The Senegalese singer, author and composer, Youssou Ndour, received the 2004 Award of the International Musical Council / the UNESCO International Musical Award.

During a ceremony that was held on October 28, 2004 in Aachen, Germany, the Senegalese singer, author and composer received the UNESCO/IMC International Musical Award comprised of a diploma, a UNESCO medal and a prize. The ceremony was held in the presence of Mrs. Milagros Corral, representing the Director General of UNESCO, Mr. Jürgen Linden, Mayor of Aachen and Mr. Kifah Fakhouri, President of IMC.

Initiated in 1975 by the International Musical Council, the prestigious UNESCO/IMC Award compensates musicians and international institutions whose work or activities have contributed to the enrichment and development of music and have served the promotion of peace and understanding between people, international cooperation and other areas recognized by the United Nations Charter and by the Constitution of UNESCO.

Youssou Ndour is one of the most famous African musicians in history. Born in Medina, an old neighbourhood of Dakar, Youssou Ndour is the son of Ndeye Sokhna Mboup, herself a famous traditional singer, who helped him start up in traditional ethnic Wolof music. His first public performance goes back to 1972 when he played with two local musical bands. In 1976, Youssou Ndour joins the Star Band and confirms himself as a great pioneer of Senegalese music.

Despite the success of his international career, Youssou Ndour remained based in Senegal, investing most of his gains in the development of music while initiating projects for the benefit of the Senegalese and African people, the "Joko", Internet for Africa Project is an example. Youssou Ndour is strongly involved in the cause of peace throughout the world and has contributed to many activities in this light. One of his sayings is "with my music, I would like to break the silence of suffering people". He is known by his people for his commitment to fighting poverty among the underprivileged. Most of his songs are made of advises, proposals of dialogue and peace as solutions to conflicts among communities. His commitment to social causes and peace is also demonstrated in his many rapports with United Nations agencies, for example, as goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

UNESCO and the IMC are proud to discern the International Musical Award to this true champion of African music who's an international icon.

The award ceremony was held in the city of Aachen (Germany) with the support of many sponsors and partners.

In 2002, the International Musical Award was given to the Portuguese pianist Maria Joäo Pires and to the Traditional Music Center of Oman.

The jury that recommended the laureates to the Director General of UNESCO was made of Anne Dowling (USA), President of the Institute of Cultural Enterprise (ICE), Chérif Khaznadar (Syrie/France), Director of the House of World Cultures, Paris; Franz Müller-Heuser (Germany), Dean of the Cologne School of Music and former German Council of Music; Nago Seck (Senegal), journalist and musicologist, specialised in African music; Annette Wolde (Germany), Programme Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Cologne, and Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen (Germany) Cultural Director of the City de Aachen who participated as an ex-officio member of the jury and led the deliberations.

Nominees who came from throughout the world, representing a large variety of styles and types, were presented to the jury by members of the International Musical Council as well as by the permanent delegations and national commissions of member states of UNESCO.

Nilda Anglarill
Regional Cultural Advisor for UNESCO