Stop Press: Due to an arduous tour of Mauritania and Northern Senegal earlier this week, Baaba Maal has come down with a severe bout of the flu. He has been advised by his doctor not to travel to England.

Senegalese singer and star of the world stage Baaba Maal is a man with a mission that extends beyond his music. This is a unique opportunity to hear Baaba Maal speaking about contemporary African society and to gain an insight into some of the most pressing issues as he sees them. He is committed to the concerns of families, young people and the future of the continent, as is reflected in his role as Youth Emissary for the United Nations' Development Programme, about which he says:

"It strengthens my determination to work harder to contribute more to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged people of the African continent, especially young people, whose future is seriously threatened by illiteracy, poverty and HIV/AIDS. When I am talking about Africa, it is about how Africa will grow into the new millennium. This is why I really wanted to make music, so people can listen more to the music and the messages I am talking about."
Baaba Maal

Book through the British Museum Box Office 020 7323 8181 or online at www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
£5, concessions £3

Baaba Maal will be returning to London for a special performance at the Royal Festival Hall on 1st April 2005 with the aural and visual spectacle of his full band. This is a special project celebrating the Hayward's inspirational Africa Remix exhibition.
(For tickets: www.rfh.org.uk or 0870 2649988)