On Sunday, September 22, 2024, in the early evening, the Senegalese Navy was alerted to the presence of a canoe drifting 70 km off the coast of Dakar, containing several lifeless bodies. This announcement was widely relayed by national news channels, sparking a wave of emotion in Senegal. Every year, many young people attempt this perilous journey, but this time, the impact is more intense.
During this period, the ten musicians of Orchestra Baobab are in the middle of a recording session in their studio in Ngor, Dakar, with a view of the Atlantic. Papino Koité, a young 29-year-old singer, is alongside his father and uncle, both founding members of the group.
Deeply touched, Thierno Koité, the musical director, suggested: “Let’s write a piece for these young people. » In a few days, a new song was born. Papino Koité records the first verses, and Abib Mbaye, the manager, adds a verse. Idrissa Diop, studio owner and experienced musician, lends her unique voice to this project.
Entitled “Dèm: don’t leave”, the piece is an urgent call to young Senegalese people to reconsider their migratory choices. Thierno Koité hopes that this message will dissuade at least one young person from attempting the trip, sparing a family immeasurable pain.
Faithful to its inimitable style, Orchestra Baobab offers with “Dèm” a musical masterpiece, both moving and full of groove, resonating like a vibrant call to the heart.
