The Baobab, or tree of life, is native to Africa and has a broad trunk and long, root-like branches growing into the air.
For generations, it has been vital to African culture and tradition, a hub for the community to gather, share problems, and heal collectively. In 1998, Marco Senghor, who came from Senegal to San Francisco, planted his first Baobab in the Mission.
Little Baobab, a small, quirky restaurant and nightclub on 19th between Mission and Capp streets—marked by its blue and yellow facade, Caribbean fare, hibiscus juice cocktails, and eclectic fusion of music—created a hot, vibrant box of dancing fun that drew a line out the door on a weekly basis.
According to Senghor, it gained its reputation in part due to acclaimed San Francisco poet, musician, and composer Michael Franti’s affinity for Senghor’s restaurant.
“After signing lease for the place, in walked Michael Franti, barefoot as he always was, telling me he liked the place and would be back with his friends,” said Senghor, as he reminisced about the early days of his establishment. “He definitely put the place on the map.”
In 2000 Franti recorded a solo album titled “Live at the Baobab”.
Over the years it blossomed into a home for African, Latino and world music events and fundraisers, becoming the community space Senghor envisioned.
Walter Vela, also known as “DJ Walt Digz,” has hosted a weekly Cuban salsa party at Little Baobab for a decade and said: “It’s not like other clubs, where it’s all about the bottom line. At Baobab it’s about being a platform for the African Diaspora community.”
On May 10, at 10:30 a.m., Senghor received a phone call notifying him of a fire at Little Baobab.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department’s incident report, the fire originated in the restaurant’s kitchen.
“The fire marshall said that the fire was related to a pan of oil that was left on the stove, that started up on it’s own, or to an old rice cooker that was left plugged in overnight,” said Senghor. He personally believes that the fire could have been caused by both lack of maintenance of the building and the rice cooker being left plugged in.
“The City stepped in and said that we had to make all these changes, to get the space up to code, before reopening,” said Senghor. “I am now trying to work with the landlord to determine what will happen to Baobab, but not much has happened since May.”
In an email to El Tecolote, landlord Joelle Calton said: “I don’t really have any insight [on the space]. The insurance companies are on it, as well as the contractors and the like. I am optimistic that it will all work out but is in the hands of professionals now.”
Currently, Little Baobab is closed, and boarded up with colorful pieces of wood covering the windows. Since the incident, the business is run out of Bollyhood, located next door.
Senghor would like to re-open in its original location, but recognizes that the Mission District is in flux. He is looking towards Oakland.
“Maybe it’s time to help build the community there,” he said. “Wherever I go, I take the spirit of the Baobab within me.”