Date of Birth : 10/01/1959
Place of Birth : Dakar (Sénégal)
Nationality : Senegalese
Geographic Area : Africa
Profession : Singer, Songwriter
Language : Wolof
Musical Style : Mbalax

Youssou Ndour was born on October 1, 1959 in Dakar, Senegal. His father Elimane is a blue collar worker and his mother Ndèye Sokhna Mboup a traditional historian. At an early age, he prefers playing music rather than pursuing his studies. But his parents object to it and want to see him succeed. However at eleven, he decided to join the Sine Dramatic theatrical group where Pacheco, a musician from Dounia Orchestra noticed him and referred him to the Diamano Orchestra and particularly to Charlie Diop. He integrated the group and patiently waited for his time to shine. At thirteen he got the opportunity to do so. In memory of Papa Samba Diop aka Mba, then leader of the Star Band of Dakar, the Super Diamano composed a song that the young Youssou, with his undeniably particular voice, is asked to sing in Saint-Louis, at a fundraising concert in support of the grieving family. It was a real success. After that first tryout, the Diamano was invited to perform in Banjul, Gambia. Failing to inform his immediate family, Youssou was considered a runaway. Upon his return, his father sat him down and a real explanation took place between them. The older Ndour was finally convinced about his son’s intentions and Youssou joined the Dakar Institut of Arts. There he learned music theory among others. In 1975, Youssou Ndour joined a new group that was newly hired by the Miami Club, a well known hang out of the capital. Because of his young age, his father was charged of negotiating his contract, with Ibra Kasse, the boss.

The Star
He stays with Ibra Kasse and the Star until 1979. Then, along with El Hadj Faye, another singer, he created the group Etoile de Dakar, and his orchestra is directed by Badou Ndiaye. His first hit is Xaalis (Money). In 1981, the two singers go their separate ways, and Youssou left to create the Super Etoile. Everything falls into place and he is without a doubt number 1 of all hit parades in the mbalax category. As a griot or traditional historian, he sings about daily life, friendship or religious holidays. But his biggest success seems to be the new dance he created called the ventilateur (fan) and that became famous in clubs around the Senegalese capital. His music mixes traditional rhythms and modern instruments. Songs such as Waalo Waalo, Ndakaaru or Independence are the foundation of his success.  His albums, produced in form of tapes are under the label Editions Madingo. His voice, his authority within the group and his growing charisma made him the new ambassador of Senegalese music. At 24, he is already a seasoned businessman employing musicians, managers and administrators….He also owns the Thiossane Night Club where his group performs when they are not touring. Youssou NDour refines his image of a good Muslim who doesn’t drink or smoke. As an exemplary son, he still lives with his parents in the Medina neighborhood of Dakar where he was born and raised.
If the new Senegalese star is welcomed in West Africa as a long lost son, his European tour that started in early May 84 seemed more difficult. It started in Paris with Africa Fête, an African Cultural Festival which headlined Osibisa and Youssou Ndour, the pioneers of Afro-rock. On May 18, 1984, Youssou Ndour was triumphant not only in front of his fellow immigrants (who had had the opportunity to see him in a Paris Club a few months prior) but also in front of a Parisian audience. The event took place at Espace Ballard and lasted three hours. The tour continued in Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway et Switzerland. In France, he contacted the label Celluloid and decided to work with them.

Tam-Tam (Drum)
Back home, Youssou Ndour and the Super Etoile started an African tour, from Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire. As an ambitious artist, his desire was to reach as many people as possible with his music and songs in Wolof. He returns to France for the Bourges Spring Festival from September 12th to October 12th 1985, and along with the Guinean Mory Kanté, opens for Jacques Higelin in the huge Bercy theater. In December of the same year, he came back to Paris for a week long series of concerts at the city theater. In addition to that, and under the initiative of Manu Dibango, he participated in recording “Drum for Ethiopia” to help support the fight against hunger in that country. Thus his presence in all musical fronts can only contribute to the development of his international career.
After several concerts in Paris at the Theatre de Ville in March 86, “You” a Senegalese idol became a real ambassador for African music and for three weeks he toured the other side of the Atlantic, the U.S and Canada. The success continues as magazines such as the Time continue to praise the musical and scenic performance of the “Showman”. In 84, he met and befriended Peter Gabriel who, in 1987, asked him to open for him for two memorable nights at the Madison Square Garden in New York. They continued with a European tour. It’s during a real world trek in 88 with stars like Sting, Peter Gabriel and Tracy Chapman that Youssou Ndour gets to the top on his game. The concerts are on behalf of Amnesty International. Without knowing its real impact, this adventure has forever changed his image, his national glory, thus making him a global star.

