Youssou N'Dour is a renowned Senegalese singer, composer, and politician, born in 1959.
N'Dour began his musical journey at the age of 12, performing with the popular Star Band in Dakar during the 1970s.
He co-founded Étoile de Dakar, a band pivotal in the evolution of the mbalax genre, which fuses traditional Senegalese music with Latin styles.
Biography
Early Life
Youssou "Madjiguène" N'Dour was born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1959 to a Serer father and a Toucouleur mother, giving him a rich cultural heritage. Although he was connected to the traditional griot caste through his mother, he was not raised in that tradition. Instead, he learned music from his siblings and was influenced by the modern outlook of his parents. N'Dour began performing at the age of 12 and quickly became a prominent figure in Senegal's music scene, joining the popular Star Band in the 1970s.
Music Career
N'Dour's career took off when he joined the Star Band at just 16 years old, where he became a sensation. He later co-founded Étoile de Dakar, a band that played a crucial role in developing the mbalax genre, which blends traditional Senegalese music with Latin influences. Over the years, N'Dour has released numerous albums, including notable works like "Nelson Mandela," "The Lion," and "Egypt." His eclectic style has made him one of Africa's most celebrated musicians, and he has opened his own recording studio and label, Jololi, further solidifying his influence in the music industry.
Activism and Political Career
Beyond music, N'Dour is known for his activism and political involvement. He was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the FAO in 2000 and has been a vocal advocate for social issues, organizing concerts for causes like the release of Nelson Mandela. In 2012, he attempted to run for the Senegalese presidency but was disqualified. However, he later served as Minister of Culture and Tourism and was appointed as a Special Adviser to the President, promoting Senegal abroad. N'Dour's commitment to his country and culture remains a significant aspect of his legacy.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Eclairer le monde - Light the World2025
- 1.Tout pour briller3:31
- 2.Sa ma habiibi3:36
- 3.Tell Me What You Want4:30
- 4.Bul ma laaj3:12
- 5.Noflaay3:29
- 6.Yeksil3:03
- 7.On l’a fait!3:43
- 8.Sam Fall2:54
- 9.Machalla2:46
- 10.Mbëggėel doole3:52
- 11.Say Thank You3:33
- 12.Ahmadou Bamba2:58
History2019
- 1.Habib Faye3:39
- 2.Birima3:19
- 3.Confession4:01
- 4.Ay Coono La3:56
- 5.My Child4:08
- 6.Macoumba4:27
- 7.Salimata4:14
- 8.Hello (remix)3:32
- 9.Takuta3:31
- 10.Tell Me4:07
Seeni Valeurs2017
- 1.Seeni Valeurs3:10
- 2.Yittè5:49
- 3.Mbeugël Is All (Version Mbalax) (Chérie Coco)5:53
- 4.Dawal (Version Mbalax)3:31
- 5.Be Careful (Version Mbalax)4:38
- 6.Yonou Deugue (remix)6:51
- 7.Mbeugël Is All6:39
- 8.Mbeugël Is All (Version remix)6:39
Africa Rekk2016
- 1.Gorée2:21
- 2.Bull Ko Door4:42
- 3.Be Careful3:43
- 4.Jeegel Nu4:12
- 5.Conquer the World3:06
- 6.Exodus3:42
- 7.Ban La3:48
- 8.Oumar Foutiyou Tall3:20
- 9.Dawal4:08
- 10.Serin Fallu5:35
- 11.Food For All5:00
- 12.Money Money3:23
Mballax Dafay Wax2011
- 1.Xale Bi4:08
- 2.Pot Pourri 116:49
- 3.Beuss Yi4:42
- 4.Pot Pourri 213:31
- 5.Fekke Ma Ci Boole3:42
- 6.Pot Pourri 313:07
Dakar–Kingston2010
- 1.Marley3:36
- 2.Medina4:06
- 3.Joker4:14
