In April 1966, Duke Ellington appeared at the “1er Festival Mondial des Arts Nègres” in Dakar, Senegal.
It was a tour arranged by the U.S. State Departement. He was quite an honored guest and seems to have enjoyed the event fully.
He was also prominently featured in the film made to introduce the Festival to the world.
A couple of weeks ago, France Musique showcased Duke Ellington’s concert in Dakar on April 9, 1966 in its not to be missed “Les légends de jazz” program series. It is the full concert in excellent sound except for the short “Take The “A” Train” theme and the usual medley.
This is link to listen to the concert.
Members of DESS can also download it in the Ellington Archive.
A segment of the beginning of the medley is in this video clip.