I tried Byredo Bal d’Afrique soon after Now Smell This posted the announcement of its release: “Byredo has launched Bal d’Afrique, a new fragrance inspired by ‘ Paris of 1920′s, balls of Saint Germain and the style of Josephine Baker ‘….”* In its marketing materials, Byredo mentioned not only Baker but “African…music and dance, excess and euphoria” as inspirations. Thinking of “Paris” and “balls” and La Baker, I put on some Bal d’Afrique and a top hat, took off my clothes, played Josephine’s Le Marchand de Bonheur at high volume and did my own version of the ‘banana dance‘ around my living room. (A rite of spring? A folly? Un rêve? You decide — my cats and neighbors aren’t talking.)
Bal d’Afrique was developed by perfumer Jerome Epinette and contains lemon, neroli, African marigold, cyclamen, vetiver, jasmine, violet, bucchu, cedar, black amber, and musk. Bal d’Afrique’s aromatics dance begins with neroli, lemon, a smidgen of marigold, and a punch of “raw” cedar (aimed at the nostrils, emanating from the armpits). The cyclamen note (I assume) provides a touch of clean “water” to the “sweaty” cedar and leads to Bal d’Afrique’s amber-y, musk-y dry-down. Vetiver “jitters” from one phase of Bal d’Afrique to the next and keeps the composition buoyant. Bal d’Afrique is rich, but not heavy; it’s warm without being stifling. Bal d’Afrique smells sexy but it doesn’t take sexiness too seriously; there’s something fun about the fragrance (mood-wise, it reminds me of Les Eaux Armani Privé Vétiver Babylone). Bal d’Afrique can certainly be worn by men or women, and it has good lasting power.
Josephine Baker was born 103 years ago today. Bal d’Afrique’s uncomplicated and light-hearted sexiness is very “Josephine Baker” in style. (Whether dressed up in a couture gown or topless in a skirt made of faux bananas, Baker always seemed at ease: “I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on.”) For all of you who are unfamiliar with Baker, her recordings are numerous and her early French films are available on DVD: Siren of the Tropics (1927), Zouzou (1934) and Princess Tam Tam (1935).
Byredo Bal d’Afrique is available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum, $195; for buying information see the listing for Byredo under Perfume Houses.
* Now Smell This via firstluxe.
Note: images of Josephine Baker, left and lower right, via Wikimedia Commons.
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What a fun review Kevin. I could picture the whole scene! I have a sample of this, tried it, liked it, but then put it away and forgot about it. After your review, I will have to revisit it.
Filomena: POUR it on…don’t dab, OK?
Great and very welcome review, Kevin. I’m sure the cats are still SPEECHLESS.
My sample of this should arrive any day now, and I can’t wait. This sounds more wearable than Pulp, which I nonetheless enjoy.
I saw a great documentary about Baker many years ago; it may be the one called “Chasing a Rainbow.” This is MY idea of a “celebrity scent”, if you could call it that!
JOE: yes, I prefer “celebrity” scents of this type too. I like lots of the Byredo perfumes…still dreaming their success leads to 50 ml bottles.
I would LOVE to see them have smaller bottles. I want to get Pulp, but it’s so strong that even a 50 ml bottle would probably survive longer than me!
Jirish: Pulp is a powerhouse…30ml would last forever.
jirish —we’re getting a bottle of Pulp, you want some?
I’m in – just sent you an email.
Kevin, you sound like such a fun guy! You didn’t have any trouble with that top hat falling off, did you?
I do admire Miss Baker, but the notes for this one didn’t appeal to me when I first heard of it, and after reading your (terrific) review, they still don’t. I’m sure you’re having fun with it, though.
Mals: top hat stays in place…I have a big head! And people who don’t like musky/cedary didn’t like this on me.
Dang. I see I should have poured it on rather than spritzed lightly. I agree w/your comparison to the Armani. The one I’m really lusting for is Chembur, but honestly, do I *need* another incensey scent?
March: I’m certainly sure you don’t need 100 ml of another incense perfume! I guess I need to get off mine arse and find a split of Pulp…I’ve been craving that since first sniff.
Speaking of Pulp, this morning at the supermarket I considered replacing my recently-finished Dawn Citrus Kick Foam Direct, but I went with Mrs. Meyer’s Basil instead after all the buzz about it here recently. I wouldn’t mind a decant of the Pulp myself. You know there’s someone in Brooklyn you can contact about that. HA!
Joe: Yikes…did C end up with a whole bottle???? His finds amaze me….
No full bottle. I’m still living off the pre launch offered from sniffapolooza. Think it was 15 or 20 ml? I can’t wait to try Bal d’Afrique though.
C: tell me what you think when you smell Bd’Afrique.
Joe – I’m curious to hear what you think of the Mrs. Meyer’s Basil?
There must be splits of Pulp out there. Who needs an entire bottle of Pulp? Seems to me 5ml of Pulp would be all the Pulp for a lifetime…. have you ever noticed how weird the word Pulp looks if you type it over and over?
