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Tuesday, May 28, 2019

In Context: Youssou NDOUR


Youssou NDOUR graces the stage of the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, joined by his band the Super Étoile de Dakar. With a soaring tenor that brims with passion and nuance, the Dakar-born singer-songwriter is a global music icon and tireless cultural ambassador. An early emissary of the mbalax style—a blend of bubbling Senegalese griot percussion, Wolof lyrics, and Afro-Cuban influences—he has gone on to become one of the most revered figures on the world stage.

After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #YoussouNDOUR.

Program Notes

Youssou NDOUR (PDF)

Read

Article
History Review-The Senegalese Superstar Returns (The Guardian)
Learn about NDOUR’s latest album, History.

Article
Youssou Endures (The Beat on Afropop)
This 1994 interview was published during a turning point in NDOUR’s international career.

Watch & Listen

Video
King of African pop returns with new album ‘History’ (France24)
Youssou NDOUR speaks with FRANCE24 about his musical history as a griot, his influences, and what inspired him to release his latest album.

Audio
Mbalax Meets Mande in Dakar (Afropop Worldwide)
Explore NDOUR’s Mbalax roots and get a sense of the music scene in Dakar.

Video
Youssou N'Dour - 7 Seconds ft. Neneh Cherry (YouTube)
Watch the video for the song that catapulted Youssou to international stardom. (It features this year’s BAM Gala musical guest, Neneh Cherry!)

Now your turn...

What did you think? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #YoussouNDOUR.

© 2019 Brooklyn Academy of Music, Inc. All rights reserved.

4 comments:

  1. The sound is really harsh in Row G against the wall, under the hanging box seat. Bass was overwhelming, we had to leave. We love Youssou, but your partial obstructed seat are audio challenged!

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  2. It was fantastic! Youssou is so fierce!!! Thank you so much for this beautiful night.

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  3. Youssou was great as always. Glad to see Jimmy M'bye is back in the Super Etoile fold. Great saber drumming and the tightest Mbalax band out there!

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  4. My wife and I loved the concert. Youssou was awesome and the Super Etoile band was excellent. One comment on the stage lighting: it's not a good idea to have bright lights flashing in the faces of the audience.

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