Story
Youssou N’Dour (born October 1, 1959) is a multifaceted personality who excelled as a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, actor, businessman and politician. Senegal.
Famous for his landmark tenure as former Minister of Tourism of Senegal, Youssou N’Dour is a versatile figure who excelled in fields as diverse as music, business and politics.
It is important to highlight that his main passion lies in music, where he has received acclaim for his extraordinary talent and significant contributions to the industry throughout his illustrious career.
Former Minister of Tourism of Senegal
Youssou N’Dour | |
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Youssou N’Dour: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
First and last name: | Youssou Madjiguene Ndour |
Stage name: | Youssou N’Dour |
Born: | October 1, 1959 (64 years old) |
Place of birth: | Dakar, Senegal |
Nationality: | Senegalese |
Education: | Yale University |
Height: | 1.7 m |
Parents: | Ndeye Sokhna Mboup, Elimane N’Dour |
Siblings: | Bouba N’Dour |
Couple: | Aida Coulibaly (d. 2006) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | do not apply |
Children: | Venus N’Dour, Birane N’Dour, Ndeye Sokhna N’Dour, St. Louis N’Dour, Segui N’Dour, Thioro N’Dour, Ibrahima Nelson Mandela N’Dour, Mary Aida Coulibaly N’Dour |
Job: | Musician • Politician |
Net value: | 145 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Born on October 1, 1959, in the vibrant city of Dakar, Senegal, Youssou N’Dour was raised by loving parents Ndeye Sokhna Mboup and Elimane N’Dour.
His formative years were spent in a close-knit family with his beloved sibling, Bouba N’Dour. In recognition of his outstanding musical ability and significant contributions to the arts, Youssou N’Dour was honored with an honorary doctorate in music from the prestigious school. Yale University.
Career
At age 15, Youssou N’Dour began his musical adventure by joining the band Super Diamond, where his distinctive voice and captivating stage presence were quickly recognized. Famous for introducing mbalax, a Senegalese musical genre that combines traditional Wolof rhythms with Latin and other international elements, N’Dour spreads the vibrant essence of Africa to a global audience , transcending continents and cultures.
In 2012, he publicly announced his candidacy in the Senegalese presidential election, positioning himself as a rival against President Abdoulaye Wade. Unfortunately, his aspirations hit a roadblock when concerns about the validity of the signatures collected led to his disqualification. Undeterred, Youssou N’Dour, the respected Senegalese musician, supported opposition candidate Macky Sall. In the following March 2012 election, Sall won the second round, defeating the incumbent president, Wade.
Following Sall’s victory, Youssou N’Dour was appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism in April 2012, serving in the newly formed cabinet led by Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye. Notably, the PBS television program Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders documented Youssou N’Dour’s remarkable journey during his presidential campaign.
Awards & Nominations
Grammy Award
- Winner: Best Contemporary World Music Album for “Egypt” (2005)
- Nominated: Best Contemporary World Music Album for “Rokku mi Rokka (Give and Take)” (2009)
- Nominated: Best Contemporary World Music Album for “Nothing’s In Vain (Coono du Réér)” (2004)
- Nominated: Best World Music Album for “Joko (The Link)” (2001)
- Nominated: Best World Music Album for “The Guide (Wommat)” (1995)
MOBO Award
- Winner: Best African Act (2005)
- Nominated: Best World Music Act (2004, 2003, 2001, 2000)
Other Music Awards
- Prince Claus Award with the theme “Language and Cross-Cultural Forms of Expression” (2002)
- Praemium Imperiale Award for Music from the Japan Arts Association (2017)
Social Media
- Instagram manager: Youssou Ndour ️️️ (@youssoundour1959)
- Twitter name: YOUSSOU NDOUR (@YoussouNdourSN)
Personal life
Famous Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour, at the age of 64, has been happily married to Aida Coulibaly since 2006. Together, they have a happy family, proud parents of 8 children : Venus N’Dour, Birane N’ Dour, Ndeye Sokhna N’Dour, St. Louis N’Dour, Segui N’Dour, Thioro N’Dour, Ibrahima Nelson Mandela N’Dour, and Mary Aida Coulibaly N’Dour.
Net value
Youssou N’Dour, the widely regarded Senegalese singer and former Minister of Tourism, is considered one of the wealthiest musicians in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $145 million. His enormous success and financial prosperity are testament to his outstanding talent and hard work throughout his illustrious career.