Baaba Maal (born June 13, 1953) is a Senegalese singer and guitarist born in Podor, on the Senegal River. In addition to acoustic guitar, he also plays percussion. He has released several albums, both for independent and major labels. In July 2003, he was appointed UNDP Youth Envoy. [1]Maal mainly sings in Pulaar[2] and promotes the traditions of the Pulaar-speaking peoples, who live on either side of the Senegal River in the former Senegalese kingdom of Fouta Tooro.