Markus Gardian Booking

With Mbalax, his 2021 album, Youssou N'Dour underlines his legacy as a masterful bridge builder between tradition and modernity. Rooted in Senegalese sabar rhythms and griot stories, Mbalax is a twelve-track celebration of culture, resilience and social consciousness. On this album, which comes after a two-year hiatus, N'Dour and his legendary band Super Étoile blend acoustic Senegalese sounds with global influences to create a sound that is both unmistakably local and universal. Each song is charged with meaning: 'Corona' addresses the global pandemic and the importance of healthcare, while 'Thione Seck, Ballago Ndoumb Yatma' is a moving tribute to the late Senegalese music legend. Tracks such as "Zero Waste" and 'Ndox' address the responsible use of the environment and access to vital resources, while "Da-fa-laa" and "Good Neighbors" focus on interpersonal trust and community cohesion. With "Tatagal", N'Dour pays a sincere tribute to his fans and thanks them for their unwavering support throughout his 50-year career.

The album pulsates with different moods and sounds - from acoustic guitar and classical instrumentation to gospel choirs and techno interludes, capturing both the diversity of Africa and the depth of N'Dour's vision. The French version of "Mama Africa" emphasizes pride in African identity, while "The Solution" and "Gaggantiko" call for personal reflection, education and compassion as paths to progress. More than just a musical experience, Mbalax is a poetic, urgent and hopeful call for unity, dignity and cultural pride.

Photo: Markus Gardian Booking

27.7., 8 p.m.

ZOOM Frankfurt, Carl-Benz-Str. 21, Frankfurt

2for1: 72 € (standing room)

27.7., 19-19.30, box office