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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

In Context: Youssou NDOUR



The Dakar-born singer and composer returns to BAM May 20 & 21 with his longtime band, Le Super Étoile de Dakar, and a tribute to Senegalese drummer Doudou N'Diaye Rose, who passed away last year. Context is everything, so get even closer to the show with this curated selection of related articles, sounds and videos. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought below and by posting on social media using #YoussouNDOUR.

Program Notes

Coming soon!

Read

Photos
Youssou NDOUR Audience Portraits (Facebook)
Photographer Erin Patrice O'Brien captured the gorgeous audience before night one of Youssou NDOUR and Le Super Étoile de Dakar at BAM.

Article
“Africa's First Music Download Service Launches in Senegal” (The Guardian)
NDOUR is one of over 200 musicians whose music is now streamable throughout Africa.

Obituary
Doudou N’Diaye Rose (The Guardian)
The venerable percussionist was praised by Unesco as a “human living treasure” for his role in preserving Senegalese culture.

Article
“A Song and a Prayer” (The Guardian)
A rich profile of the international music star, humanitarian, and one-time politician.

Article
“The Singer Who Changed His Tune” (The Guardian)
NDOUR ran for the Senegalese presidency in 2012.

Watch & Listen

Video
Youssou NDOUR, “Yaakar” (YouTube)
NDOUR and Le Super Étoile de Dakar pay homage to late drummer Doudou Ndiaye Rose.

Video
“Souvenirs,” Youssou NDOUR (YouTube)
NDOUR takes a selfie in this recent video.

Video
Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes (YouTube)
NDOUR sang backup on Gabriel’s classic track.

Video
Doudou N'Diaye Rose Orchestra (YouTube)
The posthumous honoree of NDOUR’s show, Senegal’s best-known percussionist leads this tight West African drumming orchestra.

Audio
“Youssou NDOUR: The Voice of Senegal” (NPR)
All Songs Considers profiles “a musical chameleon capable of a seductive whisper or a siren's cry.”

Now your turn...

What did you think? Were you familiar with Doudou N'Diaye Rose before the show? Transported by NDOUR’s soaring tenor? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and by posting on social media using #YoussouNDOUR.

2 comments:

  1. Beautiful show with N'Dour's incredibly expressive singing and movement. The entire band was perfect! And perfectly in tune with each other. The first half was exciting, with a really good sound. But the sound got too loud and the band pooped out towards the end. Even before the encore, one of the guitarists had packed it in. They couldn't wait to leave the stage. Too bad. I love this artist though! Always will. xo

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  2. Amoul morome! (He has no equal) I've seen Youssou N'Dour in concert approximately 8 times, both here in NYC and in Dakar (and I'm only 30 years of age)--including his massive New Year's concert on Jan 2 at CICES in Dakar, and this was easily the best show of his that I've seen. Super Etoile, as always, was tight, with incredibly sharp and complicated arrangements. I only wish that Pape Moussa had danced more. I was so glad that there was more mbalax than "world music" this go 'round, and the spirits of Pa Vieux Sing and Pa Doudou were definitely present within the crowd (the Senegalese folx, at least) and emanating from the stage. It seemed evident that the passing of both last year has really impacted the band and its musical approach (particularly Mbaye Dieye Faye and his drumleading)--the results have been beautiful. Bravo!

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