{{Senegal’s minister for Tourism and Entertainment Youssou N’Dour is the winner of this year’s Polar Music Prize.}}
The prize is awarded yearly by the Swedish group ABBA to world music icons.
The prize was jointly awarded to the King of Mbalax turned minister and a Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho said Tuesday.
“Youssou N’Dour, the praising of West Africa is not only an ordinary singer, but also a story teller, poet, an entertainment artiste and a directory of oral tradition,” said the jury.
The jury further wrote that Youssou N’Dour was perpetuating the praising singer heritage and demonstrates that it can be used to recount not only Africa, but the whole world.
”But among all, the voice of the artiste (Youssou N’Dour) contains history, passion, hope and the energy of the entire continent,” the jury continued.
Youssou N’Dour, 53, has earned significant success in his career, including several Grammies.
He joined politics in 2012 when he attempted to run for the presidency of Senegal, but rescinded the decision and teamed up with the civil society backed opposition.
Polar Music Prize has been awarded since 1992 with funds raised by Stig Anderson, the former manager of ABBA.
The award recognises laureates for their contribution to world music in all its forms.
Other winners of the prize include Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin, the soprano Renée Fleming and violinist Isaac Stern.
This year’s other laureate, Saariaho, “occupies a singular position among composers and questions even the notion of music,” according to the jury.
Saariaho, 60, was trained in a music school in Paris and has produced various styles, including orchestra and opera tunes.
{Agencies}
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