"Music is a language."Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour Quotes
Senegalese - Musician|October 1, 1959
50 FAMOUS QUOTES · MUSICIAN
Youssou N'Dour Quotes
Read the best Youssou N'Dour quotes on music, Africa, travel, learning and art from the Grammy-winning Senegalese singer and cultural icon.
"Africa is the future."Youssou N'Dour
"Travel teaches as much as books."Youssou N'Dour
"I have studied at the school of the world."Youssou N'Dour
"World music is about taking things from different places and bringing them together - which is great."Youssou N'Dour
"My music is like a spinning ball. It can turn in one direction, and then it comes back to origins."Youssou N'Dour
"When the slaves left Africa, they left us this music. They left us blues."Youssou N'Dour
"I respect music, I do. I love it."Youssou N'Dour
"I love meeting interesting people and doing things with them."Youssou N'Dour
"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
"Politics is politics; art is art. If you play a political role, you have to stop being an artist."Youssou N'Dour
"I want to use my music to deliver a political message and sometimes to denounce, but I don't want to be a politician."Youssou N'Dour
"Senegal needs a renaissance."Youssou N'Dour
"Islam is a peaceful religion."Youssou N'Dour
"I have to protect my family and have a life with them that is completely private."Youssou N'Dour
"I grew up with reggae music."Youssou N'Dour
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About Youssou N'Dour
Senegalese - Musician | Born October 1, 1959
# Youssou N'Dour Quotes
Youssou N'Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter and composer, widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest musicians. Born in Dakar, he helped popularise mbalax, a vibrant style that blends traditional Senegalese drumming with modern pop, jazz and soul.
He reached a global audience with the 1994 duet "7 Seconds" with Neneh Cherry, and later won a Grammy Award. Beyond music, he has run media businesses and served as Senegal's Minister of Culture and Tourism. His quotes celebrate music as a universal language, the promise of Africa and learning from the world.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Youssou N'Dour and these famous quotes.
Who is Youssou N'Dour?
Youssou N'Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter and composer, one of the most celebrated musicians in Africa.
What is Youssou N'Dour's most famous song?
His best-known international song is "7 Seconds" (1994), a duet with Neneh Cherry.
What is mbalax?
Mbalax is a popular Senegalese music style that combines traditional sabar drumming with modern influences, which Youssou N'Dour helped bring to the world.
Did Youssou N'Dour win a Grammy?
Yes, he won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for "Egypt" in 2005.
Was Youssou N'Dour a government minister?
Yes, he served as Senegal's Minister of Culture and Tourism in 2012–2013.