Axiom Films Catalogue 2014 June 2014 | Page 67

YOUSSOU N’DOUR: RETURN TO GORÉE (2007) A film by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud Africa’s slave legacy is explored by internationally acclaimed Senegalese Mbalax singer YOUSSOU N’DOUR and world renowned jazz pianist MONCEF GENOUD in RETURN TO GORÉE. Starting out from the Gorée trading post, where African slaves were processed on to ships bound for the Americas, Youssou N’Dour traces the journey they made and their influence on the cultures they became part of. Pierre-Yves Borgeaud’s film accompanies N’Dour as he travels from Dakar to Atlanta, New Orleans, New York City and finally Luxembourg, revealing in the history of jazz the rich legacy of his ancestors. Gathering together some of the world’s most exceptional musicians and singers from gospel, traditional jazz and soul, including IDRIS MUHAMMAD, ERNIE HAMMES and GRÉGOIRE MARET, Youssou N’Dour’s return to Gorée becomes a celebration of Africa’s enduring musical culture. “absorbing… a TIME OUT transcendent experience” “touching,