Missing You (Mi Yeewnii)

Album review

In 2001 Baaba Maal was internationally renowned as one of the most important African stars. Produced in collaboration with Chris Blackwell, who discovered Bob Marley, the Senegalese singer’s previous albums contributed to defining the great currents of world music during the nineties. He put Senegalese rap on the map, experimented with Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno and other sound adventurers. With Missing You he’s the first important African artist to go back to his acoustic roots. Produced by Englishman John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses…) this album was recorded in a mobile studio in the centre of Toucouleur village of Toubab Dialaw. With the exception of an electric bass, all instruments are acoustic: guitars, kora, hoddu, tambin, balafon and numerous percussions such as tama, sabra drums and congas. Numerous choristers, both male and female, have been used in support of the already powerful voice of Baaba Maal. The songs, composed for the occasion, take full advantage of the natural environment in which they were recorded as animal cries and atmospheres of vigils punctuate intimate ballads. And even though we can’t actually discern it, it’s obvious the public galvanised the musicians during the album’s liveliest tracks. Despite the years, this album hasn’t shown any sign of ageing and remains a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of African nights at a Peul village, animated by its brightest star. © BM/Qobuz