Music

An undisputed giant of world music, Senegalese artist and humanitarian Youssou N'Dour has raised Senegal's exuberant mbalax style to global stature. Introduced to American audiences on seminal albums such as Paul Simon's Graceland and Peter Gabriel's So, N'Dour continues to influence virtually every realm of the international music scene, riding high on tumbling African rhythms and stratospheric vocals.

On June 5, N'Dour kicks off Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas with a concert on BAM's Opera House stage, performing songs with his band The Super Etoile that draw on his Islamic beliefs, African heritage, and global experiences. The evening will begin with a traditional invocation by three vocalists. N'Dour's performance is also preceded by a short commissioned suite by Iraqi-American composer/musician Amir El Saffar, performed by a pan-Islamic ensemble. The ensemble will include Marina Alam, Dena El Saffar, and Dhafer Tawil, among others.