Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Full name: Youssou N'Dour
Common aliases: None noted
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: October 1, 1959 (age 63), Dakar, Senegal
Died: N/A (still active)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Senegalese singer, songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, record producer, filmmaker, politician
Member of the French Academy of Fine Arts and Sciences (2001)
Early Life and Background
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Born in Dakar, Senegal to a family of modest means, Youssou N'Dour was raised by his mother after his father's death. He showed an early talent for music, singing in the streets and at local markets as a child. N'Dour's musical career began in earnest when he joined the group Super Etoile de Dakar, where he developed his signature sound blending traditional Wolof music with modern styles.
Major Accomplishments
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Sold over 70 million records worldwide, making him one of Africa's best-selling artists
Won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards and a César Award
Inducted into the French Academy of Fine Arts and Sciences (2001)
Elected to the Senegalese National Assembly (2007-2012)
Notable Works or Actions
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N'Dour's music has been praised for its blend of traditional Wolof sounds with modern styles, such as rock and pop. He is also known for his activism on behalf of African culture and social justice. Some notable works include:
"7 Seconds" (1994), a hit single that blended traditional Senegalese rhythms with Western pop
"Le Grand Bal Africain" (1989), an album featuring a diverse range of African musical styles
* "Return to Gorée" (2000), a documentary film about the history of slavery and colonialism in Africa
Impact and Legacy
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Youssou N'Dour's impact on world music is immense. He has influenced generations of musicians, from Africa to Europe to the Americas. His blend of traditional and modern styles has helped to bring African culture to a global audience. As an artist, activist, and politician, N'Dour continues to inspire people around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Youssou N'Dour is widely quoted or remembered for his powerful voice, innovative style, and commitment to social justice. His music has inspired countless artists and fans worldwide. As a respected figure in Senegalese politics, he continues to be an influential voice on issues affecting Africa and the global community.
"Music should not just entertain; it must also educate and bring people together."
— Youssou N'Dour
Quotes by Youssou N'Dour
Western record companies haven’t always dealt with African musicians in the best way. Giving them a lot of money and telling them they’re going to be bigger than Phil Collins is the wrong way to do it!
I want to use my music to deliver a political message and sometimes to denounce, but I don’t want to be a politician.
I’m a modern Muslim. I pray, and if I have a question, I ask someone who is more educated in the religion than me.
I don’t want to see that two-tier Senegal, that two-tier Africa, when you have those at the top and those at the bottom, people who are hungry, people who do not have enough to eat.
People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world’s diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others.
I think that Sufism fits all over the world. The concept is not anything that fits standard Western ideas – it’s always related to culture, to music, to religion. It is a dominant religion in Senegal.
My father used to tell me about how musicians don’t have respect from people and he was afraid about my future.