The year 1959 is a memorable year in Senegal’s history books as it marks the end of colonial power in the country.  After years of oppression, the beautiful West African country finally won independence in 1960 from the French. With the country freed from the brutal European colonists, Senegal needed to breed heroes of their own. 

Youssou N’dour was only a few months old when his country won independence. The singer, composer, businessman and politician is living proof of what an African child can achieve in a free and supportive environment. N’dour was destined for greatness and he shot to prominence at a young age. As a 12 year old, he was already mixing it out with the big boys, earning the nickname Le Petit Prince (Little Prince of Dakar) in the process. His rise to stardom was not without any challenges. N’dour grew up in a traditional African family in the Medina section, Dakar. His father worked as mechanic and was against him pursuing career in music or the entertainment industry.  

As usual in African families, N’dour had to find a proper job and take care of his family. Pursuing a career in music was seen as too risky as many aspiring musicians failed to be successful. With the tense political climate in the country at the time, it would have been easy for him to choose a stable 9-5 job away from the demanding music industry. 

His mother was respected griot (Historian and storyteller). Unlike his father, he got a lot of encourage from his mother to make music. She pushed him as a youngster to perform at popular parties organized to celebrate circumcision known as the Kassaks. This is where the legendary singer experienced performing in front of a huge crowd for the first time. With his parents divided on whether he should pursue a career in music, his motivation came from the lively city of Dakar, which he describes as a loving poem. The Dakar-born legend has entertained audiences across the globe. 

Today he is celebrated as one of Africa’s most famous singers of all time, but it all started at Dakar’s Miami club, where he performed with the Star Band. He would later on tour internationally for thirty years, making him one of the most loved and successful musicians in the world. The Grammy Award winner is one of first performers to introduce African music to the rest of the world. 

His unique sound has won him international awards, recognition and fan base. While his music remains relevant to this day, N’dour has also recorded timeless hits such as the official 1998 World Cup song La Cour des Grand, Biko and his chart topping single 7 seconds. He has worked with producers, singers and composers from all walks of life such as Ibrahima Sylla, Neneh Cherry, Tracy Chapman and Wyclef Jean amongst others. N’dour also organized the 1985 concept to free Nelson Mandela. He is passionate about finding problems to social issues as he is about his music. 

As an activist, he has worked for the United Nations, UNICEF and started project Joko that aims to connect Senegalese by making internet Cafe’s accessible to all. The former Minister of Tourism is also a skilled entrepreneur, politician and serial entertainer. He is the man behind the success of newspaper L’Observateur, radio station Radio Future Medias (RFM), record label Jaloli and T.V channel TFM. He also amazed the entire world when he did a great job acting in the film Amazing Grace as Olaudah Equiano.