DC Brings What They Love

Oct 13th, 2009 10:33 AM UTC
By Kim Smith

On Friday, hundreds of ONE members gathered in Washington, DC for a screening of “Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love” at the Avalon Theater. The film provides a great look into the life of beloved African musician and ONE Policy board member Youssou N’Dour. There are great scenes that follow N’Dour though his touring as well as his personal life at home with his family. The crowd really enjoyed the film and after it was over were treated with a special Q&A session with the film’s director Chai Vasarhelyi.

Chai Vasarhelyi spent five years traveling with Youssou through dozens of countries to film for the documentary. The Q&A allowed people to get an even more personal glimpse into the making of the film and what it’s like to travel the world with such a respected musician and humanitarian. Along with his work with ONE, Youssou has been committed to the fight against poverty and social injustice for decades. In 1985, he organized a concert for the release of Nelson Mandela. He was a featured performer in the 1988 worldwide Amnesty International Human Rights Now! Tour. He started Project Joko to open internet cafés in Africa and to connect Senegalese communities around the world. He also performed at three of the Live 8 concerts in July 2005.

If you didn’t get to make it to the screening on Friday you can check out the trailer here and keep an eye out for “Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love” as it makes its way to your city!

TAGS: Youssou N’Dour