Youssou N'Dour Quotes

A collection of quotes by Youssou N'Dour.

Youssou N'Dour is a renowned Senegalese singer, songwriter, and political activist. Born on October 1, 1959, in Dakar, Senegal, N'Dour rose to international fame for his powerful voice, distinctive style, and ability to blend traditional Senegalese music with modern genres like pop, jazz, and reggae.

N'Dour's music career began in the 1970s, when he joined the popular Senegalese band Étoile de Dakar. With his deep vocals and energetic performances, he quickly gained popularity within the local music scene. In the 1980s, he formed his own band called Super Étoile de Dakar, which further propelled his success and cemented his position as a leading figure in African music.

Throughout his career, N'Dour released numerous critically acclaimed albums, collaborated with internationally renowned artists like Peter Gabriel and Neneh Cherry, and received several prestigious awards. His music often addresses social and political issues, reflecting his commitment to raising awareness and promoting positive change in Africa.

Apart from his musical achievements, N'Dour has also been actively involved in politics. In 2012, he ran for the presidency of Senegal, advocating for democratic governance and social justice. Although his bid was ultimately unsuccessful, his candidacy represented a significant milestone in the country's political landscape.

With his powerful voice, multicultural sound, and unwavering activism, Youssou N'Dour has become a cultural icon, not just in Senegal but also globally. His contributions to music and passion for social causes have made a lasting impact on the world stage.

Politics is politics art is art. If you play a political rol

Politics is politics art is art. If you play a political role, you have to stop being an artist.

Youssou N'Dour


In politics, sometimes you have to lie, or you make a promis

In politics, sometimes you have to lie, or you make a promise that you cannot keep.

Youssou N'Dour

Politics

I look at my people, and I look at those who control them -

I look at my people, and I look at those who control them - the political elite. And the sad thing is that the elites are just not interested in the welfare of the people.

Youssou N'Dour

Sad

Islam is a peaceful religion.

Islam is a peaceful religion.

Youssou N'Dour

Religion

I respect music, I do. I love it.

I respect music, I do. I love it.

Youssou N'Dour

Respect

I think people should know more of Africa in terms of its jo

I think people should know more of Africa in terms of its joie de vivre, its feeling for life. In spite of the images that one knows about Africa - the economic poverty, the corruption - there's a joy to living and a happiness in community, living together, in community life, which may be missing here in America.

Youssou N'Dour

Happiness

Travel teaches as much as books.

Travel teaches as much as books.

Youssou N'Dour

Travel

My father used to tell me about how musicians don't have res

My father used to tell me about how musicians don't have respect from people and he was afraid about my future.

Youssou N'Dour

Respect

In the West, you have always associated the Islamic faith 10

In the West, you have always associated the Islamic faith 100 percent with Arab culture. This in itself is a fundamentalist attitude and it is mistaken.

Youssou N'Dour

Attitude

I think that Sufism fits all over the world. The concept is

I think that Sufism fits all over the world. The concept is not anything that fits standard Western ideas - it's always related to culture, to music, to religion. It is a dominant religion in Senegal.

Youssou N'Dour

Religion

I'm a modern Muslim. I pray, and if I have a question, I ask

I'm a modern Muslim. I pray, and if I have a question, I ask someone who is more educated in the religion than me.

Youssou N'Dour

Religion