Youssou N’Dour: Proud Voice of Senegal

Youssou N’Dour is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and passionate social advocate. He is lauded by the New York Times as “one of the world’s greatest singers.” His music employs modern language, but is deeply rooted in rich African traditions. With his soaring voice and charismatic stage presence, Youssou promotes messages of positivity, hope, and humanity, reshaping the popular music landscape of Senegal and surrounding African countries. His artistic achievements and ongoing humanitarian efforts are recognized around the world. Youssou Madjiguéne N’Dour was born in Dakar, the capital of Senegal on October 1, 1959. His parents were broad-minded and encouraged modern worldviews, which played a significant role in his creative growth. Mr. N’Dour actively supports humanitarian causes and is a powerful voice in social justice advocacy. Through the years, he has recorded many charity albums, and organized and participated in countless charity events and concerts around the globe to raise funds for worthy causes, including Africa Live, a collective concert to “Roll back Malaria,” as well as performing in three “Live 8” benefit concerts, part of the UK’s “Make Poverty History” campaign. In April 1991, Youssou N’Dour was named the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 2003, he set up his own humanitarian organization, the Youssou N’Dour Foundation, with a mission to improve the lives of African children and their families. Throughout his ongoing musical journey, Youssou N’Dour has striven to connect the world to the beauty of Africa, and to showcase the colorful heritage he holds dear to his heart. Incorporating influences from around the world and weaving lyrics about love and peace into his songs, his music envisions a world of harmonious co-existence. As Mr. N’Dour says, “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.”