Two different styles, one unanimous opinion: They are musical legends. Angélique Kidjo and Youssou Ndour are artists who have rocked, and continue to rock, several generations of music lovers. Their ability to transcend eras and always remain at the top may lead us to ask ourselves the question "who is the highest?"

Youssou Ndour

In the African musical world, there are few artists whose careers have spanned so many generations. Youssou Ndour, a native of the Medina, is one of these exceptions. His unique voice first appeared on the Senegalese scene in the early 1970s. Audiences quickly discovered a unique timbre, capable of embracing traditional melodies and flirting with modern sounds such as jazz, pop, and reggae.

In 1994, the achievement that would propel him beyond the continent's borders was his album "The Lion." One of its flagship tracks, "7 Seconds," the result of a collaboration with Neneh Cherry, became a global hit. The song reached the top of the European charts and became one of the most listened to African songs in history. This song greatly contributed to Youssou NDour's international rise. For several weeks, "7 Seconds" was on the podium of all the hit parades, so much so that it garnered 7 gold records in Europe. The work was also named best song of the year at the MTV Awards in Berlin.

International recognition was confirmed in 2005 when the Senegalese artist won the Grammy Award for "Best Contemporary World Music Album" for "Egypt." In this album, he celebrates Sufi Islam and pays tribute to Senegalese religious leaders.

Over the decades, Youssou Ndour has established himself as an undisputed ambassador of African culture. He has collaborated on numerous prestigious projects with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Manu Dibango.

In January 2023, the American magazine Rolling Stone included his name in its list of "The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time." He is, moreover, the only French-speaking African artist to appear on the list. A true lover of the stage, Youssou Ndour performs regularly. Like his "Grand Bal," which he organizes at the beginning of each year.

Angelique Kidjo

Born in Ouidah, Benin, Angélique Kidjo has represented artistic audacity and creative freedom from the very beginning. From a young age, she was immersed in traditional Yoruba rhythms and the harmonies of jazz and funk. In the 1980s, she moved to Paris. The beginning of a meteoric rise.

In 1991, her album "Logozo" propelled her onto the international scene. Produced by Joe Galdo, this opus is characterized by its sonic richness that blends African percussion, jazz and Caribbean influences.

Throughout her career, Angélique Kidjo has demonstrated a rare ability to reinvent African music. In 2008, she paid tribute to South African diva Miriam Makeba with the album Spirit Rising. This approach is part of a desire to transmit and promote African heritage. Her discography is prolific. In 2018, she revisited "Remain In Light" by the band Talking Heads and breathed new energy into this rock classic.

In 2022, she won her fifth Grammy Award, this time for the album Mother Nature, an award that recognized her in the "Best Global Music Album" category. She thus became one of the most awarded African artists in history. This album brought together collaborations with Burna Boy, Mr Eazi and Yemi Alade.

In 2025, the Beninese received more good news. She is one of the 35 personalities who will be inducted into the Walk of Fame in 2026. Angelique Kidjo will become the fourth African figure to receive this honor in Uncle Sam's country. She will also be the first African artist to be engraved on the famous Los Angeles sidewalk.