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Statistiques
Biographie
As a young child N’Dour was taught how to sing by his mother, and throughout his teens began performing publicly. At age 19 the singer joined the Star Band, one of Senegal’s most popular bands at the time, which, two years later, with N'Dour as leader, underwent a name change to Super E’tolle de Dakar. With a mix of influences, N’Dour helped pioneer the genre mbalax, combining the uptempo rhythms of African, Caribbean, and pop. Known for his four- or five-octave vocals the singer made his European debut in 1984, and American debut in 1985.
It wasn’t long before the talented singer earned the attention of revered artists, including Paul Simon who invited N’Dour to sing on his “Graceland” album. He later performed alongside Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Sting on the Amnesty International Human Rights Now! tour in 1988, and toured with Peter Gabriel. Despite this popularity N’Dour was yet to release an internationally distributed album, however, “The Lion” arrived in 1989, featuring the single “Shaking the Tree” co-written by Peter Gabriel.
The singer and percussionist subsequently signed with Spike Lee’s 40 Acres & Mule label and earned a Grammy nomination for his 1991 album “Eyes Open”. After producing an African opera for the Paris Opera in 1993, N’Dour released his 1994 album “The Guide” featuring the popular duet with Neneh Cherry “Seven Seconds”.
N’Dour's popularity and critical success continued into the new millennium, aided by a number of greatest hits compilations and the albums “Nothing’s In Vain” in 2002, the Grammy winning “Egypt” in 2004, “Rokku Mi Rokka” in 2007, “I Bring What I Love” in 2010, and “Fatteliku” in 2014. In 2012 N’Dour was appointed as the minister of tourism and culture in Senegal by Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye, and remains one of the most international renowned and celebrated Senegalese musicians in history.
Avis
The old phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ certainly doesn’t apply to Youssou N’Dour, a man who might well reasonably be able to claim the title of the world’s best-known Senegalese person. He’s currently the Minister of Tourism and Culture back in his home country, having taken on the role in April of 2012, but he only put himself in the position to be taken seriously as a contender for that particular job with a sparklingly successful musical career, one that began way back in the seventies. Hailing from the capital city of Dakar, N’Dour has brought the sound not only of Senegal, but of the African continent more widely to the Western world, where his unusual blend of hip hop and soul stylings, as well as traditional ones from his home country, have seen him collaborate with the likes of Neneh Cherry, Wyclef Jean, Sting, Bran van 3000 and the boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, Unsurprisingly, N’Dour’s live shows have largely tended to be diverse affairs, both musically, in terms of the songs he selects for the setlists, and instrumentally, with an expansive backing band needed to do justice to his experimental, diffuse stylistic approach. Touring is on the back burner now that he’s a government minister, but he’ll find a way back to the stage sooner rather than later, you rather suspect’ N’Dour is a born performer.
Joeg_67
Politician and musician in equal measure, Youssou N'Dour was once described as the most famous musician to come out of Senegal and this could be very true. The people certainly know him partly for the music and partly for his continued work in government. The political side of his life seems to have fuelled his music as he has always been viewed as a social commentator of sorts.
There is no doubt he is passionate when he performs and this is perhaps why he has continually been working on musical side projects even during his time in political roles. He seems so happy to take to stage and share his discography with a loyal fanbase as he demonstrates his great instrumental skills whilst they cheer below. He proudly introduces his accompanying musicians early on who help him run through a charged setlist that finishes on a high point of '7 Seconds', his huge European hit of the 1990s. An important musician with a powerful vocal and an even more powerful voice.
sean-ward
This was a rare opportunity to see a symbol of Africa bring his storytelling to the US. This was 1 of 3 shows that Youssou has scheduled in the US after many years of not bringing his music into this country. I have had the honor to see him perform 5 times and each performance has exceeded my expectation. His angelic voice has always brought me to tears. He is more than just a musician and emanates a Deity like energy on stage. Even if this is not your style of music he is a MUST SEE!
JewelConscience
It was really nice and I enjoy how Youssou Ndour blend the different cultures to satisfy everyone present. I observed also that the Europeans present were able to dance and enjoyed the music like wise the Africans .
baboucarr-ceesay
It was really a fantastic night to be remembered. Youssou ndour is one of the best musicians in the world...he has taken the African music to higher level . It was really nice concert. Keep it up youssou ndour
Swissfranc
Fabulous gig! Happy to see him live finally after being a fan for over 20 years!
The choice of mix of older and newer songs was good. The bis-part was definitely more dynamic than the first part.
christel-verhoye
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