The Lion
As his reputation continues to grow in his own country, he went on a tour which attracted 4000 in Rufisque, 3000 in Rosso, 4000 in Kaolack or Ziguinchor and some thousands in Nouakchott, Mauritania. For the occasion the beloved son of the Medina was able to bring together some forty technicians and musicians, along with huge trucks for the transport of materials (even though the roads were far from being accessible). Youssou Ndour seems determined to show his professionalism despite the logistic challenges he faced along the way.
In 1989, he made available his first international album entitled “The Lion” (Gaïnde in Wolof). Signed by Virgin, its production costs are very important. If mbalax remains the essence of his music, it is more sophisticated here in order to reflect a high end studio. Peter Gabriel is invited and co-produces their duo “Shaking the tree”.
If some of You’s diehard fans speak of denaturing his music others see the beginning of an African fusion. At the same time a European tour came through Olympia on November 2, 1990, “Set”, the second album under Virgin came out in October (It was previously sold in form of tapes in Senegal in December 89). If the Super Etoile is considered the core of the musicians, some thirteen others are added and they introduce new sounds such as the accordion and cello even if the favorite instrument, the tama (talking drum) remains the star among the instruments. Without changing gear from the previous album, Youssou lets his talent all hang out by revealing a considerable musical wealth.
If echoes are extremely favorable in the universe of world music however disc sales seem insufficient for the Virgin label. In 1991 Youssou Ndour’s contract was not renewed

Eyes Open
That same year, the artist invites Spike Lee, an African American producer to assist to a show in homage of Nelson Mandela in Dakar. Since Youssou was not linked to any label at the time, Spike contacted him a short time later to produce his latest album, Eyes Open in the Spring of 92. Recorded in Dakar with his band along with Jean Phillippe Rykiel inside Youssou’s very modern studio, the fourteen titles are sung in English, Wolof and French. The mixing and brass sessions took place in New York. “Africa remembers” dedicated to the African Diaspora was chosen as the opening clip. In July of the same year, another tour took him again to Paris and he performed at the Bataclan on October 15 and 16. But it’s the following year that he makes a big impact by producing a very creative show: in fact on July 17, during the Paris Festival Quartier d’Eté, the Paris Opera (Garnier) opens its doors to Youssou Ndour for the production of “Africa Opera”, a fresco  around African identity with the participation of  Angélique Kidjo, Aïcha Kone et Dianke Diabaté. Since this type of presentation is not frequent in the temple of lyric art that makes the event even more exceptional.

Neneh
From his own confession, Youssou believes that his music takes time to make an impact abroad. Yet his duo with Neneh Cherry entitled “Seven Seconds”, a song with an African twist reaches a bigger audience usually geared toward Anglo Saxon music. A real commercial success around the world (1.5 Million sold) and the title track allows him to score a breakthrough in the sphere of international variety.
In 1994, the new album “Wommat” (The Guide) benefits from “Seven Seconds” success and is quickly ranked on the European charts, a proof that the Senegalese star has finally conquered the markets outside Africa. The album includes songs by Bob Dylan such as “Chimes of Freedom” and “Undecided” and remixes by the French duo Deep Forest. During his regular tours in Europe and in West Africa, Youssou Ndour wants to see himself as the musical guide for his constantly growing fans.
The very enterprising “Prince of Mballax” takes a peek at the world of traditional African griots and sings along Yandé Codou Sène, a prominent personality in the Senegalese scene, in an album entitled “Voices of the Heart of Africa”. Traditional songs as well as ballads are in this magnificent album, co-produced in 96 with the German label World Network. On September 20 during the “Trophies of African Music” in South Africa, he was recognized along with Papa Wemba, as “Best African Artist”.

Goal !
In 1997, the two artists along with other African musicians collaborate with the International Committee for the Red Cross on the song “Why” produced by Wally Badarou. It called for African reconciliation.
But the big event is, without a doubt, Youssou Ndour’s participation to the 1998 World Cup in France. The title song “La Cour des Grands” (the winner’s circle) with the exceptional Belgian chorist Axel Red was considered the anthem by Michel Platini, in charge of organizing the grand manifestation. An internationally recognized football aficionado, Youssou Ndour broadens his image. That year, he collaborates with Alan Stivell in “1 Duar”. However even if the album doesn’t appear in the international musical scene, it doesn’t stop Youssou from releasing 4 tapes in 98.
In the Spring of 99, during a performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, Stevie Wonder makes a memorable appearance.
Having reached stardom, each one of his albums is expected with great interest. That’s the case of Jokkoo (From village to town) which finally sees the day in February 2002. For the benefit of the international market, Youssou goes the extra mile by involving Wycleef from the Fugees whom he’s met in London and collaborated in 3 titles. There’s also Peter Gabriel and Sting each of whom contributed in one title. Finally, the music of the Senegalese singer has more things in common with international pop music, a fact that the latter doesn’t deny at all. It’s in that perspective, while wearing two hats, that of a traditional singer and of an international phenomenon, that Youssou Ndour moves forward with the organization of the Grand Bal on October 21, 2000 in Paris Bercy. He even organizes a trip for his Fans in Senegal to attend. As a two-part concert, the show initially presents a series of duos with a variety of singers such as Cesaria Evora, Passi or Peter Gabriel. Then, after a long pause, the Grand Bal lasts all night long. It becomes an annual event that Youssou Ndour’s fans wouldn’t miss for anything in the world.
As a remarkable singer, musician and seasoned businessman, the activities of the Senegalese Star multiply and it seems that he wants to be present in every musical creation. If he produces artists such as Cheikh Lô, Positive Black Soul and Pacotille, it’s to give a push to the African Artistic movement, in order to help their structure and give them a chance to be successful in the cross-over. Huge enterprise that the “Son of the Medina” has no fear of tackling.
In February 2001, our singer collaborates with UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) to record an album to fund projects dedicated to the education of refugee children. Along with artists whose lives were marked by exile and uprooting, they produced “Building Bridges”.

