Africa: Youssou N'dour Lights the World in 2025

Youssou N'Dour is a major figure in African music. Twenty-five years ago, Folk Roots magazine named him "Artist of the Century." Since then, he has continued to thrive. He tours with his band Le Super Etoile and wins Grammy awards. N'Dour also served as Senegal's Minister of Culture and collaborates widely.

This spring, he will release his new album, *Light the World* (Éclairer le Monde). This marks his 41st album, though the actual number may be higher due to local releases and collaborations.

*Light the World* features a new sound. It was produced by Michael League from Snarky Puppy and Weedie Braimah. They recorded in a village in Spain, away from N'Dour's usual studio in Dakar. The album highlights N'Dour's iconic voice alongside traditional African instruments.

As the album was set for release in February, tragedy struck. Jimi Mbaye, N'Dour's longtime guitarist and collaborator, passed away at age 67. In response to this loss, N'Dour postponed the album's release to April 4th.

N'Dour’s team stated that they needed time to mourn Mbaye’s passing. He had been a friend for over 40 years and an exceptional talent in music.

As *Light the World* reaches audiences worldwide, Afropop’s Banning Eyre spoke with N'Dour via Zoom from Dakar. They discussed the new music and recent losses in his life.

Banning Eyre: Hey Youssou! Great to see you again.
Youssou N'Dour: Yes! It's been a while since Carnegie Hall in 2022.

Eyre praised the new album for its fresh sound. He noted less guitar and more traditional instruments with strong percussion. He asked about N'Dour's vision for this project.

N'Dour explained that world music needed renewal after recent years. He sought inspiration from Michael League during this process.

Eyre asked how he chose League and Braimah as collaborators.
N'Dour responded that Weedie is an ambassador of percussion in North America. He has always admired Michael’s work with Snarky Puppy.

He added that Michael suggested bringing Weedie into the project.
Eyre mentioned their mutual appreciation for Weedie's enthusiasm about working together.

N’Dour emphasized that percussion plays a vital role on this album.
He wanted to showcase traditional African instruments like ngoni and kora alongside his voice.

Eyre noted the vocal chorus throughout the album reminds him of Arabic music.
N’Dour shared that he worked on compositions for two years before recording them with Michael.

He practiced vocals at home before presenting them during rehearsals.
Recording took place in Spain at Michael’s home near Barcelona due to its excellent acoustics.

Eyre asked about specific songs starting with "Tout Pour Briller."
N’Dour explained it reflects hope after Covid-19, encouraging everyone to shine despite challenges.

He described "Bul Ma Laaj" as a love song expressing acceptance of feelings without needing questions.
"Noflaay" conveys acceptance of divine timing regarding personal gifts and talents.

Regarding "Sam Fal," he paid homage to Sheikh Ibra Fall from Mouridism through acoustic guitar.
The song captures solidarity within Mouride gatherings while maintaining cultural traditions.

Eyre highlighted "Machalla," which features strong guitar playing.
N’Dour explained it celebrates selflessness and community spirit post-pandemic while honoring those who support others quietly.

He acknowledged Western society often overlooks these unsung heroes but emphasized their importance.
In "Mbëggėel doole," he pays tribute to Orchestra Baobab while celebrating their musical legacy through rhythm variations.

Eyre remarked on how Baobab continues inspiring younger musicians today.
N’Dour agreed it's exciting when bands evolve beyond their original members' contributions.

In "Say Thank You," he honors mothers using Moustapha Gaye on guitar instead of Jimi Mbaye.
Though Jimi was not present during recording, his influence remains evident throughout the song's soundscape.

The final track honors Amadou Bamba as part of N’Dour’s ongoing tribute to him.
He reflected on losing both Jimi Mbaye and Aurelio Martinez recently due to their significant impacts on music communities worldwide.


They discussed attending Aurelio's memorial service shortly after his passing.
N’Dour expressed sadness over losing such talented artists who brought joy through their melodies.


Both men acknowledged honoring those they've lost is essential amidst grief,
especially given Aurelio’s mentorship journey with Youssou being impactful for him.


Despite these losses, they remain committed to celebrating their legacies through music
and continuing forward together within their communities.