Youssou N'Dour is one of the most revered musicians to emerge from Senegal and has become a cultural ambassador for African music around the globe. Born on October 1, 1959, in Dakar, N'Dour was exposed to a rich musical culture from an early age. His formidable talents as a singer were evident when he joined the popular Star Band de Dakar at age 12, and by the time he was in his twenties, he had formed his own band, Super Étoile de Dakar, which played a key role in the popularization of the energetic Senegalese music style known as mbalax.

N'Dour's music blends the traditional griot percussion and singing style with eclectic influences ranging from Cuban samba to hip hop, jazz, and soul. This has earned him an international following and collaborations with prominent artists like Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Paul Simon. Winning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album with his album "Egypt" in 2005, Youssou N'Dour has continued to explore and integrate different musical traditions in his work. His recent releases, including "History" and "Africa Rekk," demonstrate his ongoing commitment to innovation and his unique ability to address socio-political issues through music. Beyond his artistic achievements, N'Dour has also served as Senegal's Minister of Tourism and has been an influential advocate for various causes, including food security and cultural preservation.

Genres

Afropop

Mbalax

World

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Baaba Maal

Oumou Sangaré

Habib Koité

Ali Farka Touré

Rokia Traoré

Amadou & Mariam

Fatoumata Diawara

Tinariwen

Fally Ipupa

Angelique Kidjo

Seun Kuti

Latest Release

Worthy

D'banj•

Youssou N'Dour

Single - Released July 19, 2024