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Youssou N’Dour will not play in the U.S. this year |
World-renowned
Senegalese Afro-pop music sensation Youssou N’Dour shocked fans in the United
States Saturday when he announced that he would cancel his tour of that country
in protest of a probable U.S. war in Iraq.
As
quoted by the BBC, N’Dour said of his decision: “As a matter of conscience,
I question the United States government's apparent intention to commence war in
Iraq.”
“I
believe that coming to America at this time would be perceived in many parts of
the world - rightly or wrongly - as support for this policy.”
N’Dour’s
stance against the war does come at a price. Although the singer/songwriter is
arguably the most famous African artist on the world music scene today with
record sales in the millions, a U.S. tour provides the prospect of big-ticket
venues that can significantly augment an artist’s annual revenues. And with
the cancellation of some 38 American dates N’Dour will forgo a strong portion
of his summer tour and he is yet to announce alternate plans.
However
money and popularity are not the factors motivating N’Dour. Rather, his
concern is the ability for the Iraq situation to be resolved in an appropriate
manner in the proper forum. “It is my strong conviction that the
responsibility for disarming Iraq should rest with the United Nations,” said
N’Dour, again as quoted by the BBC.
N’Dour
first gained recognition in the late 1980s when he played several tour dates
with Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, both of whom were, and continue to be,
champions of African popular music.
Then
in 1994 he scored the chart-climbing hit “Seven Seconds” performing with
Neneh Cherry. The song received worldwide radio play and was nominated for a
Grammy award in the United States.
In
maybe the ultimate honor given a performer, N’Dour then was chosen to sing the
official anthem for the 1998 World Cup. He continues to record and tour with
great popularity.
N’Dour’s
unique style is a mélange of African Diaspora music. Using the traditional
rhythms of his native Senegal as a foundation, N’Dour combines elements of
jazz, reggae, Caribbean musical styles and even Hip Hop to create a sound unto
itself.
Beyond
being an entertainer, N’Dour is also dedicated to development efforts in his
native Senegal. Towards that end, he established in 2001 Joko, and Internet
project partly sponsored by computer manufacturer Hewlett Packard that strives
to bring computer literacy and community development and connectedness to
Senegalese who would not normally have access to such technology.
