Youssou N’Dour

"Supporting the FAO campaign against world hunger is a cause near to my heart. This appointment not only honours me, but all of Africa and it strengthens even more my determination to work with FAO for all those who are affected by the scourge of hunger and malnutrition”.

Youssou N’Dour was nominated FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 2000.

Born in Dakar, Youssou is the leading exponent of world fusion pop. He blends African traditional music and Senegalese mbalax with reggae, jazz and rock, combining the most modern recording techniques with African sounds and rhythms.

Mr. N'Dour has devoted considerable effort to humanitarian activities. He has been associated with the International Red Cross, the Jubilee 2000 Committee for the Cancellation of Third World Debt and the United Nations anti-landmine campaign, among others. He was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite du Sénégal.

In 1999, Youssou N'Dour participated in a TeleFood concert in Senegal, recorded several messages of support for FAO and participated in television broadcasts dedicated to FAO. He has been a strong FAO advocate during interviews with major international networks.

Youssou will star in the FAO concert that will be held in Mali in 2008, under the high patronage of the government.