N'Dour was born in Medina in Dakar, Senegal, in 1959 and started his music career singing in small clubs in Dakar in the Wolof language, which is predominantly spoken in Senegal and Gambia. He's most popular for his mbalax beat which gave him the title "Roi de Mbalax" (King of Mbalax), and is a household name in Senegal, Gambia and neighbouring countries in West Africa with a long list of hits from the early days in the 70s to date.
In 1979, he formed his own ensemble, the Etoile de Dakar. His early work with Etoile de Dakar was in the typical Latin style popular all over Africa during that time, but in the 1980s he developed a unique sound when he started his current group, Super Etoile de Dakar, featuring Jimi Mbaye on guitar, bassist Habib Faye, and tama (talking drum) player Assane Thiam.
N'Dour was introduced to the Western audience when Peter Gabriel had him appear on his 'So' album (in 1986) and theb took N'Dour and The Super Etoile de Dakar on the road with him in a subsequent world tour. N'Dour has also collaborated with a lengthy list of influential artists including Paul Simon, Neneh Cherry, and Branford Marsalis.
He is endowed with remarkable range and poise, a composer, bandleader, and producer with a prodigious musical intelligence. The New York Times most recently described his voice as an "arresting tenor, a supple weapon deployed with prophetic authority". N'Dour absorbs the entire Senegalese musical spectrum in his work, often filtering this through the lens of genre-defying rock or pop music from outside Senegalese culture.
Youssou N´Dour is currently the new minister of Culture of Senegal as a reward for his campaign against the former president of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade who was defeated by Macky Sall in February 2012.
C'Est l'Amour
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
c'est lamour ohhhhh.
soumala rombé di deme ga tekni lepeu bah si man apparence bi nahnala xamoulo li nek si man c'est l'amour c'est l'amour c'est l'amour ohhhhhhh.
man lekouma man nanouma batay c'est l'amour
The lyrics of Youssou N'Dour's song C'Est l'Amour reflect on the powerful and all-consuming nature of love. The song seems to be addressing individuals who may not understand or underestimate the strength of love. In the first verse, Youssou sings in Wolof about a person who doesn't understand the depth of love and thinks it's just about physical attraction, beauty or appearances. He sings, "Souma wahtané ak sama ñeguenay nah goudi dey yokou xel, sou beuthiagué ma dadi faté man guenteu yi ma guentone bikeu," which can be translated to, "You think my love for her is only because of her beauty, you're wrong. My heart is filled and it's because of her love."
In the chorus, Youssou repeats "c'est l'amour" several times, emphasizing the idea that "it's love" that drives him and others who may feel the same way as him, to act and feel the way they do. The second verse seems to talk about how love can make someone feel and act in uncharacteristic ways. He sings, "Soumala rombé di deme ga tekni lepeu bah si man apparence bi nahnala xamoulo li nek si man c'est l'amour c'est l'amour c'est l'amour ohhhhhhh," which can be translated to, "I am dancing crazy, even though I know I shouldn't because of my appearance. But it doesn't matter because it's love, it's love, it's love."
Overall, the song is about the power and intensity of love and how it can make someone feel and act in ways they never thought possible. Youssou N'Dour's vocals and the music combine to create a heartfelt and emotional experience that resonates with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Souma wahtané ak sama ñeguenay nah goudi dey yokou xel, sou beuthiagué ma dadi faté man guenteu yi ma guentone bikeu.
My heart and my mind were in a constant battle, until I found inner peace and clarity. Now, I am no longer lost and confused, and I have found my way.
c'est lamour ohhhhh.
It is love, that feeling of uncontrollable joy and happiness that fills my heart and soul.
soumala rombé di deme ga tekni lepeu bah si man apparence bi nahnala xamoulo li nek si man c'est l'amour c'est l'amour c'est l'amour ohhhhhhh.
Even though my appearance may be flawed or imperfect, love sees beyond that and accepts me for who I am. It fills me with so much love and happiness that I can't help but sing its praises.
man lekouma man nanouma batay c'est l'amour
I may face challenges and obstacles in life, but as long as I have love in my heart, I can overcome anything.
Writer(s): Massimiliano Calo, Youssou N. Dour, Habib Faye
Contributed by Carson J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@yacinembow1758
15 Février 2024
@defakande3964
Machalla tonton Youssou yaye sen baye
@mamadouwatt6727
Youssou Ndour, the king of mbalax, I'm really proud of you, best forever
@diopmusa8658
Ndeyssane.ca.me.rapelle.sa.guayi.nioguo.donne serane.keure.ley.souniou.grand.bou.bah.saguatta
@sanediallo5611
yousou Mala beugue si sama xol
@mariamaba7136
J'adore ce son
@diopmusa8658
Souvenirs.keure.grand.leye.2005.courage.my.grand.niit.kou.bah
@mamytasylla2824
Mala beugg papa you
@janwillemheijbroek9107
Formidable!!! J’aime beaucoups cette chanson!! C’est une version avec beaucoups d’energie!! Assane Thiam “at his best” Magnifique!!
Aussi Mbaye Dieye Faye et Habib Koite bravo bravo!!
Jean Guillaume
@sambajallow3411
How many times have you been to Bercy? I understand this was 2003 if am not wrong.