58th Edition of the Carthage International Festival

Youssou N’Dour: Electrifying Performance at Carthage International Festival

After a memorable performance in 2014, the Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour made a spectacular return to the renowned stage of Carthage on August 15th as part of the 58th session of the Carthage International Festival. Known for his electrifying rhythms and captivating dance moves, Youssou N’Dour did not disappoint his eager audience.


At 10:00 PM, the stage was enveloped in darkness with a simple yet striking backdrop of clouds, while Youssou N’Dour’s name was prominently displayed. Clad in vibrant traditional attire, he entered the stage with acrobatic flair, brandishing a sabar (a traditional Senegalese drum) and immediately engaging the crowd with his powerful voice and dynamic presence. The audience, comprising a mix of Tunisians, Europeans, and Africans, eagerly awaited his performance.


Wearing his signature dark sunglasses and a black boubou embroidered in white, Youssou N’Dour received a rapturous welcome from the packed audience. His presence was both delicate and radiant as he executed dance steps that set the rhythm for the evening. Each member of his band—saxophonists, bassists, guitarists, and percussionists—was perfectly synchronized, creating an infectious energy that swept through the crowd.


The concert kicked off with the upbeat and vibrant "Shakin' the Tree," a well-known collaboration between Youssou N’Dour and Peter Gabriel. The audience was instantly drawn into the music, singing along and moving to the rhythm as N’Dour took command of the stage. He followed with "Bamba," inviting the crowd to sing and dance along with him, a request they gladly obliged.


Over the course of 90 minutes, Youssou N’Dour delivered a diverse selection of his songs, showcasing the unique "mbalax" style—a fusion of traditional Senegalese music with international rhythms such as reggae. As "The Little Prince of Dakar," he used his platform not only to entertain but also to promote messages of change, freedom, love, and peace through songs like "Birima," "New Africa," and "Baykat."


The night was a celebration of love, unity, and rhythm, culminating in a performance of his iconic song "7 Seconds," originally released in 1994 and boasting over 177 million views on YouTube. The audience was elated, singing along to every word and reveling in the moment.


As a special treat, Cameroonian singer Kali Kamga joined Youssou N’Dour on stage for the finale, leaving the audience in a state of euphoria. The collaborative performance was the perfect end to an unforgettable evening. Youssou N’Dour’s return to Carthage was a resounding success, as the "shaken tree" of music and rhythm bore fruit for all to enjoy.