BREAKING: Bissap Baobab, the iconic live music venue at 2243 Mission St. in San Francisco, will close its doors for the final time on December 28, 2023. Owner Marco Senghor announced the heartbreaking news via social media, stating that the venue is actively searching for a new location.
“This decision has been incredibly emotional,” Senghor wrote, emphasizing that Bissap Baobab is “NOT done.” After 28 years of serving the community with vibrant West African cuisine and live performances, the beloved establishment faces financial pressures that have made sustaining its large space increasingly difficult.
As the community reacts to this urgent news, Senghor recalls the countless memories created within the venue’s walls. “These walls have witnessed weddings, birthdays, revolutions, breakups, makeups, miracles, and thousands of nights where cultures blended like spices in a Ceebu Jen pot,” he reflected, referencing Senegal’s traditional dish.
In a show of gratitude and community spirit, Bissap Baobab will host a farewell party on December 20, 2023. Senghor also invites patrons to join “Baobab Flying Night” every Saturday at Muddy Waters Coffee & Lounge at the intersection of Valencia and 16th streets.
Bissap Baobab has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a tumultuous legal battle that resulted in Senghor receiving probation after a federal investigation into his citizenship. Despite these hurdles, the venue has remained a cornerstone of cultural celebration in the Bay Area.
Senghor’s announcement emphasizes the venue’s resilience: “We are searching, listening, and trusting that the Universe is already whispering our next address. Wherever we land, the drums will follow, and so will the Ceebu Jen.” The urgency of this closing reflects broader struggles faced by local businesses in the current economic climate.
Community members are encouraged to support the venue during this transition and to stay updated on its future. As Bissap Baobab prepares to close, the community is urged to share their memories and experiences, ensuring that the legacy of this cherished location continues.
For those interested in the latest updates and events, sign up for our free daily newsletter. As the clock ticks down to December 28, the future of Bissap Baobab remains uncertain but hopeful. Stay tuned for developments as the search for a new home continues.
