Youssou N'Dour - Real World Records N'Dour was born in the Medina, the very heart of Dakar, in October 1959. One of a long line of Tukulor griots, N'Dour had grown up.The man who represented senegambian music culture Internationally.
About Youssou Ndour
Youssou Ndour is a renowned Senegalese musician, producer, and former politician, celebrated for blending traditional Senegalese music with global influences to create the popular genre mbalax.After singing with local bands like Star Band, he formed his own orchestra, Super Etoile de Dakar, in 1981, gaining international fame through collaborations and his hit song "7 Seconds" with Neneh Cherry. More About Him On WikipediaHis career also includes activism, cultural initiatives like the Youssou N'Dour Foundation, and a term as Senegal's Minister of Tourism.
Youssou's Background And Early Life
Background and Early LifeBirth: Youssou Ndour was born on October 1, 1959, in Dakar, Senegal. Musical Beginnings: He began playing and performing music in his early teens and, by his early 20s, had joined and later founded prominent musical groups like The Star Band and Super Etoile de Dakar.
Aims and Objective
Cultural Preservation & Fusion: Ndour aimed to blend traditional Senegambian rhythms with electronic and global music styles to create mbalax, a distinctive sound that he helped define and popularize. Social & Political Advocacy: As a "modern griot," he used his music and public platform to address social issues, such as human rights, and to promote pan-African causes. Mentorship and Empowerment: He sought to inspire and support African youth, encouraging them to believe in themselves and the future of their continent.
Youssou Ndour Achievements
Musical Innovations: He is credited with defining and popularizing the mbalax genre, a fusion of traditional music with rock and pop, and he was named "African Artist of the Century".International Success: His 1994 collaboration with Neneh Cherry, "7 Seconds,"7 Seconds Songbrought him global fame, and his album "Egypt" won a Grammy for Best World Music Album. Philanthropy and Business: Ndour established a foundation to support children's rights and sustainable development, and he also built a successful business empire including a nightclub, recording studio, record label, and radio station. Political Involvement: He served as Senegal's Minister of Culture and Tourism from 2012 to 2013 and has organized numerous benefit concerts for humanitarian causes and political figures like Nelson Mandela.
Impact On Mbalax And Wolof Culture
Revolutionizing Mbalax: Ndour's group Super Etoile de Dakar was instrumental in solidifying the mbalax sound, incorporating modern electronic elements into traditional rhythms, which became a key part of the genre's evolution. Vocal Prowess and Lyrical Content: His exceptional vocal talent and lyrics, often incorporating Islamic themes and social commentary, elevated mbalax and connected it to a broader Senegalese and global audience. Global Ambassador: By taking mbalax to the international stage and incorporating diverse influences into his music, Ndour helped establish the genre as a global force and showcase Senegal's rich musical heritage.