[1] Maal sings primarily in Pulaar[2] and promotes the traditions of the Pulaar-speaking people, who live on either side of the Senegal River in the ancient Senegalese kingdom of Futa Tooro.

However, under the influence of his lifelong friend and family gawlo, blind guitarist Mansour Seck, Maal devoted himself to learning music from his mother and his school's headmaster.

[3] After returning to Senegal, Maal studied traditional music with Mansour Seck and began performing with the band Daande Lenol.

In 2002, Maal again worked with the Red Hot Organization, recording "No Agreement" alongside Res, Tony Allen, Ray Lema, Positive Black Soul and Archie Shepp; as well as "Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am" alongside Taj Mahal and featuring Kaouding Cissoko and Antibalas, for the tribute album to Fela Kuti, Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti.

[5] Maal's 11th studio album, The Traveller, recorded with Johan Hugo from the Very Best and Winston Marshall (Mumford & Sons), was released via Palm and Marathon Artists[6] The lead singles, "Fulani Rock" and "Gilli Men", received critical acclaim.

[9] In 1998 Maal was honoured by the Dutch-based Prince Claus Fund, which rewards people who have a progressive and contemporary approach to the themes of culture and development.

"[11][12] The two musicians rejoined each other to collaborate on the score for the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, including Maal doing a brief cameo in the film itself as a funeral singer.

"[15] Early in his career, Baab Maal advocated disease prevention and poverty relief in Africa, with his songs often reflecting the social and health challenges of the continent.

NANN-K's mission is to assist people from Senegal and other African countries in pursuing agricultural careers, including farming, animal husbandry, and fishing.