Youssou N’Dour, one of the most celebrated African musicians in history played for one night only at London’s Barbican in July.
As West Africa’s most influential singer, Youssou N’Dour is on the board of Malaria No More US and took time out from promoting his new album to talk about how he is using world music to educate people about malaria prevention in Africa and to raise awareness about malaria in the UK & US. Youssou’s interview ran in July 2010 on BBC Radio four’s flagship programme; Today. Listen again to the interview
It was Youssou’s first ever UK performance of many of his new sounding tracks, combining African and Caribbean music to create an upbeat Reggae vibe. His vibrant performance was supported by colourful and breathtaking Senegalese dancers, drummers and guitarists as well as some talented dancers who joined him on stage from the audience! Youssou left the crowd captivated, inspired and hoping it won’t be too long before he is back with us again.
When Youssou was in the UK to perform at WOMAD 2009 he was interviewed on Channel 4 by Krishnan Guru-Murthy about the ways in which he helps the fight against malaria in his home country of Senegal.During the interview, Youssou said of his involvement with the campaign: “I decided to do something because one part of the responsibility is coming from people.[People] didn’t know really they could die the same night. When I understood that I dedicate all my music, all my tours and energy, to go to the international level to tell people malaria is very dangerous, we have to put more resource to reverse this problem.”
It is one of Youssou’s aims to get every African child to sleep under a mosquito net.
In 2009, just before the National Malaria Control Program’s distribution of nearly two million mosquito nets to every child under five, Youssou hosted a concert in Dakar and released the hit song, “XeexSibbiru”, encouraging all Senegalese families to take responsibility for the fight against malaria in their homes, communities and country.
“XeexSibbiru” was part of Malaria No More’s Surround Sound initiative, which activates key sectors of society including entertainment, sport, faith, local business and government to deliver the message across the country that no family need suffer from malaria and to encourage net use and fever treatment.Surround Sound continued this year with the “XeexSibbiru” Song Contest with Malaria No More US.
Read more about the “Xeex Sibbiru” Song Contest and found out who won.
