In September 2024, the tragic discovery of a drifting canoe with lifeless bodies off the coast of Dakar, deeply moved the people of Senegal. At this time, Orchestra Baobab was recording their new album in Ngor, a fishing village by the Atlantic. Each day, the band saw fishing canoes come and go, and knowing the dangers these young migrants faced on their way to Europe, Papino Koité felt compelled to respond. As a new generation singer of the band and son of founding member Mountaga Koité, inspired by his own family’s experiences, he proposed writing a tribute song.

The outcome is “Boulène Dème: don’t go!”, a compelling call to the youth, sung by Papino and the legendary musician Idrissa Diop, marked by the band’s signature groove and brass elements. This track emerged from the band members’ personal ties to the young people risking their lives for a better future in Europe.

Thierno Koité, the musical director of Orchestra Baobab, articulated the profound hope tied to the song, stating, “If it prevents just one of our children from leaving, it will prevent a family from losing a son, a brother, a nephew, to be torn apart by pain, distress, and sadness.”

The cover art, Bokk by Alioune Diagne, displayed at the 2024 Venice Biennale under the theme “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” visually echoes the song’s message.

You can find more info, stream and listen to the track HERE