Best of Youssou N’Dour (Columbia, 2011)
Some of the most dynamic sounds to recently come out of Africa have been produced by Senegal-born vocalist Youssou N’Dour. Although rooted in the traditional music of his homeland, N’Dour has consistently sought new means of blending his voices with world influences. He has collaborated with Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Neneh Cherry, L. Shankar and Branford Marsalis.
N’Dour helped to pioneer mbalax, an up-tempo blend of African, Caribbean, and pop rhythms. A number of compilations celebrate his musical successes, and this Columbia collection includes 16 of his hits such as New Africa, Without a Smile, Country Boy, Birima and a live version of Set.
Author: Madanmohan Rao
Madanmohan Rao is an author and media consultant from Bangalore, and global correspondent for world music and jazz for World Music Central and Jazzuality. He has written over 15 books on media, management and culture, and is research director for YourStory Media. Madan was formerly World Music Editor at Rave magazine and RJ at WorldSpace, and can be followed on Twitter at @MadanRao.
