Youssou N'Dour

Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer and songwriter whose music brought mbalax to an international audience. Emerging from Dakar’s musical life, he developed a sound that combined Senegalese rhythms and vocal traditions with elements of Cuban music, soul, jazz and other styles.

His work with Peter Gabriel helped introduce him to new listeners, while the duet 7 Seconds with Neneh Cherry became a major international hit. His songs have addressed migration, African identity and social concerns, alongside spiritual themes explored in the album Egypt. N’Dour’s career connects the musical culture of Senegal with the wider networks of international recording and live performance.