BBC - Radio 3 - Awards for World Music

YOUSSOU N'DOUR (SENEGAL)

Full track details

Senegal has produced more than its fair share of international stars, but there is one that has shone more brightly than any other for more than two decades. Youssou N'Dour is by far the best known Senegalese musician of his generation, and is described by The Rough Guide to World Music as 'The single most notable personality to emerge from the whole World Music phenomenon'.

Despite opposition from his father, it did seem he was born to sing. His mother came from a line of griots and he was blessed with an extraordinary soaring voice, which he began to use to great effect while still a child, singing at circumcision ceremonies. At 16, he was 'headhunted' by the Star Band then Senegal's top group and a stint with the sublime Etoile de Dakar followed. By the time he was 23, in 1982, he had formed his own group, Super Etoile de Dakar. With their incendiary mix of funk, soul, Latin music and the cutting cross-rhythms of mbalax, they changed the face of Senegalese music and launched Youssou as a global star.

The ups and down of his subsequent career from his mega-selling "7 Seconds" duet with Neneh Cherry to the ignominy of being twice dropped by major labels - will be common knowledge to most world music fans. Like any artist, Youssou has had his fallow periods, and some of his fusions of African and 'western' music have been less than successful. But few could have predicted the direction he has recently taken.

His latest album "Egypt" is a thoroughly inspired marriage of North and West African music, celebrating the force that has kept him going through good times and bad his faith. Backed by Cairo's Fathy Salama Orchestra and a handful of his own musicians, he pays tribute to the saints of Senegal's Mouride sect of Islam, renowned for its moderation. They actually recorded the sumptuously understated song-cycle in 1999, and it was initially intended only for personal use. But as Youssou explained at his dazzling all-acoustic London show recently, it has taken on an unexpected resonance.

"I didn't plan to release this album. It was for my people during Ramadan. But my friends said "Are you crazy?" And so I decided to release it. Then September 11th came along and I decided to keep it 'cos I feel I didn't want my music to be behind acts of violence. Now, I'm ready."

Jon Lusk (courtesy of fRoots)

Egypt album review
Youssou N'Dour profile
Youssou N'Dour official website

Your Comments

Hilary, Nigeria
I think Nigeria is the best producer of music in africa.

LEANNE IN LONDON
what would my life be with youssou! not a day passe without youssou in my mind in my dreams and in my stereo! love you youssou .leanne!

my name is gansery mbye uk
he is my favourite singer in whole world.i can't sing but i want to become a singer and the only person am asking for help is from my star youssou ndour if he can help that means my dreams has come true please help me.

Abu DS Bockarie
Youssou N'dour has an amazing voice that potrays a true picture of Africa. Africa is blessed to have Youssou N'dour. listen to his songs and see what Africa is like. Sierra Leone

Rama Diagne, London
I admire Youssou N'dour a great deal. He invests at home a lot, he helps the needy, he produces good music and he's got his feet firmly on the ground. He is a true raw model and an inspiration. May Allah bless you. Amen

Badou Jobe
Youssou is the on of my favourite Musician and this New Album is nice and his voice can blend with any type of music played for him. And his African best. I am from the Gambia

Steven Eayrs, Transkei
A sound of such beauty and depth, this artist is magnificent! Truly the greatest.

akinbaruwa (osogbo,nigeria
Very much my guy

Famara Jammeh,Rhode Island,USA
Youssou is a phenomenal musician whose music transcends all continents and peoples.His voice can blend in any music and fit as an original. Though versatile in his music, he is true to his "Mbalah" roots. The soothing,intriguing and the amazing sound in the Egypt album makes him deserve this award.

Lee,Jung-hwan SOUTH KOREA
He's Superstar. But he's always trying to explore the new ones. That's the reason why he's still in that position. This album proves to us.

UK
Youssou Ndour is simply the worlds best Artist. He is also an excellent role model.

richard chibwe - kitwe Zambia
Egypt album should be the album of the year2004 due to the fact that it bas brought together the 2 nationals Mali and Egypt unconditionally. Its simply the best album so far.

Winston ASANJI WASHINGTON,DC
Hi, I've always been impressed by Youssou's music, especially his voice. He is one of the best musicians Africa is proud of today. You made mention of '7 seconds', a duet with Neneth Sherry. That album was incredible. He is my favourite for this award.

SALAMAT.CANADA
YOUSSOU YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST .I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC FOR EVER NOW AND I LOVE IT AND THIS NEW ALBUM IS THE BEST.YOUR VOICE IS AMAZING VERY SOOTHING

james robert , lyon france
an excellent and powerful voice

Momar Diop New york
Hi, this is excellent song that i have ever heard , let me tell you my friends, this guy is gorgeous he can change his voice what ever he wants. He could be the nominee. Thank you very much.

Richard Dorrell
And this is the first album in a long time interval where his 'amazing soaring voice' has not been smothered by some producer's idea (from the mistaken idea that conventionality stands above art) of middling pop-rock. For the instrumental daring: go Youssou!