Youssou N'Dour; born 1 October 1959 is a Senegalese singer, percussionist and occasional actor. In 2004, Rolling Stone described him as, in Senegal and much of Africa, "perhaps the most famous singer alive." He helped develop a style of popular music in Senegal, known in the Serer language as mbalax.
He is the subject of the award-winning films Return to Goree directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud and Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, which were released theatrically around the world.
Youssou N'Dour was born in Dakar. He began performing at the age of 12. He is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history. A renowned singer, songwriter, and composer, Youssou's mix of traditional Senegalese mbalax with eclectic influences ranging from Cuban samba to hip hop, jazz, and soul has won him an international fan base of millions.
In the West, Youssou has collaborated with musicians Peter Gabriel, Sting, Neneh Cherry, Wyclef Jean, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Dido and others. In Senegal, Youssou is a powerful cultural icon actively involved in social issues.
Listen to one of my favourite songs ever!
Youssou N'Dour and Rokia Traoré Birima "Africa Live: Roll back Malaria" Geneva, 2005
