Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, senegal) – El Hadji Elimane Ndour, the father of Youssou Ndour, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 98, according to several sources close to the family.

Elimane Ndour was born into a noble Serer family of Khombole, in the Thiès region. He left home as a teenager “to earn some money and help his parents.”

Throughout his life, he worked in various trades. During World War II, he collected papers in a military camp. He was also a merchant, mechanic (earning him the nickname “Mercedali” in Medina), driver, blacksmith, and metal welder.

Even after his son became wealthy and famous, Elimane insisted on continuing to work rather than retiring. Well into his 80s, he was still crafting iron tables in a blacksmith’s workshop in Medina. “One must be able to live without begging,” he once said in an article published by the French media outlet NouvelObs.

Elimane Ndour initially did not want his son, Youssou, to become a singer. He had hoped that Youssou would “work in an office.” However, Youssou composed his first song at the age of 13, performed at family gatherings, and went on to create his band, Super Étoile. Over time, Elimane became “very proud of Youssou,” watching his concerts on television and even hanging a photo of his son performing at Bercy in his living room.

“Youssou Ndour is an exceptional man. At the end of each month, he gives me an envelope with far more money than I need. I use it to share with friends, neighbors, and my many grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he once stated in the same interview.

Elimane will be laid to rest this Thursday in his native Khombole village of Thiès.

The Gambia Journal extends its sincere condolences to Youssou Ndour, his family, and his loved ones.