Nothing’s in Vain
In October 2002, ‘’Nothing’s in Vain’’ was released. It paid tribute to Senegal and Wolof, his native language. Traditional instruments are not left behind in this muffled opus and sounds like the kora, the balafon and the xalam are heard. The sensational title and first single is “So Many Men”, a duo with Pascal Obispo who also composed two other songs in the album “Africa Dream Again” and “Joker”. Another wink at France with “Il n’y a pas d’amour heureux”, a title by George Brassens, On October 31, he resumes a European tour at the Festival des Docks du Sud in Marseille. On November 10, he performs at the Olympia in Paris along with Pascal Obispo and Eric Sierra he's met early on in his career during his first Parisian shows with Jacques Higelin at Paris Bercy.  Like every year, Youssou Ndour spends Christmas in Dakar by hosting a big show at the Demba Diop stadium. Always based in the Senegalese capital the musician gets his strength back every time he can return home to his family. In March, he was to resume a 38 cities tour in North America from March 26 to Mai 15. But it was cancelled on March 7. The reasons were political and were the result of his disagreement with the United States’ reaction on the Iraqi crisis. On May 31, Youssou Ndour performs at Bercy and on August 9th he recreated the atmosphere of the Parisian party in Dakar.

Sant Allah ("Egypte")
In November 2003, a tape entitled ‘’Sant Allah’’ (Praises to Allah) was released, composed of acoustic and mystic sounds, far from his usual repertory. For that, he collaborated with an Egyptian ensemble and arranger Fati Salama. As a Sufi Muslim the Senegalese singer proves once again the connection to his roots, his mother’s Tidianya spiritual tradition and his father’s mourid background, the teachings of the great Senegalese religious leaders. On May 22, 2004, Youssou Ndour and the Super Etoile perform at Paris, Bercy.
At the same time, the international album “Allah-Egypt” and the CD version “Sant Allah”. He plays his new repertory at the Festival of Sacred music in Fes, Morocco from May 28 to June 5 then resumes a long American tour. “Allah Egypt” is a success and sold 400 000 copies around the world. On February 13, 2005 Youssou won a great distinction, a Grammy Award for the best album in contemporary World Music. In March of the same year, he co-organizes Africa Live, a concern against Malaria. Many big names of African music including Tiken Jah Fakoly, Corneille, Manu Dibango and Orchestra Baobab performed along with him in Dakar. There are about 50,000 spectators.
  At the same time, his manager Michelle Lahana publishes his biography titled "Youssou N’Dour, l’enfant de la Médina"

Return to Gorée
In 2006, Youssou Ndour gets involved in new projects. He is the character of a documentary entitled ‘’ Retour à Gorée’’. Carefully filmed by Pierre Yves Borgeaud, You meets some jazzmen in New Orleans, Atlanta or New York, rehearses and plays with them. A kind of road musical movie, it retraces slavery and the impact of West African musical traditions in American blues and Jazz. The trip ends in Senegal.
Youssou takes his new band to Gorée island, along the coast of Dakar, a very symbolic place. There, they performed a concert full of emotion. In March 2007, “Amazing Grace” was released. It is a film based on fiction, directed by the British Michael Apted that retraces the history of the end of slavery in England in the 18th century. Youssou Ndour plays the role of a former Nigerian slave turned poet and writer. Around the same time, the leader of the Super Etoile releases a new album entitled “Alsama Day” (Good Day or New Day) composed of eight original titles. With that, the Dakar Musician wants to calm the rumor accusing him of lack of inspiration. A national tour resumes on Juin 9. At the opening ceremony of the 41st Montreux Jazz Festival in July 2007, Youssou Ndour presents his “Retour à Gorée Jazz Project”. Right before the concert, he initiates a march in support of the victims in the Darfour region. That initiative is well received. Later that evening, at the Miles Davis Hall, he offered a jazz oriented repertoire with Moncef Genoud in piano, Idriss Muhammad in bass, Gregoire Maret in harmonica, Pyeng Theadgill in voice and James Cammack in double base. Sequences of a documentary filmed respectively in Senegal and in the U.S are played in the background. In July 2007, the film was rewarded several times (Festival du reel at Nyons, Prix Suissimage)