Acoustic Africa on stage

Senegalese master musician and Grammy nominee Baaba Maal embarks on a unique acoustic performance at the Wisconsin Union Theater Saturday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m.

Maal has recorded releases ranging from contemporary Afropop to expressions of traditional West African music, and he recently recorded four new songs for the soundtrack to the movie “Black Hawk Down.”

For this rare performance, Baaba Maal has selected songs from his most recent release “Missing You… Mi Yeewnii.” While his performances are usually noted for his high-energy dancing and the incredible drumming indigenous to Senegal, this tour captures “Acoustic Africa” in a more intimate presentation.

With his long-time collaborator and griot mentor, Mansour Seck, on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Kaouding Cissoko on Kora, the evening promises to be an incredible musical experience. Rounding out the ensemble is Barou Sall on Hoddu (Fulani word for a four-string African lute) and El Hadji Niang on acoustic bass.

Shibabaw’s self-titled debut album was released in September. Shibabaw performs original compositions sung in her native Amharic.

Tickets: $28 ($27 for Union Members and $13.50 for UW–Madison students), Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office, (608) 262-2201.