Customer Reviews

Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love

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I Bring What I Love chronicles Youssou N'Dour during the creation of the highly controversial album, "Egypt." The documentary is an amazing look into the aftermath as Youssou N'Dour reclaims his heritage. The film follows N'Dour to his roots and discusses in great detail the reasons behind the controversy. It places the Sufi Muslim world at the forefront, a world rarely seen (at least favorably) in western culture. It examines the teachings, lifestyles and ideology of the whole society. For that reason alone, this documentary would be worth an immediate viewing, but then you are allowed to also witness the creative and spiritual growth of an amazing artist. This is a must for any fan of Youssou N'Dour, and a great introduction to his work for the newbies.

The joy of viewing a movie documentary of an artist of Youssou N'Dour's supernatural talents is precious indeed. As a DVD purchase "I Bring What I Love," is a bargain showcase of Youssou's musicianship and character. It will be watched over and over again. It includes travesty filled events involving the struggles of this artist whose vision for humanity in one particular case was initially under appreciated in his homeland of Senegal in West Africa, inspite of his usually being profoundly respected there.

As fate would have it his honorable intentions were rewarded with a 2005 Grammy Award for his groundbreaking album "Egypt."

With immense power and grace that is nothing short of wizardry, the film's director, Ms. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi has captured the relevance of the ongoing ancient African messages of wisdom, love and hope that beacon to pre-2012 humanity through the life and voice of Youssou N'Dour. This film was truly worthy of an Oscar. I can only see its Oscar worthiness being seen otherwise because of a nefarious desire to keep the beauty and viability of Africa and true Islam as healthy and thriving realities out of massive public awareness. Senegal is one of the world's best kept secrets.

The cinematography of this documentary is par excellence, in fact it is awe inspiring with a sacred and sweet aftertaste that will leave you yearning to experience firsthand the colorful and textured sights in Africa, for they exude profound spirituality that harmonizes with the soul of Youssou N'Dour's music. Youssou's spiritual essence has been graciously touched by his faith of Islam and his adherance to the mystical side of that belief system which is called "Sufism." Ninety-four percent of all Senegalese practice this beautifully tolerant type of religious perspective. That being said, it was ironic that Youssou's album "Egypt" met such resistance in Senegal, initially. Human nature is sometimes too powerful for its own good, for the age old story line of the hero/heroine not being appreciated (perhaps due to jealously and/or most assuredly due to lack of public vision) in their own homeland, even raised its ugly head in the rarefied spiritual air of Senegal. Oh, but what a difference a Grammy Award makes (smile).

Those who may be new to the musical vibrations of Youssou N'Dour (though I am sure you have been somehow already unconsciously and marvelously touched) will be surprised by the people in the music business who place him on a pedestal. Ultimately, if it weren't for Youssou's early career encounter with the incomparable Peter Gabriel, perhaps there would be no, "I Bring What I Love."

If you want to be bathed in uncommon excitement via the documentary film format and and have your cultural and spiritual horizons enhanced in the positive, do purchase and watch "I Bring What I Love," featuring Youssou N'Dour. GOD Bless Mother Africa for nurturing the Inner Self of Youssou N'Dour, and may he maintain his efforts to keep creating positive vibrations that will inspire the rest of humanity to spread true love in some way, everyday. Sincerely, Shadeed R. Ahmad (4-17-10)

I've traveled to Rumi's Konya (Turkey) for meditation and witnessing the origins of Sufi Mysticism, but never dreamt to link its cultural diaspora to Senegal in my lifetime. Definitely,behind the curve on this phenom.

What a show tour of sacred-pop music and dance "I Bring What I Love" embodies --from Dakar thru Europe ending at Carnegie Hall -- and back for Yousou N'Dour's Grammy award for "Egypt" in 2008.

Perfect cure for Islamaphobia -- and absence of joy -- in your religious beliefs and practises as well. Noting his consistent social activism (example, fighting Malaria in Africa), he's the strongest moral voice I've heard since Nelson Mandela coming out of this continent.

Yes...

Youssou N'Dour could have stayed in his comfortable and very successful niche. Instead he risked much to challenge the conservative religious system of his country to open it's collective heart. The story here, well told and with high production values, is a fascinating one to watch unfold.

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE is a gorgeously photographed, music infused cinematic portrait of world famous Senegalese pop sensation Youssou N'Dour. Best known in the West for his collaborations with Bono and Peter Gabriel, N'Dour is one of the most beloved musicians in pop music and his legendary career has spanned decades.

In 2004, responding to negative perceptions about his Muslim faith, N'Dour recorded EGYPT, a deeply spiritual album dedicated to a more tolerant view of Islam. In a critical and career-defining moment, the album was awarded the 2004 Grammy® for BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM. While Western audiences embraced N'Dour's brave musical message, it encountered a serious religious backlash in his native country of Senegal where N'Dour is considered a national hero. Local critics and the media accused him of insulting Islam, arguing that pop and religious music should not mix.

Combining unprecedented images of Senegal's most sacred Muslim rituals, vibrant concert performances filmed around the world, and intimate access to N'Dour and his family, I BRING WHAT I LOVE chronicles the difficult path this remarkable artist must take. It is a stirring journey of faith, redemption, and the power of music to overcome intolerance.

I've followed Youssou N'Dour for many years. I respect him as an artist and definitely as a human being. I do recommend purchasing his products.