- 4.Bololene4:22
- 5.Bamba6:01
- 6.Black Woman4:41
- 7.Survie3:36
- 8.Africa Dream Again3:26
- 9.Diarr Diarr4:51
- 10.Don't Walk Away4:03
- 11.Bagn Len3:52
- 12.Leteuma3:47
- 13.Pitch Me4:35
- 14.Bamako4:30
- 15.Redemption Song4:23
Alsaama Day2007
- 1.Bou ba yeko6:09
- 2.Beugue dou bagne6:19
- 3.Borom gal3:03
- 4.Amitié3:36
- 5.Téléphone4:32
- 6.Yonu deugue4:52
- 7.Bololene4:17
- 8.Del sol dale4:36
Rokku Mi Rokka2007
- 1.4-4-443:38
- 2.Pullo Àrdo4:01
- 3.Sama Gàmmu3:58
- 4.Bàjjan4:07
- 5.Baay Faal4:48
- 6.Sportif3:26
- 7.Tukki4:11
- 8.Létt Ma4:43
- 9.Dabbaax5:11
- 10.Xel4:53
- 11.Wake Up (It's Africa Calling)3:58
Egypt2004
- 1.Allah6:12
- 2.Shukran Bamba5:32
- 3.Mahdiyu Laye5:00
- 4.Tijaniyya5:47
- 5.Baay Niasse5:21
- 6.Bamba the Poet3:54
- 7.Cheikh Ibra Fall3:38
- 8.Touba - Daru Salaam5:50
Together2003
- 1.Prelude8:55
- 2.My Hope4:57
- 3.Together5:45
- 4.O.M.S.4:39
- 5.Ahlan Oua Sahlan8:21
- 6.New Anatol6:42
- 7.Simple Waltz4:17
- 8.It Could Happen to You3:43
- 9.Summer Time5:50
- 10.Blues for My Father4:14
Céy You2003
- 1.Alboury4:30
- 2.Jéebaane4:01
- 3.Wagane5:37
- 4.Sa Ma Yaye5:52
- 5.Less Wakhoul5:20
- 6.Gorgui4:47
Ba Tay2002
Tracklist not collected yet.
Nothing’s in Vain (Coono du réér)2002
- 1.Tan bi (Chaleur, brise, tendresse)4:01
- 2.So Many Men (Tant de monde)5:13
- 3.Moor Ndaje (Moor Ndaje, ne fais pas la mouche du coche)4:14
- 4.Li ma weesu (Comme dans un miroir)3:55
- 5.The Joker (Le joker)5:02
- 6.Genné (Chanson pour les sans‐abri)4:09
- 7.La femme est l’avenir de l’amour3:51
- 8.Mbeggéél Noonu la (L’amour en est ainsi)4:59
- 9.Il n’y a pas d’amour heureux2:16
- 10.Sagal ko (Tu dois la protéger)3:35
- 11.C’est l’amour3:44
- 12.Doole (Fais tes preuves)5:48
- 13.Yaru (L’Étoffe du respect)4:15
- 14.Africa, Dream Again (L’Afrique revit ses rêves)3:13
Joko: From Village to Town2000
Tracklist not collected yet.
Joko (The Link)2000
Tracklist not collected yet.
Senegal: Gainde: Voices From the Heart of Africa1995
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Guide (Wommat)1994
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Youssou N’Dour1994
Tracklist not collected yet.
Hey You! The Best of Youssou N’Dour1993
Tracklist not collected yet.
Eyes Open1992
Tracklist not collected yet.
Set1990
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Lion1989
Tracklist not collected yet.
Djamil: Inedits 84–851985
Tracklist not collected yet.
Nelson Mandela1985
Tracklist not collected yet.
Diongoma1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Sony Music
Achievements
- Award
- Prince Claus Award
- Award
- Polar Music Prize
- Award
- Praemium Imperiale
- Award
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album
- Award
- La Mar de Músicas
Groups
- Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Étoilelead vocalscurrent
- Étoile de Dakarcurrent
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Y. N'Dour, Yassou Ndour, Youssou N' Dour, Youssou Ndour
Youssou "Madjiguène" N'Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and politician. N'Dour helped develop a style of popular Senegambian music known as mbalax, a genre that has sacred origins in the Serer music njuup tradition and ndut initiation ceremonies. From April 2012 to September 2013, he was Senegal's Minister of Tourism.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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