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.
Red clay
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the finest things, for the finest things that the future brings
Red clay, on the road, all you need to know
Red clay, on the road, searching for his soul
When you were learning
When you were acquiring knowledge
Your origins were already know
The mother′ milk that fed you
Red clay, on the road, all you need to know
Red clay, on the road, searching for his soul
He starts by learning the alphabet
La suite des paroles ci-dessous
And progressively he learn about his culture
He then learns about his roots
The boy becomes a man
Why not take advantage of the bright morning sun
Instead of closing your window
The boy becomes a man
Does the best he can
Guided by the light
Guided by the light
He's going to do that′s right
Red clay, on the road, all you need to know
Red clay, on the road, searching for his soul
He starts by learning the alphabet
And little by little, he learns more.
The lyrics of Youssou N'Dour's song "Red Clay" convey a message of self-discovery and the importance of staying connected to one's roots. The repeated phrase "Red clay, on the road" symbolizes the journey of life and the search for one's true self.
The first stanza emphasizes the significance of prayer and hope for a better future. It suggests that in order to achieve the finest things in life, one must have faith and be aware of the essential knowledge that red clay, symbolizing the Earth and its natural elements, provides.
The second stanza delves into the idea that our origins and heritage shape who we are. The reference to "mother's milk" indicates the importance of staying connected to our ancestral roots as a source of nourishment and essential growth. The idea is that even as we acquire new knowledge and experiences, we should always remember the foundation from which we come.
The third paragraph touches upon the process of learning and acquiring knowledge. It suggests that as the boy matures into a man, he gradually becomes more aware of his culture and roots. The line "Why not take advantage of the bright morning sun/Instead of closing your window" encourages the listener to embrace opportunities for growth and discovery rather than shutting oneself off from new experiences.
The final paragraph underscores the importance of personal growth and striving to do what is right. The line "Guided by the light" suggests following one's inner compass or moral values in order to make the best decisions. The repetition of "Red clay, on the road, searching for his soul" emphasizes the ongoing quest for self-discovery and the continuous journey of finding one's true identity.
Overall, these lyrics speak to the universal human experience of seeking purpose and meaning in life, while also highlighting the significance of staying connected to one's roots and cultural heritage. They encourage the listener to embrace personal growth and make choices that align with their authentic selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Every morning, when it is time to pray
At the beginning of each day, when the time to worship and connect with a higher power arrives
For the finest things, for the finest things that the future brings
Seeking the best things in life, the ultimate blessings that the future holds
Red clay, on the road, all you need to know
Symbolizing the earthy foundation, the essential knowledge one must possess while on their journey
Red clay, on the road, searching for his soul
Being on the path of self-discovery and searching for one's true essence
When you were learning
During the time when you were acquiring knowledge
When you were acquiring knowledge
During the process of gaining wisdom and understanding
Your origins were already know
One's ancestral background and heritage were already established
The mother's milk that fed you
Referring to the nurturing and foundational teachings received from one's mother or caretaker
Is still essential for your growth
Those early influences and lessons continue to be vital for personal development
He starts by learning the alphabet
His educational journey commences with grasping the basics of language
La suite des paroles ci-dessous
The continuation of the lyrics below
And progressively he learns about his culture
Gradually acquiring an understanding of his cultural heritage
He then learns about his roots
Further delving into his ancestral origins and ancestry
The boy becomes a man
The young individual matures and transforms into an adult
Why not take advantage of the bright morning sun
Questioning the missed opportunities of embracing the energy and positivity present in the early hours
Instead of closing your window
Rather than shutting oneself off from the world and potential growth
Does the best he can
Putting in the utmost effort and striving for personal excellence
Guided by the light
Being led by illuminating forces, both metaphorically and figuratively
He's going to do that's right
Undertaking actions and decisions that align with moral integrity and righteousness
And little by little, he learns more
Gradually expanding his knowledge, acquiring new insights and understanding over time
Writer(s): Charles Alexander, Youssou N'dour, Boubacar N'dour, Jerome Lemonnier
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Youssou Ndour + Jazz music = magnifique collaboration ...
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Ndandane koulou fadline
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Magic ❤