N’Dour came to worldwide attention in the 1980s after being “discovered” by Peter Gabriel (he was already loved in France and a major star in his native Senegal) and impressing listeners with his high, soulful wails and incredible vocal technique. On his own recordings, he had invented a style of music known as mbalax — a blend of African music with Caribbean and pop influences. N’Dour’s music can surprise, with Cuban influenced horns working side by side with rhythmic guitars, a variety of sung trills, rhymes and scat interspersed between the sweetest melodies you’ve ever heard.