Youssou N'Dour, hailed by the Guardian in the UK as the "foremost figure in world music", will open the World Cultures Festival 2017 - Vibrant Africa from October 20 to 22 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Teaming up with his group the Super Étoile de Dakar, N'Dour will impress audience members with his soaring vocals.

     N'Dour was born in Senegal. His uplifting voice has been described by the New York Times as "sweet, lithe and resolute" and has won him a devoted fan base not only in Africa, but also in Europe and the US and across the world.

     By fusing traditional Senegalese music with jazz, soul, Latin, rock and other styles, N'Dour initiated mbalax, a unique Afropop genre featuring intricate, rhythmic patterns that captivated the Western music scene. Over the decades, he has also collaborated with numerous international artists including Peter Gabriel, Neneh Cherry, Sting and Lou Reed.

     Winner of the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album, N'Dour has just been awarded the Praemium Imperiale, a renowned global arts prize which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in the arts. N'Dour is not only a singer and entertainer, but also a poet, a politician, an oral historian, an active social campaigner and a stirring voice for positive change. The powerful songs by this celebrated musician transcend geographical, religious and cultural frontiers, and touch the hearts of many.

     The concert by Youssou N'Dour with the Super Étoile de Dakar is one of the programmes celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It will be held at 7.30pm on October 20 and 21, and also at 3pm on October 22, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Tickets priced at $180, $280, $380, $480 and $580 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999.

     An "Opening Night Party" will be held after the performance by Youssou N'Dour and the Super Étoile de Dakar on October 20. First-night ticket holders can enjoy the high-spirited event at the best area of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer, joining local dance and music celebrities including emcee IslandMama Yvonne, DJ Wong Chi-chung, drummer Kumi and dancer Mariane Diatta. Members of the public are also welcome to attend the celebration.

     A meet-the-artist session will also be held after the performance on October 21.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the World Cultures Festival 2017 - Vibrant Africa will run from October 20 to November 19. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.worldfestival.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, October 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:12

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