Youssou N’Dour
Youssou N’Dour – Bringing Hope to Africa
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“My music is like a spinning ball… it can turn in one direction, and then it comes back to its origins.”
-Youssou N’Dour
The Artist:
To the people of Senegal and much of Africa, Youssou N’Dour has been described as “the most famous singer alive.” His unique blend of traditional African and modern World musical elements has spawned an entirely new genre of music in Senegal, known as mbalax, and his prolific singing voice has earned him widespread acclaim as a performer on the worldwide stage. Born in Dakar, Senegal’s largest city and capital, Youssou N’Dour was raised with a love of music. He began performing at the age of 12, and was a member of the very popular Star Band just a few years later. He has since performed with numerous ensembles, building up an incredible body of work as a composer, bandleader, singer, and producer. He has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in music from all over the world, including Wyclef Jean, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Dido and Sting. Youssou N’Dour has used his status as one of the most recognizable voices in Africa to bring global attention and resources towards solving a number of the critical problems affecting the continent. He has helped to raise money for the fight against malaria and the outbreak of HIV. In 1985, he organized a concert to show support for the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. He has been a part of three Live 8 Concerts, contributed on a benefit CD for victims of Darfur, and released the song “Wake Up (It’s Africa Calling)” under a Creative Commons license to build up funding to improve healthcare systems in Africa. Youssou N’Dour is an active member of the World Future Council, and, most recently, received an honorary doctorate in Music from Yale University. Youssou N’Dour’s story and music have inspired countless people from all over the world. His unrelenting dedication to supporting social causes and helping people proves that his heart is just as prolific as his voice. The Song:
“Meeting Youssou N’Dour, you realize right away you are in the presence of both a kind of musical royalty and a highly evolved being. He is a gentle soul, but powerful statesman – using his incredible music and undeniable spirit to bring hope and justice to the people of Africa and joy to millions of people around the world.”
– Frank Fitzpatrick
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Featured Artists: • Annie Lennox |
