Baaba Maal (born 12 November 1953) - Senegalese singer, percussionist and guitarist. Influenced by the griot (storyteller) Mansour Seck, Maal followed a musical path. He studied in Dakar and Paris, and returned to Senegal where he worked with Seck to develop his knowledge of traditional music. Maal sings mostly in the Pulaar language, and upholds Pulaar traditions.