March: Imagine the first day I wore PuLp and, thinking “citrus,” sprayed on about 8 sprays!!!!!!! That shirt of mine still smells of pUlP months later (it’s been washed twice)!
suffering from allergies right now, all i can think of is pollen when i read all those floral notes. the cedar appeals to me tho.
Rictor: there IS a touch of pollen in the opening…maybe the marigold….
This review brightened my depressing day.
Will have to try the fragrance. Nice to be able to add another to the already long list of need-to-haves. 
Miss K: if you’re like me, the list eventually gets so long you either forget half the things on it…or don’t care anymore! HA!
fun review! I have to try this one now…maybe some of Miss Baker’s glamor will rub off on me. Happy Birthday, Josephine!
Suzanne: thanks…and hope you start high-kicking when you spray on Bal d’Afrique!
I tried Bal d’Afrique in store and was not that impressed, especially at Byredo prices. It smelled like watery incense to me & not very memorable.
Kess: Byredo could have sold me at least three bottles of fragrance…IF they came in 50 ml. I refuse the $200 prices.
Very fun review!
Being the gutter girl I am I had to laugh at the idea of a man doing a banana dance – with a built-in banana! lol
Don’t think I need to try the scent, my list is already so freakin’ long.
Tama: putting limits on The List: EXCELLENT IDEA!
This sounds quite interesting, and I enjoyed the Josephine Baker info. I hope your cats have recovered!
Jill: HA! Right now the cats are only interested in bird dances…and hatching chicks (both felines are inside to prevent bloodshed of my feathered friends)
Ah the birdy-buddies around here are wise to my cats….but the ground moles can’t seem to get a clue! We’ve found so many perfect but dead moles on the back step, we’ve begun calling it the “daily mole” —I seriously think they are “scared to death” as there is never a mark on them.
LOL great review Kevin and I have to note (this is totally randomn) that I’ve noticed that many people on this site seem to be cat owners/cat lovers. I’m thinking I must be the only person here who has a cat and hates cats! Seriously if she happened to get run over tomorrow I’d be hard pressed to keep in a celebratory cheer. Yes, yes, I’m a mean little man.
Okay…I find Pulp to be interesting in a squishy, green stem, oops I just mowed over a tropical plant sort of way. There do not appear to be any splits available on scentwiki.
SO IF YOU ALL REALLY WANT TO SPLIT UP A BOTTLE SPEAK UP AND WE CAN ARRANGE SOMETHING…
Okay you all—I have just placed a listing at scentsplits for Byredo Pulp. Let me know.
Daisy, I think you and Carlos should get together to meet all our split/decant needs. I hope you know I mean that in an affectionate way.
Note to all Pulp lovers: Lady Rhubarb by DL & Co is very delicious in a similar vein.
Joe: I’ll have to get a sample of Lady Rhubarb…I’ve only tried the candles from that line.
Well, that would be convenient, now wouldn’t it? Carlos and I have different tastes so between the two of us we should have you all pretty well covered! Hey, if I can get , say 5 people, I’ll order it today
“Itchy finger hovering over the ‘buy’ button.” Go ahead, make her day.
Five people? I thought 10ml would last twenty years? You know I’m always in for ten! HA.
okay…notepad right next to the computer…10ml will last a loooong time…I put on ONE tiny drop from my sample and wahhooo! Good stuff though green, fruity, powerful !
BTW –that mean woman in Maryland finally sent me that bottle of Serge Lutens—however she took a hammer to it first! nice, huh?
You’re kidding? A hammer? As in “oops, I guess the Clair de Musc broke in shipping… sorry!”. Karma will get her… she’ll develop a severe allergy to perfumer’s alcohol.
Thanks, Daisy!
I forgot to mention that my email Daisyloo82 at gmail.com
Sorry, Kevin, I’m really not trying to turn your post/blog into a scentsplits extension —it’s just that 5 people mentioned wanting some (not counting me) ….and I’m just so darn helpful
oops, can’t count —march was sympathizing w/you not looking for split for herself—that’s okay. Someone needs to make this available in less than 100 whopping mls
I love this review! I don’t have any Bal d’Afrique handy, but I just might grab a bowl of fruit tonight and do my own dance in honor of La Baker. The curtains will definitely stay closed.
Angela: it’s a perfect day to do ‘the dance’…it’s HOT in Seattle so I bet you’re scalding down Portland way!
no dancing here in Michigan today, you’d freeze your banana right off.
Kevin your posts never fail to crack me up – banana dance – nice! If our pets could talk we’d all be in serious troubles!
I have some troubles with cedar so this one may not fall on my list any time soon, but it is fun to read about it! And it sounds very inspirational!
And Daisy…it is freezing here too in PA – I wore SSS Rose Musc to bed last night trying to keep warm! Nothing worse than a cold spring. No banana dancing today unless it is with a lined slicker.
