Born in Dakar, Senegal on October 1, 1959, Youssou N'Dour is one of the artists-musicians of Africa whose music has crossed the borders of his country and the African continent. Through his talent and his work, he is in line with the great African artists-musicians of international renown. Without leaving his country to which he is fundamentally attached.
Youssou N'Dour is one of the rare African artist-musicians to make an international career while remaining almost permanently in his native Dakar in Senegal. In this regard, we could well compare him to Francis Cabrel in France. Close to a few things. This singularity is one of the reasons why many Senegalese, even many Africans, love the man who has made mbalax his passion and his job. Indeed, he gave this popular music in Senegal against a background of percussion and jerky dances a whole new dimension.
Youssou N'Dour's journey is that of a precocious talent. A gifted in his field in his time. One could say that the transmission took place, as African traditions would say, because the ancestors elected him to perpetuate the tradition. Because if his father Elimane Ndour is a worker, on the other hand his mother Ndèye Sokhna Mboup is of an african griot ascendant.
Little Youssou N'Dour chose his voice very early on: it would be singing and music. Instead of toiling at school, this is what finds favor in his eyes. Sine Dramatique, the theatrical troupe in which he made his debut at the age of 11 is the sign that he is rather passionate about something else. The fate to which his parents would have him destined is not what he prefers. But for destiny to be fulfilled, you must always show it your predispositions. With a sponsor, it's even better. A certain Pacheco, a musician by profession, a member of the Dounia Orchestra smells the aptitude of the young Youssou N'Dour and opens the doors of the famous Diamono where Charlie Diop officiates. From then on, he knows that he is now where he wanted to be. It's up to him to play.
It is at 13 that he will reveal himself to his country. In homage to the memory of Papa Semba Diop known as Mba, leader of the famous group Star Band of Dakar at that time, the elders of the Diamono group made him sing in Saint-Louis a piece of their composition to support the family of the late musician. A new star was born that day. He left like a rocket on his launch pad propelled to the front of the stage by the emotion that his performance exudes. Youssou N'Dour revealed himself to the Senegalese thanks to a brilliant idea from the Diamono group with which he will make his merry way. Until the doors of the Institute of Arts in Dakar will open to him for music theory lessons.
From 1975, his father, who had procrastinated a lot before deciding to let him live his passion, became his first manager. Because his musical career takes on a whole new dimension and the young man needs to be supervised by his family. Over time, he left Diamono to join the new orchestra that, under the leadership of Ibra Cassé, the Miami club had recruited. His career was thus definitively launched. In 1979, with his rise, he can dream of a new adventure and see bigger with other musicians including the singer El Hadj Faye. Together, they founded the Etoile de Dakar group. But in 1981, dissension caused Youssou N'Dour to leave, who then created the Super Etoile de Dakar group with others.
What has made Youssou N'Dour's reputation and success is that he has remained fundamentally attached to his musical roots while bringing a touch of modernity to it. Through his mbalax mixed with new and modern sounds, he invented the concept of the very spectacular and no less suggestive dance called "Fan". It was enough to become the most requested star in Dakar on the occasion of various ceremonies and shows. Like the griots from whom he descends through his maternal line, he has, so to speak, taken up the torch. As evidenced by his discography. His songs: Immigrants, Live tv, 7 seconds, Kirikou are among his most famous songs. The list of titles of his albums is long to shell.
Best African artist in 1996 and best African artist of the century in 1999, Youssou N'Dour is now an African star recognized worldwide. He was awarded the Grammy Awards in 2005 for his album Egypt in the category best world music album and was awarded the title of Doctor honoris causa from Yale University in the United States in 2011.
Considered the "King of mbalax" in Senegal, the modern-day griot is also a man particularly committed to the socio-political and economic life of his country. He is the head of a press group called Futurs Médias. Close to President Macky Sall, he took an active part in the anti-Wade movement which preceded the end of the regime of former President Abdoulaye Wade. Successively appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Leisure in the government of Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye, then Minister-Advisor to President Macky Sall; the singer Youssou N'Dour remains a major player on the Senegalese sociopolitical scene.
By Ousman Mbaye
