Search - Youssou N'Dour :: Egypt

Stirring sojourn under the sheltering sky

o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 06/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is quite a departure from his mbalaax and Peter Gabriel oriented world music pop. Instead, Youssou infuses this CD with the flavours, the scents the rhythms of Egyptian traditional and orchestral music, creating a captivating percolation of North African textures that transport the listener through the sand storms of the northern Sahara to arrive in the oasesin sight of the pyramids. The music is thus more hypnotic and angular than his pop stuff, and it is refreshing not to hear an American or British voice breaking through. This is all this amazing Senegalese working with a sympathetic clique of like minded percusiionists, string and flute players and guitarists.
It is a Nonesuch recording, so the integrity of the natural sound is presented so purely that it is an aural wonder to listen to, and marks a significant departure from anything else he has done. The songs are a combination of prayers, "Allah,", Epictatan morality injunctions "Mahdiyu Laye," historical encomiums "Baay Niasse", and wise entreaties designed to bring you to a place of peace "Touba - Daru Salaam". They are in each case a reflection of Senegal's Sufi tradition, and Youssou treats them with respect and passion. He quotes the Sengalese patriot Mamadou Dia: "Love, in Islam, is not intellectual, but visceral." and that is so much to how the subtlety in this collection is delivered. Youssou handled the production in Dakar and in Cairo, and the sympatico he evokes among the usicians works so seamlessly, they are as one throught each track. I think you'll find this CD is one of his most satisfying ever."

Senegal, Egypt and Arabia... A Winning Combination

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 05/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this beautiful CD, Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour both returns to his roots and brings in new influences, looking to the east for inspiration. Featuring a full classical Arab orchestra directed by Egyptian conductor Fathy Salama alongside traditional Senegalese musicians, this CD was born from recording studios in Cairo and Dakar. Classical Arab instruments like the 'oud, violin, tabla and ney meld seemlessly with African percussion, the kora and Youssou N'Dour's marvellous vocals in the Wolof language. The resulting fusion is a masterpiece of world music, and carries a strong Sufi resonance from both countries. After all, despite the geographic distance, Senegal shares a great deal of Muslim heritage with Egypt and the other Arab states, so this CD shouldn't be too surprising.



Listening to the CD, one can feel the passion and intensity that Youssou N'Dour and the other musicians feel for God. I don't want to make it out as if this CD is only for followers of Islam. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and wonder of this music; it speaks to your very soul of love and compassion. Songs like "Shukran Bamba", "Tijaniyya" "Touba - Daru Salaam" and "Allah" are easy to appreciate even if you don't speak Wolof. The booklet includes translations of the lyrics so that English-speakers can appreciate the poetry and creativity of the songs. I was very excited when this CD was released (and Thione Seck's similar "Orientisme" in which he collaborated with artists from Senegal, Egypt and India), but had put off buying it for too long. I'm glad I finally got around to buying this CD, and I hope that other lovers of African music (and classical Arabic music) go and check this out. This is a wonderful cross-cultural experience, and well worth hearing."

Continuing to Expand Musical Boundaries

D. Sean Brickell | gorgeous Virginia Beach, VA United States | 07/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. N'Dour has, for years, been one of world music's leading ambassadors, and Egypt will continue expanding our musical boundaries in the west. As a typical US citizen, I can't understand the lyrics here. But his passion, performance and the score convey the urgency and soulfulness of the songs.



I get the message.



The safe thing for Mr. N'Dour would have been to stylistically return to his breakout CD of a decade ago, The Guide, arguably one of the best releases ever. But to his credit as a genuine artist, he has matured and evolved into a new area. Art is not static, especially in music. And if that measure of value is applied here, then this definietly qualifies as a CD worthy of repeated listening."