I’m not sure if I have difficulties with cedar but I was filled with enthusiasm until I saw ” aimed at the nostrils, emanating from the armpits ” …..which kind nipped that one right in the bud (or banana ,as the case may be)
Maybe we can do a fragrance showdown between L’Air du Rien and Bal d’Afrique to see which one crushes the nostrils more: stinky socks or armpits, lol.
I’m all ‘atingle’ with anticipation!
(ackk!)
I was sitting here trying to decide which was worse…stinky socks or armpits…… and then I realized that, well, ….I’m sitting here debating stinky socks and armpits! Good Lord ! I need to go do something else for a while!
Ann/Daisy: envy you the COOOOOL. And if you dislike cedar/a touch of body odor…Bal d’Afrique will be a “skip.”
Kevin- I would gladly share some of the cool with you…but you have to take some of the windy and wet as well. It’s just so hard to do gardening/weeding (that is getting out of control in a big way) when you have to wear a sweatshirt and a coat! Can’t pull tiny weeds with gloves thick enough to keep my fingers from turning to ice. (finger-cicles…not good) I seriously have 3 blankets on the bed and I’ve tried to convince the cats to sleep on me like warm furry blankets….brrrrrr
and yeah, I’ll skip this one –the B.O. aspect is not for me. But now I’m curious about Byredo Green, which I missed somehow!
Daisy: good grief! Where do you live again? I WILL take winds and rain, especially RAIN…since all is parched here and the garden watering is non-stop!
Easy to find my area—just look for the coldest, wettest, windiest spot on the weather map!! (about an hour NW of Detroit) Actually the sun is showing it’s face here this afternoon so I’m going to don some (more) fleece and go spray that rogue trumpet vine with some round-up —-my neighbor has been particularly annoying lately so maybe I can encourage the mutant vines to head toward his yard! (ohh, I’m mean on the inside!)
I should probably qualify my whining by mentioning that temps in the 50′s freeze my hiney off. I’m a bonafide, card-carrying Pansy.
yup, it’s true.
Kevin: Dry? WHAT is going on? Parched and sizzling in the PacNW, still freezing in the Upper Midwest, and chilly and gray on the Central Calif coast? World turned upside down.
The world’s turned upside down?? Egad, then it’s a good thing that the World sucks, or we’d all fall off….
It is raining cats and dogs here now….I lived in PDX a few years back when it was bone dry. Kind of changed my mind about the soggy Pacific NW…..I say if you want rain you can live in boring old Ohio, PA, Michigan (apparently!)….it snowed on June 1 in upstate NY….. Thank goodness for great fragrances to distract and entertain!
I’ve been lurking on the site for a while and am a big fan of the site and this is my first comment.
After picking through the first five Byredos at Barneys and wondering around looking at clothes that I couldn’t afford, I wasn’t convinced by Gypsy Water, which they were pushing pretty hard, and instead I chose Rose Noir. I’ve been impressed by its bright tones that fade into a musky, dirty rose. Great stuff.
Your review of Bal D’Afrique makes me want to give this one a go, which unfortunately they didn’t have when I was there last. Review ‘Fantastic Man’ if you have a sample. That one also has me intrigued.
Tazzie…welcome to Comment Land! I have some Fantastic Man headed my way…and I see an even newer, “snow” Byredo scent is about to debut.
Really? Where did you hear about Snow? Bal d’Afrique is pretty and fun, but at first I thought it was subtle, then splashed it on with abandon and it became too sweet for me. I would have preferred more armpit! The nice people at Les Senteurs gave me a sample of Fantastic Man, and it IS fantastic. It smells very gentlemanly at first, with a nice touch of anise, but the drydown is woody and spicy gorgeousness. I’d buy FM immediately if it were available in 30ml!
Farah: sorry…the new Byredo is BLANCHE, not snow!
I bet they would sell so much more if they sold smaller bottles.
maitreyi: one would think…but since no one ever can find out what sells best WHERE and HOW we’ll never know!
Kevin, I want to thank you for the top hat-banana dance mental image. It did wonders for my post-workday crabbiness! My cats and I wish we’d been there.
This fragrance sounds interesting. All the notes sound tempting (I’m always looking for marigold, for example!), EXCEPT for the armpits.
LOL the armpit was the best bit for me! How’s the Champaca going, Haunani?
Haunani: well, think “armpit-lite” if that helps? HA! (The armpit DOES clean up as the fragrance dries down)
Wonderful, funny review!!!! I tested Bal D’ Afrique a few days ago, wonderful on my skin, I almost bought a bottle on the spot, until I realized that it reminds me A LOT of some other perfume I already own: Vetiver Tonka by Hermes.
Merchella: oh…I’ll have to compare them side by side…I have a sample of VT but have never worn that fragrance.
So what we really want to know is did you end up doing the banana dance?
I just came across this today when I was in Hamburg. I got a nice spray sample made by the associate, and tried it on my skin about 4 hours ago. I rather like it. I also wish it came in a 50 or even 30ml size.