History

Album review

Youssou N’Dour is nothing new to music history. His long and sparkling career has touched Senegalese souls since the start of the 80s and western ears since the mid-90s. The "Nightingale of Dakar" is today recognized as one of the most beautiful African voices. At a time where urban West African music is influencing productions worldwide, Youssou cements his role as an intergenerational inspiration, revisiting his past and that of his predecessors as well as welcoming young artists with promising futures. History begins with a homage to his touring companion Habib Faye, Super Etoile’s historical bassist who recently passed away. The first number holds his name and the fourth, Ay Conno, his style. It consists of a revisiting of some of his old songs like Salimata and Birima, a cover suggested to him by Seinabo Sey, a young and powerful singer of Gambian origin, born and living in Sweden. This association would never have formed without his greatest success, 7 seconds, sung with Neneh Cherry, a fellow Swedish resident.

Mohombi (Hello), whose prominence was boosted by associations with Akon, Nelly and Pitbull is another Swedish native certainly loyal to the Senegalese artist. Another remarkable collaboration with contemporary music is Tell Me composed by Mike Banger, producer for the New-Orleans rapper, Lil Wayne. This youthful entourage that constitutes his admirers, should surely guarantee the enthusiasm and curiosity of the younger generations. But the most emotional aspect of this album is that it awakens the memory of a pioneer of African who transmitted his culture to the western world. Takuta and My Child are songs, that were until now unrealized, of Nigerian vocalist and percussionist Babatunde Olatunji, who played a predominant role in the conveyance of African culture to the United States in the 60s. Shortly before his death in 2003, Olatunji entrusted his recordings to his nephew who had the bright idea of passing them on to the Senegalese star. It is a successful mix. The virtual duo are more reason to focus on such an important part of musical history. © Benjamin Minimum/Qobuz