Cover Charge: AED 125.00

- Presented by The Arts Center at NYUAD and Ideas Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the 2026 UN Water Conference and in partnership with Abu Dhabi Festival Few artists have brought the sound, identity, and spirit of Africa to the world with the reach, longevity, and authenticity of Youssou N’Dour. With a career spanning decades, the Grammy Award-winning Senegalese singer, songwriter, and composer has connected audiences across continents through music that celebrates Africa’s identity, heritage, and hopes. Now, experience his extraordinary musical world live, as Youssou N’Dour brings the vibrant rhythms of Senegal to the stage alongside his celebrated band, Super Étoile de Dakar, in a cross-cultural concert that bridges musical traditions and influences. Together, they helped develop and popularize mbalax, a distinctive urban Senegalese sound that blends the powerful rhythms of traditional sabar and tama drums with electric guitars, keyboards, bass, and influences ranging from Cuban rumba and hip-hop to jazz, soul, and contemporary popular music. Deeply rooted in Senegalese tradition yet unmistakably modern, their music helped bring the sounds of Dakar to audiences around the world. Over the years, N’Dour’s remarkable musical journey has brought him together with internationally acclaimed artists including Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and Sting. His participation in the historic Human Rights Now! tour alongside Peter Gabriel, Sting, Tracy Chapman, and Bruce Springsteen further introduced his music to international audiences, demonstrating how music deeply rooted in Senegalese culture could connect with people across borders, even when the lyrics were in Wolof. At the heart of N’Dour’s artistry is a philosophy without frontiers. Rather than choosing between tradition and modernity, Africa and the West, or popular music and cultural heritage, he has continually built bridges between them. Through every collaboration and international stage, he has remained true to his musical roots, with his unmistakable voice, the powerful rhythms of Senegal, and the exceptional musicianship of Super Étoile de Dakar at the centre of his work. Long before African popular music gained its current global prominence across streaming platforms and festival stages, N’Dour was helping expand international understanding of contemporary African music, showing that artists could reach audiences worldwide while remaining creatively anchored in their cultural heritage. Opening the evening is the UAE’s Lewah Maritime Ensemble, presenting a vibrant expression of Emirati cultural heritage traditionally performed during celebrations such as wedding processions and other festive occasions. Introduced to the Arabian region through East African traders, Lewah reflects the cultural connections between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The tradition features the distinctive sounds of the mizmar, a flute-like wind instrument with a wide-open mouth, alongside three types of drums: the Jabwah, Shindo, and Jasser. Together, these performances celebrate the connections between African and Arabian musical traditions, bringing heritage, rhythm, and cultural expression together for a memorable evening of live music. Initial Listing and Description provided by Platinumlist.