Byredo launched Bal d’Afrique in 2009.
Bal d’Afrique was inspired by Ben Gorham’s interpretation of Paris’s fascination with African culture during the early twentieth century. Its stated mood combines warmth, creativity and cultural exchange, while its scent profile includes bergamot, neroli, African marigold, cedarwood, vetiver and musk.
The name means “African Ball.” Like other Byredo fragrances, it uses a concise title and a memory-based concept rather than describing a literal ingredient list. This makes it different from perfumes named directly after a single flower, spice or place.
Bal d’Afrique is often confused with Gypsy Water because both are well-known Byredo releases from the brand’s early years. They are separate fragrances: Bal d’Afrique launched in 2009, while Gypsy Water launched in 2008.