While being a towering figure in his native Senegal, where he acted as Minister for Culture, Youssou N'Dour is celebrated internationally as one of the most far-reaching African musicians in history. He has consistently used his music as a tool for inclusiveness, both at home and abroad, seeking to promote cultural cross-pollination, while remaining true to his mbalax heritage.

The merging of tradition and modernity, the fusing of genres and languages, the desire to collaborate with arists whose age and cultural background is vastly different from his own ... all these are central tenants of his music. Notably, he has worked alongside Peter Gabriel, Tracy Chapman, Paul Simon, Branford Marsalis, Ryuichi Sakamoto and many more – his 1994 world-wide hit "Seven Seconds" is an enduring example of his pluralistic approach, and the success it has had.

Qwest TV is very proud to have Youssou N'Dour as guest curator. He has selected a series of personal favorites for you to enjoy, many of which stem from his own experiences and collaborations.

Rowan Standish Hayes