Byredo Bal d'Afrique Absolu was launched in 2025, a more potent version of the iconic original. The original was created by Jerome Epinette as a tribute 1920s Paris - Saint Germain, Josephine Baker, African culture. The absolu has notes of blackcurrant, bergamot, lemon, praline, musk, violet, black amber, cedarwood and vetiver.
From the brand - "Inspired by founder Ben Gorham's personal connection to Africa, particularly his father's experiences traveling and living there, Ben Gorham crafted Bal d’Afrique as both an imaginary journey and a celebration of Africa's rich cultural impact on dance, art, and music. Intensifying the gourmand aspect of Bal d’Afrique, this reimagined composition heightens the contrast between vibrant lightness and addictive depth, offering a richer, more addictive experience. Notes of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant offer a bold vibrance, melting into the sweetness of praline, musks, and violet, and finishing on a dramatic base of cedar, vetiver, and warm black amber."
Founded in 2006 in Sweden Byredo perfume's creator Ben Gorham (former basketball player) wanted to create perfumes of quality while keeping their production in Sweden. Gorham had been fascinated with fragrance much of his life. When he meet Pierre Wulff, a perfumer, Byredo came into being. Currently Gorham works with Olivia Giacobetti and Jerome Epinette to create his line of perfumes.
Fragrantica - "I love the original, and I really love this. It's deeper, richer, denser, less bright, smoother, creamy.
If you've smelled the bal dafrique shampoo/conditioner/body washes (like the ones the Intercontinental hotels have), this smells closer to that :)
Full body worthy for me, no regrets having both in my collection."
Fragrantica - "Absolute banger. If you have ever felt like the original could use a little bit of a bump in longevity and sillage, this is perfect for you. Yes, this is more "saturated" but for a scent this good? That's not a bad thing in my opinion."
Fragrantica - "I sprayed this two hours ago while shopping in an outdoor mall and have received 2 compliments in 30 minutes. I really like the original but, this one seems to have more sillage. I cannot accurately give a longevity rating but needless to say, I went back and bought it ?. The praline is not overly sweet, it’s just right. I am going to go out on a limb an say this is probably going to sell very well."
Fragrantica - "Original + baccarat rouge = absolu"
Fragrantica - "I wasn't a big fan of the original because it was kind of headache inducing for me. However, I went into Neiman Marcus the other day and saw the new Absolu verson of this and it was love at first sniff. I think the main note that I loved so much. I was a big of its sweetness and that praline note is perfect. I went home and bought it online after letting it sit. It lasted the whole day as well. The projection is insane as well."
Fragrantica - "
