Youssou N'Dour was born on October 1, 1959, in Dakar, Senegal. The Senegalese singer, songwriter, and composer is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history. He began performing at age 12, first with the Star Band and later with his own band, Étoile de Dakar. In 1981, he renamed the group Super Étoile de Dakar and became a nationally recognized figure.

N'Dour is known for his extraordinary vocal range and introduced international audiences to Mbalax – a Senegalese music style that combines traditional Wolof instrumental and vocal forms primarily with Cuban and other Latin American genres. His blend of traditional Senegalese "Mbalax" with eclectic influences ranging from Cuban rumba to jazz, soul, and hip-hop has earned him an international fan base of millions. Le Super Étoile de Dakar is the ensemble that has supported him since the early 1980s and is one of the most authentic representatives of the Senegalese Mbalax sound.