Famous Senegalese Singers

Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and businessman. Rising to fame in 2004 with his debut single "Locked Up," he achieved commercial success with albums like "Trouble" and "Konvicted." Known for hits like "Lonely," "I Wanna Love You," and "Smack That," he has collaborated with artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem. Akon founded record labels Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, signing artists such as Lady Gaga and T-Pain. He is also involved in philanthropy, launching Akon Lighting Africa and working on a city project in Senegal.

Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and guitarist known for promoting the traditions of the Pulaar-speaking people living near the Senegal River. He is skilled in playing acoustic guitar and percussion, showcasing his musical talents in numerous albums released under independent and major labels. Maal's dedication to his cultural heritage is evident in his primary use of the Pulaar language in his songs. Recognized for his contributions, he was appointed as a UNDP Youth Emissary in July 2003.

Richard Bohringer is a versatile French artist known for his work in acting, writing, and directing films. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the French entertainment industry. As an actor, he has portrayed a wide range of characters in various genres, showcasing his talent and versatility. In addition to his acting skills, Bohringer has also written and directed films, further demonstrating his creativity and passion for the art of filmmaking.

Ismaël Lô is a prominent Senegalese musician and actor known for his contributions to the music industry. With a successful career spanning decades, he has released numerous albums that have received critical acclaim both locally and internationally. Lô is celebrated for his unique blend of traditional Senegalese music with other genres, creating a distinctive sound that has earned him a loyal fan base. In addition to his music career, he has also ventured into acting, showcasing his talent and versatility in various film and television projects.

Diarra Sylla is a versatile artist with talents in singing, dancing, acting, composing, and modeling. She gained recognition as a member of Now United, where she represented Senegal on a global platform. In 2020, she made the decision to leave the group and focus on her solo career. With a diverse skill set and international experience, Diarra has established herself as a promising solo artist, poised to make waves in the entertainment industry with her unique blend of talents.

Thione Ballago Seck was a prominent Senegalese singer and songwriter known for his contributions to the mbalakh genre. He began his career with Orchestre Baobab before establishing his own band, Raam Daan. Throughout his professional life, Seck gained international recognition for his distinctive vocal style and captivating performances. He remained dedicated to his craft until his passing in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of influential music that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Coumba Gawlo Seck is a renowned Senegalese singer-songwriter and composer known for her impressive career in the music industry. She has achieved significant success with her music, becoming one of the best-selling Senegalese singers in her country. Coumba's rendition of "Pata Pata" was a major hit, reaching the number one spot in Belgium and selling a remarkable number of copies in France. Her talent and unique style have garnered her a strong following both in Senegal and internationally, solidifying her status as a respected artist in the music world.

Habib Koité is a renowned Malian musician, singer, songwriter, and griot with a successful career based in Mali. He is best known for leading the band Bamada, a supergroup of talented West African musicians. His music is a fusion of traditional West African sounds with contemporary influences, showcasing his exceptional skills as a vocalist and instrumentalist. Koité's collaborations with musicians like Kélétigui Diabaté on balafon have further elevated his status as a prominent figure in the world music scene.

Latyr Sy is a talented Senegalese singer and percussionist currently residing in Tokyo. With a passion for music deeply rooted in his Senegalese heritage, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the Tokyo music scene. Known for his soulful vocals and exceptional percussion skills, Latyr Sy has captivated audiences with his mesmerizing performances. He regularly performs at various venues and events, showcasing his unique blend of traditional Senegalese rhythms with contemporary music influences, earning him recognition and respect among music lovers and fellow musicians alike.

Viviane Ndour, also known as Viviane Chidid, is a Senegalese pop singer renowned as the queen of Senegalese music. She entered the music scene in 1999 with a unique blend of traditional Senegalese mbalax music and influences from U.S. rap, R&B, and Country music. Viviane formed the group Le Jolof Band in 2001 and has since garnered recognition for her multilingual discography in Wolof, English, and French. In 2012, she signed with Wonda Music under producer Jerry 'Wonder' Duplessis, leading to the release of her album in 2015.

Nuru Kane is a talented Senegalese singer/songwriter known for his skills in playing guitar, bass, and guimbri in the band Bayefall Gnawa. His debut CD, Sigil, released in 2006, showcased his diverse influences of griot, gnawa, and blues. He continued to impress with the release of Exile in 2013. Kane has performed at prestigious events like the Festival in the Desert in Mali and the Africa Oye festival. Additionally, his music has been featured in film soundtracks, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

Laba Sosseh was a renowned Senegalese son and salsa singer, widely recognized as one of the greatest salsa singers in Senegambia Major. Throughout his career, Sosseh made significant contributions to the music industry as a talented composer and performer. His unique vocal style and musical compositions captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as a legendary figure in the world of salsa music. Sosseh's influence and impact on the genre continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Mansour Seck was a prominent Senegalese singer and musician renowned for his collaboration with Baaba Maal. His professional life revolved around touring and releasing numerous solo albums, showcasing his musical talent and unique voice to audiences worldwide. Despite being blind, Mansour Seck overcame challenges and made significant contributions to the music industry, leaving a lasting impact with his soulful performances and dedication to his craft.

Alioune Mbaye Nder, also known as Nder, is a renowned Senegalese singer known for his unique vocal style and captivating performances. He gained popularity for incorporating traditional Senegalese music elements into his songs, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Nder's career has been marked by numerous successful albums and collaborations with other prominent musicians. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Senegalese music scene, captivating listeners with his powerful voice and meaningful lyrics.

Issa, also known as ISSA or I$$A, is a versatile singer, songwriter, and record producer hailing from Dakar, Senegal. His music is a fusion of contemporary R&B, pop, and reggae, showcasing his diverse influences and creative flair. With a passion for crafting engaging melodies and meaningful lyrics, Issa has made a name for himself in the music industry. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to creating unique and captivating music that resonates with audiences worldwide.