Youssou NDour

One of Africa’s most beautiful voices, Youssou NDour has, throughout his career, successfully broken through the cultural and economic barriers of international show business, introducing his music—an uplifting blend of Senegalese Mbalax, jazz, soul, and even hip-hop—to the world. Words are at the heart of his artistry, and his songs address a wide range of social issues. His work, acclaimed by audiences worldwide, has earned him numerous awards: a Grammy Award for the album “Egypt” in 2005; an honorary Doctorate from Yale University in 2011; the Polar Music Prize in 2013; and the Praemium Imperiale from the Japan Art Association in 2017. In 2020, he became the first African to join the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. In 2022, he was awarded the La Mar de Músicas prize in Spain, and in 2024 he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College Valencia.

A child of Medina who became a global star, successful businessman, and charismatic figure of contemporary Africa, he now wishes to pass on the fruits of his encounters and experiences, filling a gap by creating an international-scale foundation dedicated to the cultural and creative industries.