Bal d’Afrique is one of the earliest and most personal fragrances from Byredo, created by the brand’s founder and perfumer, Ben Gorham. This perfume is a love letter to Africa — its culture, its energy, and its profound influence on art, music, and dance.
The inspiration came from the diaries of Gorham’s father, who lived and traveled across Africa for over ten years. His stories of freight ship journeys, encounters with diverse people, and immersion into local traditions became the starting point for an imaginary voyage — nostalgic, poetic, and deeply emotional.
Bal d’Afrique is more than just a fragrance; it’s a fantasy filled with light, rhythm, and warmth. It expresses the idea of cultural dialogue, building a bridge between past and present, personal memories and universal beauty.