Viviane N'Dour, the Queen of Mbalax
Viviane N'Dour is a singer from Dakar, Senegal in Africa. I was introduced to her through my youth theater teacher in high school who had visited Senegal and brought her CD back. I immediately fell in love but didn't know where I could find her music. I've done tons of searching and was able to find some of her music. She dominates in the musical genre called Mbalax for which she is most popularly known. She started out as a background singer in Youssou N'Dour's band. Most of her songs are sung in either English or Wolof and some in French. She's got an awesome voice and crazy rhythms that make you want to get up and dance. N'Dour's sound is heavily influenced by the drums of Africa's rich musical culture. She does a remake of Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody" titled "Goor Fit" and she sings in the native Wolof tongue. It is a wonderfully done remake and is worth finding and listening to. My favorite songs are "Kagn Laa Lay Guiss," "Shamalama Ding Dong," and "Yii Gainde." The music video posted above is from the song "Bamba Ji" which can also be viewed on Youtube. N'Dour has done some collaborations with other artists including the rapper Akon. He even does some rapping in Wolof which sounds a little out of place if your familiar with his other work. N'dour's blend of Mbalax and R&B tinged songs is refreshing and provides an escape to a rich and exotic culture.
