Youssou N’Dour is the Senegal Minister of Tourism and Culture since April 2012. He is also one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, an actor and businessman. In early 2012, civil unrest broke out in Senegal when an opposition campaign set out to unseat Abdoulaye Wade, the serving... Read more
Youssou N’Dour is the Senegal Minister of Tourism and Culture since April 2012. He is also one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, an actor and businessman.
In early 2012, civil unrest broke out in Senegal when an opposition campaign set out to unseat Abdoulaye Wade, the serving President of two terms with plans to rule for a third seven year term. Youssou decided to use his background and popularity in support of the opposition to defend democracy, freedom and young people, and took to the streets, addressing the crowd at protests. He attempted to run for the presidency of Senegal, but was disqualified for lacking the required number of signatures. He later supported Macky Sall, now president of Senegal, and in April 2012, was named as Senegal Minister of Tourism and Culture in Mr. Sall’s cabinet.
Hailed as the “voice of protest” by Time magazine and as “one of the most beloved musicians on the continent” by Rolling Stone, he was described by the Guardian as “arguably the most important figure in world music”. Recently awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2013, he also received a Grammy Award in 2005, among other recognitions.
Youssou N’Dour is an ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation since 2000 and owns an influential media group, a night club and a music studio in Senegal.
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You can book Youssou N'Dour through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Youssou's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Youssou N'Dour's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Youssou tailored to your event.
Youssou N'Dour speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Youssou to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Youssou N'Dour for events worldwide, subject to Youssou's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Youssou N'Dour is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Youssou can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Youssou N'Dour on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Youssou can offer.
Youssou N'Dour delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Youssou N'Dour's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Youssou's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Youssou N'Dour can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Youssou's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Youssou N'Dour is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Youssou N'Dour, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Youssou's current availability for your dates.