Youssou N’Dour: Answering a Familiar Call

Updated from January, 2013.

Music has long been a passionate harbinger of change and social activism. From Woody Guthrie’s “This machine kills fascists” message emblazoned on his beat-up acoustic guitar to Bob Dylan’s powerful political messages in “The Times They Are A Changin’,” to the Woodstock era’s desperate and eloquent pleas for peace during the Vietnam War, and up to Bruce Springsteen’s Vote For Change tours in the 21st century, the musical community has consistently used its platform to advocate for a better world. Perhaps no single musician has had a bigger influence on a larger audience than the brilliant Senegalese musician/percussionist/activist Youssou N’Dour.

Lauded by Rolling Stone in 2004 as “perhaps the most famous singer alive” due to his ability to reach and touch a vast African audience, N’Dour has championed change and raised awareness for various social issues, including women’s rights, the fight against malaria, reducing African debt, and urban youth activism. He believes in using his music to foster awareness and promote change. “Music is something uniquely used to fight against a lot of problems. I realize the power of music, and I use my music to do a lot of promotion of things I like, and we’ve learned that something good can come out of it,” he says.

Youssou N’Dour’s Musical Collaborations and Political Engagement

In 2010, N’Dour embarked on a passion project, joining musical forces with one of his idols, the late Bob Marley. The stunning result was the album Dakar-Kingston, a collection of Marley’s and other popular reggae tunes infused with N’Dour’s unique African rhythms and styles. N’Dour hails from Dakar, Senegal, and Marley called Kingston, Jamaica home, thus the thread symbolized by the album’s title. N’Dour feels it’s a proper tribute to a man he feels a very special kinship with. “When I was young, my uncle was working in a store where they sell music, a lot of music,” N’Dour shared in a phone interview from Dakar. “And every weekend, he would bring home a lot of Bob Marley. I was really touched since it was coming from another underdeveloped country. Bob Marley is my hero, not because of the music only, but also because of what he symbolized. I’ve been a big fan of reggae music since long time ago. I’ve always wanted to think about the roots of reggae, how this music touches us. I’ve always found something very interesting about the roots, it’s like when the slaves left [Africa]. When I see all the same thing happening when I was in Kingston, I’m sure now there’s a connection between this music and Africa. I have the freedom to do what things I like so I was thinking about doing the reggae music.”

The feel of Dakar-Kingston is a unique blend of the familiar strains of reggae music and N’Dour’s native Senegalese sound, melding together beautifully to create something recognizable yet distinct. “Whenever I’m doing something new, I make sure that my style and my music are on the inside a lot. I was thinking about the guitar and the percussion of reggae as I was planning to do this album. It’s something really interesting. And when you listen to the album, you hear the percussion with the guitar as well as my sound, and it’s something really unique. I call it not just reggae music, but Youssou and reggae music.”

Political and Social Activism

Since the release of Dakar-Kingston, N’Dour has continued to engage in significant social and political efforts. In 2012, he made headlines by running for the presidency of Senegal. Although his candidacy was initially rejected by the Constitutional Council, he continued to play a crucial role in the political landscape by supporting eventual winner Macky Sall. Following Sall’s victory, N’Dour was appointed Minister of Tourism and Culture, a position he held until 2013. This appointment allowed him to leverage his influence to promote Senegalese culture and boost tourism, furthering his impact on the country’s development.

Continued Musical Ventures and Global Influence

In addition to his political endeavors, N’Dour has remained active in the music industry. He released several albums, including Fatteliku (2016), a live recording from a 1987 concert with Peter Gabriel, and History (2019), which blends his iconic sound with contemporary influences. These works have cemented his status as a global ambassador for African music.

N’Dour’s contributions to social causes have also continued unabated. He has been a prominent advocate for the fight against Ebola, participating in the Africa Stop Ebola campaign, which used music to educate and raise awareness about the virus. His involvement in the Malaria No More campaign highlights his ongoing commitment to public health in Africa.

Recent Initiatives and Future Goals

Today, Youssou N’Dour remains a powerful voice in music and activism, continuously answering the call to make a difference. His latest efforts focus on empowering African youth through education and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at providing young people with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

In 2023, N’Dour launched a new project aimed at promoting sustainable development in Africa. This initiative includes a series of concerts and workshops designed to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action across the continent. He is also working on a new album that explores the theme of African unity, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the continent while promoting a message of solidarity and cooperation.

Youssou N’Dour’s Legacy and Impact

From his early days as a pioneering musician to his current status as a global advocate for social change, Youssou N’Dour’s journey is a testament to the power of music to inspire and transform. His work transcends borders, uniting people through the universal language of music and the shared aspiration for a better world. As he continues to evolve as an artist and activist, N’Dour’s influence will undoubtedly endure, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

 

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