Orchestra Baobab at Tramway, Glasgow – Celtic Connections 2026 (review)

Orchestra Baobab brought soul, spirit and history to Tramway as part of Celtic Connections 2026. The iconic band, founded in 1970 in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has a rich and remarkable story. From being one of the most popular bands in Senegal in the 1970s to gaining renewed international acclaim in the early 2000s after re-forming, they have continued to adapt, celebrating their history while embracing the future.

You could feel the excitement within an instant of the eight-piece band walking on to the stage. We were welcomed in, made comfortable by the infectious enthusiasm from lead singer and newer member of the ensemble Alpha Dieng. The fans were dedicated dancers, a friendly, rambunctious crowd made the atmosphere unparalleled. It was wonderful to be a part of it and feel so uninhibited, encouraged to sing, dance and jump around.

Onstage there was a beautiful camaraderie between longer-serving members like saxophonist Thierno Koité, and newer performers such as Wilfrid Zinsou.  From synchronised dance moves to singalongs with the audience, the set was bubbling with joy and a genuine passion for performance. Seeing the melding of tradition and youthful energy made the night feel momentous, a testament to the journey and the history of this group of musicians.

It is no exaggeration to say their music is spellbinding. The synchronicity of the musicians and the smooth soulful sounds made the live listening experience feel like pure magic. Blending Afro-Cuban grooves with Senegalese traditions, there were upbeat dance rhythms that you couldn’t help but move and shake to, interspersed with jazz and blues melodies rich with sultry vocals and saxophone – the secret sauce to their distinctive sound. 

It was a night to remember, punctuated with pure joy and the kind of magic that can only be made when a band and crowd come together. What a pleasure to be in the audience and celebrate both the legacy and the future of the beloved Orchestra Baobab.

Find out more and listen to Orchestra Baobab

Review date: January 24th 2026