Youssou N'Dour is a Senegalese singer, percussionist and occasional actor from Dakar. Born in 1959 in Medina, Dakar, he begins his career singing in small clubs in Wolof, a language widely spoken in Senegal and Gambia.

He is closely associated with mbalax, a Senegalese style that combines local rhythmic traditions with outside influences. His work draws on Cuban rumba, hip hop, jazz and soul, and he becomes widely known as the “King of Mbalax”. He is also a prominent figure in Senegal, Gambia and other West African countries, with a long catalogue of hits spanning several decades.

Groups and early career

In 1979, N'Dour forms Étoile de Dakar. His early recordings with the group follow the Latin styles then popular across Africa. In the 1980s he develops a more distinctive sound with his later group, Super Étoile de Dakar, also listed as Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Étoile. That band includes guitarist Jimi Mbaye, bassist Habib Faye and tama player Assane Thiam.

International recognition and collaborations

N'Dour reaches a wider Western audience through his appearance on Peter Gabriel’s So in 1986, followed by a tour with Peter Gabriel and The Super Étoile de Dakar. He also collaborates with Paul Simon, Neneh Cherry and Branford Marsalis.

Musical style and role

His music brings together a broad range of Senegalese sounds and often filters them through rock and pop influences from outside Senegal. He is also active as a composer, bandleader and producer, and is noted for a tenor voice.

Labels

His releases are associated with Jololi, Columbia Records and The WORK Group.