Aside from his sublime voice and onstage charisma, Senegal’s premier star has always been a musical innovator, fusing tradition and modernity. His early records mixed Cuban pop with Senegal’s mbalax heritage, while his rise to global superstar saw him weave together Africa and western pop – 1994’s hit Seven Seconds, with Neneh Cherry, remains an enduring cross-cultural gem.
History, his first album in four years, showcases N’Dour’s mastery of multiple styles and languages. The history celebrated is his own. He has recast some old favourites, used material from the late Nigerian percussionist Babatunde Olatunji, and offered a tribute to another fallen comrade, Habib Faye, which opens the set with a supple inviting groove.
Two old numbers are reworked with young stars aboard. N’Dour recasts Birima, a tribute to Africa, with Sweden’s Seinabo Sey, and Hello, with Congolese singer Mohombi, as arena-sized crowd pleasers – the latter is already a breakout global hit. A brace from 1989’s Set, an abiding favourite back home, evoke N’Dour’s mbalax roots, with Salimata blessed by slinky saxophone. N’Dour sings with accustomed majesty throughout; sometimes commanding, sometimes anguished, an always urgent force of nature.
