Youssou N'Dour has music with a message

Youssou N'Dour isn't so remote a performer that he can only be heard on National Geographic's World Music Web site. The Senegal native has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Neneh Cherry (on the haunting song "7 Seconds") and Wyclef Jean.

But he is probably best known for his work on Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." It is at the end of the sadly tender song that N'Dour releases the power and dexterity of his tenor voice.

Experience the world music superstar when he performs Saturday at Hill Auditorium with his group the Super Étoile de Dakar.

Besides being a musician's musician, N'Dour is considered a statesman of sorts. This year, Time magazine recognized him on its "Time 100" list as someone who helps "transform the world."

In an online video interview ( www.nonesuch.com/youssou) N'Dour says he uses music to educate those who listen.

"I think music is a language, maybe the first language. I try to use it to deliver a message and sometimes people can get the message quicker than by newspaper or politician. I am not someone to think about dreams -- I talk about reality."

Ralph Valdez, curator of cultural programming at the Arab American National Museum, says N'Dour is an important African leader like that of the late musician and father of "Afrobeat" music Fela Kuti. "He inspires social activism, which has even more impact when coupled with music of such integrity."

Thursday, December 6, 2007 Ursula Watson / The Detroit News