Balla Sidibe was a founding member of Senegalese group Orchestra Baobab and was a legendary singer, who died in Dakar. He was in his 60s. He was also a percussionist. He died in his sleep after a full day of rehearsals with his crew. According to sources, Sidibe died of a short illness and did not give any further details. Senegal’s music association expressed their grief that they have lost their father, a sage and a friend.
The Orchestra Baobab was established in the 1970s and fused Cuban rhythms, soul and jazz with traditional music from Senegal and other parts of Africa to become one of the most successful groups. World Circuit Records that captured Orchestra Baobab in one of their last sessions posted on Twitter that “We are very sad to announce that Balla Sidibé, founder member, lead singer, percussionist and composer of Orchestra Baobab passed away this morning. Balla was a giant of African music and a great gentleman. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians.”
Inputs from aljazeera