Youssou N'Dour: An Original Portrait

This is the second installment of an original portrait series I'm doing for the Huffington Post. The first was Sandra Bernhard. For more information about my work, visit www.greenfield-sanders.com.

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In Senegal and much of Africa, according to Rolling Stone, Youssou N'Dour is "perhaps the most famous singer alive." Beyond those borders, he is a well-kept secret, but appreciated by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sting, Lou Reed, and Paul Simon, to name just a few.

Last week, Youssou N'Dour visited with me and sat for a portrait. He was joined by documentary filmmaker Chai Vasarhelyi, whose new film about him, "I Bring What I Love," opens June 12th in New York and nationwide throughout the summer.

I asked Ms. Vasarhelyi, "Why this film"? Below, her email response.

Timothy,

Although he is one of the most popular voices coming out of Africa, many people around the world still don't know Youssou N'Dour's work. I wanted to make a film that would illuminate Youssou's life and his message.

I was immediately drawn to the magical, soulful rhythm of Youssou's album 'Egypt' when I first heard it and that gave me the idea of making a big, beautiful film about Africa. Youssou hoped that the album was an opportunity to share his rich, spiritual vision of a tolerant Islam with the world.

I could not have anticipated what an emotional trial I would capture on film. I knew I wanted to give audiences a vibrant experience as seen through the process of releasing his most personal album; we unveil his faith, his family loyalty, his love of Africa and his unshakable belief in humanity.

Similarly, I could have never predicted the controversy surrounding the release of 'Egypt,' but those events strongly shaped the film's themes of conscience, faith, and doing the right thing. Regardless of your religious upbringing or musical tastes, I hope the film provides the chance to see an artist take a risk, faces the consequences, effect change and finally be rewarded on the world stage.

Last week in Cairo, President Obama engaged the Muslim world when he spoke about the fact that "America and Islam are not exclusive.... they overlap and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings." Obama's words are very much in the spirit of Youssou's life's work.

Timothy, when you so kindly took the time to shoot a portrait of Youssou in your studio, I marveled at the way you so quickly captured the dignity and compassion of this extraordinary man. Both Youssou and I thank you, for it is all too rare that a film about an African subject receives this kind of positive attention.

For me, YOUSSOU NDOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE brings to life a contemporary, hopeful Africa.

Peace

Chai Vasarhelyi

(c)Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, All Rights Reserved

YOUSSOU NDOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE, exclusive New York Engagements begin Friday, June 12th at the Paris Theater, IFC Center, and BAM Rose Cinemas. The film opens in Los Angeles, July 3rd, and nationwide throughout the summer. Watch the trailer here.

Comments

[aware4O]

I am so proud of Youssou Ndour (You ). All your senegalese counterparts living in the States and throughout the world know the true artist that you are. You are an example of serious and work, determination, patriotism. Music came to you naturally and you seized on the art to build an empire that focuses on helping others.

I watched him perform in Senegal and in the US. I was pleasantly surprized and amazed at the huge crowd you drew when performing at the Kennedy Center here in Washington, DC. Youssou, your multiple Grammy nominations and your Grammy win are concrete evidence that you are an accomplished international artist and a true idol.

God bless Senegal, God bless America!

[ORATA]

I recommend 7 seconds for any good music Aficionado out there. Great talent , and beautiful voice.

[Xenussister]

That's a beautiful portrait and I hope that film comes to Chicago. I learned of him thanks to Peter Gabriel and saw him in concert by himself. It was a fantastic show.

[Mayoyo]

It's a pity no one knows about him here....that show are selfish we are in this country...if it's not american or british, we do not care.
saw a piece on him yesterday on Euro News....he is awesome.
I am looking for his new album on Amazon.

[Jas Wee]

I'm from Hong Kong and I love this guy. Youssou's music is fantastic

[cre8ive]

Wow. I want to find out more about this special man and his music. I'm going to buy his cd today if I can find it. Fingers crossed...

[CalverH]

Youssou N'Dour is ver welll known all over the francophone world and not only in Africa.

[lasublime]

Youssou N'Dour is indeed an incredible artist and I have been following his career for many years. I have also dreamed of marrying him for many years, but alas!!! As another commenter has noted Youssou is not a well kept secret, except maybe in the U.S. He regularly performs in, as pointed out, in prestigious venues around the world. The U.S. should find out what the rest of the world already knows.

[Keurgui]

loool

[seachild]

article and photo = FANTASTIC

[IssuesInFocus]

Thanks for the introduction to Mr. N'Dour. Unfortunately, I have never heard of him, and of course, that takes nothing away from his talent or gift as musician. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN5PbSvFFAE

[Richard Shain]

Youssou N'Dour is a wonderful musician and his band is among the best in the world. However, Rolling Stone is incorrect when it says he is the most famous singer alive in Africa. N'Dour's popularity in Africa is limited to his native country, Senegal, in part because he usually sings in Wolof, the most spoken language in his homeland but a language rarely heard outside of it. In any event, young people in Africa mostly listen to rap. I also would question the assertion that N'Dour is a "well kept secret" outside of Africa. For at least the last 10 years, he has released his Cds on major labels of major music conglomerates and has regularly given concerts in many of the worlds most prestigious music halls. He has received extensive coverage in the world press and is one of the most important figures in world music. Despite the inaccuracies in this column, it is great to see this distinguished artist receiving even more favorable publicity.

[Chakras]

Youssou N'Dour is an amazing singer/songwriter. He brings an earthy quality to his work, which, coupled with his songwriting, singing voice, melodies and compositions, makes listening to him a wonderful experience. I do hope more people discover him and count his work as an integral part of their musical libraries.