The Lion King

Youssou N’Dour. He’s called the Lion of Africa. After listening to him for about ten seconds you realize why. He embodies what African vocals are all about. You’ve probably heard Ladysmith Black Mambaza, Miriam Makeba, and other fantastic African voices. Youssou is right up there with them with his distinctive, powerful voice.

Anyway, Youssou is from Dakar, Senegal and inherited his musicality from his mother who was a Griot (oral historian). He learned to sing as a child and formed the group Super E'toile de Dakar as a twenty-year old. He’s gone on to travel the world with this group and has recorded with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Peter Gabriel, Sting and Tracy Chapman. He also owns a popular nightclub in Dakar. Long live the king!