“I think people should know more of Africa in terms of its joie de vivre, its feeling for life. In spite of the images that one knows about Africa - the economic poverty, the corruption - there's a joy to living and a happiness in community, living together, in community life, which may be missing here in America.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Happiness
“I think that Sufism fits all over the world. The concept is not anything that fits standard Western ideas - it's always related to culture, to music, to religion. It is a dominant religion in Senegal.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Religion
“My father used to tell me about how musicians don't have respect from people and he was afraid about my future.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Respect
“Politics is politics art is art. If you play a political role, you have to stop being an artist.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Politics
“In the West, you have always associated the Islamic faith 100 percent with Arab culture. This in itself is a fundamentalist attitude and it is mistaken.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Attitude
“I'm a modern Muslim. I pray, and if I have a question, I ask someone who is more educated in the religion than me.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Religion
“In politics, sometimes you have to lie, or you make a promise that you cannot keep.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Politics
“I look at my people, and I look at those who control them - the political elite. And the sad thing is that the elites are just not interested in the welfare of the people.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Sad
“I respect music, I do. I love it.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Respect
“Islam is a peaceful religion.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Religion
“Travel teaches as much as books.”
— Youssou N'Dour
Travel