information on Orchestra Baobab visit their website.