With over 20 albums, Baaba Maal has made an undeniable impact in music. On his latest project, Television, this Senegalese musician has come together with a variety of world musicians to draw attention to pressing social issues. From environmental protection to women’s rights, Television emphasizes the power of progress through technology.

AfriPOP!: Your newest album, Television, is a multilingual and multicultural album. Was that decision more about the music itself, or was your goal to connect to a wider audience?

It was both. When I first thought about doing this kind of album, I told my recording company that I needed to make a connection between myself and other musicians, a connection between what I usually play and what they can bring to my music. I also wanted to bring it back home to people who already connect to me. So that they can experience a different level of music.

AfriPOP!: For this album, your inspiration was television and the power it has to affect change, particularly in Africa. How do you see it as being a powerful tool for change?

I know that most leaders, when they arrive in Africa, the first thing they do is assert control on communication, primarily through television. But lately, I think some people are aware about having their own businesses, so you see more private television. So when the national television says one thing, you can say another. If we ever get the chance to control programming, and to know exactly how to educate people, I think television can be – its not yet – but I think it can be something really positive in Africa. It can be an instrument to give information to people, to fascinate people and still educate them. Africa is about the culture, but its also the colors, and pictures, and movement. All of that goes hand in hand with television.

AfriPOP!: Speaking of color, the music video for your first single is very colorful and vibrant. If you think of the music videos that are currently on television now, especially here in the States, they’re not really like that. Why did you choose to go in that direction?

I want people to know that we can have access to technology as well, to put in our ideas, culture, and way of thinking. The music is not just to entertain people and get them to dance. At the same time, especially in Africa, they think “how did he make that” or “what was he trying to say”. So it’s an opportunity for people to talk. It also lets them know that an African artist can use technology and do something great. I want people to know that technology and education are the key to making change in Africa.

AfriPOP!: Those are definitely some of the messages that comes across in your album. But what else are you trying to get across to people?

Every song on album has a meaning. Television is technology and communication so it’s about education and how we can use television to educate. When you hear “A Song for Women,” it’s about opening the minds of leaders to support women in Africa and to give them the opportunity to have a voice. It’s changing things. They say what they need, what they want for their children. Now people are starting to listen to them. That’s important, because they too can bring change. In “Dakar Moon,” I’m talking about something very romantic – the moon and the stars. But it’s also connected to the environment. If we support the fight to protect the environment, all the beauty of Africa can be preserved. It’s a beautiful continent, but we have to take care of it. There’s global warming and people are cutting down the trees. Music is for people to enjoy, but also to convey a message.

AfriPOP!: As you travel around the world, are audiences being receptive to your message and making efforts toward change?

Yeah, a lot of organizations have asked me to speak or to perform, to show people that this is what’s going on. They start to understand that, when it comes to Africa, politicians can say anything. But they should also use music. Through music, the message arrives much easier to the people.

AfriPOP!: A lot of the issues that you speak about are happening in different parts of the world. So what are some of the universal things that you would want people to do?

Well, this is why technology is important, in terms of connecting and exchanging experiences. Sometimes experiences in Africa can help people in communities in the States. Maybe musicians in the States can see how music is used in Africa, and it can give them some ideas as to how to use the music in their communities. That is why I respect groups like The Roots. I went to their studio and saw everyone coming and going. It’s very much like a family. When it comes to music, they always talk about issues and solutions. This is something that I want people to share. We can share experiences with the rest of the world, and the rest of the world can share experiences with Africa.

AfriPOP!: Definitely. Any future events you want to share with AfriPOP! readers?

I am participating in a festival in December called “The Blues of the River.” It takes place in Senegal. If you have any chance to come visit Africa, we would love to have you.

Learn about the Your Media is the Future project, an online interactive art piece that maps out global media consumption by time and location.

http://www.yourmediaisthefuture.tv

http://www.baabamaal.tv/