Africano

I have spent some time comparing this fragrance with the original.
- To make this short, almost identical SCENT as Bal D'Afrique, but missing the "perfumey" nature of the original. The citrus notes in opening of original fades very quickly (30 mins), but last much longer in this (90-120 mins) and I like that! Also, I think that AF did a good job matching whatever musks they use in Bal D'Afrique. There is a very unique musk note in Bal D'Afrique which I have not smelled in any other fragrance, and Africano has that same effect on me. However, I do feel that some of the magic from the original is found in the "perfumey and aromatic" nature that is not present in Africano. While Africano is very good, this is one where I will just have to buy the original. (Compare AF's Apple Crumb to PDM Oajan to see, to my nose, an exact clone match)
- There are many clones out there for various fragrances and some come VERY close to what they are trying to clone. I have began to notice a common "feature" that clones higher oil concentration and I think that is sometimes an issue when perfecting a match from clone to original. The clones companies advertise the higher oil-to-alcohol ratio as providing more longevity, which I do agree with, but I feel that sometimes that causes an issue creating an exact match.
- If you want the DNA to see if you would like to buy the original in the future, then get this and see if you like it. I think you will. It's a wonderful scent.

I don’t understand what all the hype is about. Alexandria did a 95% close to the original. However the performance of the original is dismal. At retail it’s an absolute ripoff. The scent is close. It’s strictly a skin scent. That said, it it fades quick.. if you like the scent, bring a decant with you for frequent refreshes.

Bought a 5ml sample. Hugely disappointing! Settles down into a generic whiff of sweet vanilla essence or similar. For 55ml - it's USD 69! I have NOT tried the original. I would NOT take this for free even! Not even worth using as a bathroom freshener.
Sorry, Hany!

I gifted a really good friend of mine this fragrance..

I Have a sample of the BDA and wanted to compare it to Africano. Africano wins! I wore it today in the 93-degree Houston Tx sun and it held beyond imagination. The more i sweat, the more it projected. I was in the store with my girl, she was on another and she said she overheard some women saying that guy smell good on the other isle. My girl said she followed my scent trail to where i was. I only used 3 sprays from the 10ml traveler for these results. 6 hours later and the scent is just starting to fade.