Monday, April 17, 2023
Baaba Maal named UN Goodwill Ambassador
Senegalese “nightingale” assumes a new role in environmental action advocacy
Acclaimed Senegalese singer Baaba Maal has been appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, an honorary position which sees him expand on work he has already undertaken as a Land Ambassador with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The Grammy-winning “Voice of Wakanda” and recent Songlines feature star has long been committed to the eco cause, with specific regard to the climate crisis’ impact on the world’s most vulnerable. As President of the NAAN-K Trust he aided the development of solar irrigation projects in his hometown of Podor, while his powerful music continues to reflect an acute social conscience, driven by a deep sense of community spirit, most recently documented on tracks such as ‘Yerimayo Celebration’ and ‘Casamance Nights’ from his latest full-length release, Being.
Speaking about the appointment, Baaba commented: ‘Being made a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador opens up new possibilities for me… I can advise the leaders and bankers and hopefully influence their decision-making on agriculture, fishing, education, the restoration of land, the fight against desertification and the terrible impact of climate change. I can do more to give power to people who need that power to do things for themselves and not have to rely on help that often never comes… I am very happy to take on this new responsibility, to show that Africa is moving forward and will continue to do so.’
Named alongside Baaba as a fellow Land Ambassador was Malian singer, actress and environmental activist Inna Modja, who is similarly committed to reversing the perilous advance of manmade desertification, focusing on the sustainable management of natural resources.
Baaba Maal performs at the Barbican on May 30
