Youssou N’Dour

Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter and composer whose powerful voice helped bring mbalax—a style blending Senegalese traditions with jazz, soul, Latin music and hip-hop—to international audiences. He began performing at 12, founded Étoile de Dakar, and gained worldwide recognition through collaborations such as “7 Seconds” with Neneh Cherry. His 2004 album *Egypt* won a Grammy Award, and he later entered Senegalese public life, including a government role.