Profile
Youssou N'Dour is a musician based in Senegal. He is renowned for his exceptional vocal range and significant contributions to the music genre known as mbalax, which merges Wolof traditional music with Cuban and other Latin American genres. He began performing at 12, eventually becoming a central figure in Senegal's music scene as a part of the Star Band de Dakar before leading Étoile de Dakar and later, Super Étoile de Dakar, both instrumental in the development of mbalax.N'Dour's international acclaim soared through collaborations with artists like Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Neneh Cherry, with whom he released the hit "7 Seconds." His music often addresses social and political themes, reflecting his deep engagement with Senegalese and African identity. Beyond music, N'Dour's impact extends to activism, notably his work with the United Nations and UNICEF, and his stance against the American invasion of Iraq. His efforts have been recognized globally, earning him a Grammy Award among others.