 Youssou N'Dour is still the most influential musician in Africa because of the quality and style of his singing as well as the fact that he has constantly changed direction. In the last two decades his musical styles has ranged from the soulful driving Senegalese style, mbalax, to dodgy western-influenced ballads. Egypt is his most intriguing project to date. N'Dour grew up listening to Egyptian styles as his father was a fan of Oum Kalsoum. So his current enterprise of mixing Senegalese influences with a full Egyptian orchestra is no surprise. The aim is to praise Islam which is shared by both the countries. The emphasis of the album is on Senegal's local Sufi brotherhoods. The album starts with the soulful rendition of a prayer, Allah. In the track there is a female chorus and an orchestra. The mood of the album is heightend by swirling strings, drums, flutes, and the powerful singing from N'Dour.
The philosophy underlying the album go back a long way to the teachings of the Sufi Mystic, Sidi Ahmed al-Tijaniyya. The mystic began his influential movement in Fes, Morocco, in the late 18th century. Youssou N'dour & The Egyptian Orchestra are a unique act in music and are a rage among the fans world over. However, the real experience of the artists can be felt only at the live shows. When you plan to be at their live performance, book your seats through an online vendor, as the shows are huge sell outs everytime.
|
