Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love

In 2001, director Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi set out to make a film about the career of the celebrated Senegalese singer-songwriter Youssou N'Dour. But the story took an unexpected turn in 2004, when the Muslim musician released Egypt in response to negative perceptions about Islam, weaving religiously inspired lyrics into pop songs that promote a message of tolerance. In N'Dour's view, Africa's many “languages, religions, and traditions are not an obstacle, but rather a richness,” and he sings in the opening sequence, “I dream to see Africa unified by a common vision.” I Bring What I Love traces the artist's background as the descendant of griot singers and follows him from Dakar to New York, where he records, performs, and chats with journalists about the album, which was warmly received in the West, but shunned by many Senegalese, who found the integration of religion and popular music offensive (merchants refused to stock it and radio stations wouldn't play it). Vasarhelyi also speaks with Peter Gabriel, a Human Rights Tour mate (N'Dour partnered with Gabriel on the hit song “In Your Eyes”), as well as N'Dour's family members, including siblings, his children, and his mother (who wasn't happy with his career choice). In the end, it's clear that the artistic risk he took in creating Egypt was justified by the recognition he has received. DVD extras include additional performances, rehearsal footage, a photo shoot, and glimpses of recording sessions with Wyclef Jean and Moustapha Mbaye. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)