May 11, 2011 – Senegal’s preeminent cultural figure, songwriter, composer, and singer, Youssou Ndour, will begin his U.S. tour on June 16 at the Greek Theatre.
Ndour’s work has influenced musicians around the world with his fusions of African rhythms and Cuban sounds, hip hop, jazz, and soul. His latest work, Dakar-Kingston reflects the influence that reggae has had in African culture and presents several Ndour hits, as well as original music, turned into reggae anthems. “For years, people told me that my voice would be perfect for a reggae album,” said Ndour. “Then one day, I really felt how my songs could get a second chance through reggae. It made sense to me.”
Reggae has been in Ndour’s life since childhood, when he recalls listening to reggae LPs from his uncle’s record store. After performing a tribute concert to Bob Marley in Senegal, Ndour decided it was time to create his own reggae album. He traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, to record at Tuff Gong, a crucial studio in reggae history, in collaboration with some of the best in the reggae industry, like producer Tyrone Downie, and with the support of Jamaica’s stars, like dub poet and reggae icon, Mutabaruka.
Dakar-Kingston includes the track “Marley,” in which Ndour gives tribute to reggae’s global hero - “The Rastaman was a real good man, thanks to the woman who gave us Bob Marley,” Ndour sings. (Watch a video of “Marley” here.)
Ndour will share the Greek Theatre stage with African diva Angelique Kidjo and South African Vusi Mahlasela. The concert is scheduled at 7.30 pm on June 16. Tickets range $35-$55 and are available HERE.
The Greek Theatre is located at 2700 North Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
Youssou Ndour’s complete 2011 US/Canada Tour schedule
06/16/2011 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue
Tix: $35-$55, Show: 7:30 pm - Ph: 323.665.5857
06/17/2011 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway - Tix: $25-$80, Show: 8:00 pm -
Ph: 510.465.6400
06/18/2011 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Live at the Moody, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd - Ph: 877.435.9849
06/19/2011 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia International Convention Center
06/22/2011 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E South St - Ph: 919.831.6060.
06/23/2011 - Washington, DC - Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street, NW - Ph: 202.994.6800
06/24/2011 - New York, NY - Terminal 5, 610 W. 56th St.. @ 11th Ave. - Tix: $50 adv./$55 door, Doors Open: 9:00 pm, Show: 10:00 pm - Ph: 212.375.1200
06/26/2011 - Toronto, ON - Canada Mainstage – Toronto Downtown Jazz
06/27/2011 - Montreal, QC - Canada Metropolis Theatre
06/28/2011 - Ottawa, ON - Canada Confederation Park, 100 Elgin Street
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