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.
Fenene
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aw Oy
Woy woy
Wouy fenen
Wouy fenen wouy fenen wouy fenen wouy fenen wouy fenen wouy fenennnnn
Bou feké beuguetoma io nañ ande dem fenen
Xawma io d lossi xalat mane mi d paréna billah
Mine ngama mine nala té yonu diam soriwoul billah
Sa yaye beugouma nañ ande dem fenenoooo
Buñu deme bokk suñu yone dou nekk si kenenoooo
Fi ñom ñeup dañuy xol teu ken du xamé
Sa yaye beugouma mane lounekk defnako
Ahh Euhh
Ahh Euhhhh
Woy woy wouy fenen
The song "Fenene" by Youssou N'Dour is rhythmical and energetic. It starts with a repetitive chant, "Aw Oy, Woy Woy, Wouy Fenen" that captures the attention of the listener from the get-go. This chant is followed by the main song, which speaks to the struggles of life and how we can overcome them. The lyrics speak of someone who is dealing with challenges like losing jobs and facing poverty, but they keep their faith in Allah, which is the source of their strength. They believe that through hard work and perseverance, they will overcome these obstacles.
The song's message is inspiring, as it highlights the importance of keeping our faith and belief in ourselves even in times of difficulty. It reminds us that we are capable of overcoming obstacles through hard work, perseverance, and faith. The repetitive chorus is catchy and creates a vibe that encourages the listener to dance and sing along. Youssou N'Dour's vocals are powerful and engaging, and they add to the song's energy, making it a perfect dance tune.
Overall, "Fenene" is a potent song with a message that will resonate with anyone who has gone through challenging times. It encourages us to be resilient and have faith in ourselves and in a higher power. The catchy chorus and energetic vocals make it a perfect dance tune that can lift the spirits of any listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Aw Oy
Expresses excitement or enthusiasm, similar to saying 'Oh yeah'
Woy woy
An exclamation of excitement or awe, similar to saying 'Wow'
Wouy fenen
Unknown phrase, likely used as a vocalization to express enjoyment or appreciation for something
Bou feké beuguetoma io nañ ande dem fenen
I am not ashamed to show my love for this thing
Xawma io d lossi xalat mane mi d paréna billah
I may struggle and face obstacles, but I remain steadfast and committed to my faith
Mine ngama mine nala té yonu diam soriwoul billah
Regardless of what challenges I face, I am loyal and dedicated to my faith
Leigui magum dieum nga bula ken di xalatal billah
Despite what others may say or do, my faith is an unbreakable part of who I am
Sa yaye beugouma nañ ande dem fenenoooo
My mother taught me to never be ashamed when expressing love or appreciation for something
Buñu deme bokk suñu yone dou nekk si kenenoooo
This is my own thing, it belongs to me and no one else can understand it like I do
Fi ñom ñeup dañuy xol teu ken du xamé
In this world, we all have our own unique experiences and ways of seeing things
Sa yaye beugouma mane lounekk defnako
My mother taught me to always stay true to myself and never change for anyone else
Ahh Euhh
Unknown, likely an expression of emotion or excitement
Ahh Euhhhh
Unknown, likely an expression of emotion or excitement
Woy woy wouy fenen
Unknown phrase, likely used as a vocalization to express enjoyment or appreciation for something
Writer(s): Habib Faye, Youssou N Dour
Contributed by Josiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ali Lebeko
on Birima
Always soulful and heartthrobing performance