Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour recently announced a June 7th release date for his long-awaited reggae project, Dakar-Kingston (Emarcy Records).

Recorded in Bob Marley's storied Tuff Gong studios in Kingston, Dakar-Kingston promises to be something of a departure from N'Dour's usual high-energy mbalax pop sound. The album explores the links between reggae and its African roots by reworking a number of his classic mbalax hits like "Joker", as well as offering up brand new roots reggae anthems like "Black Woman" and "Marley".

"Reggae gives you more space than mbalax. You have more room to breathe," Ndour said in a press statement. "You know the rhythm and the emotion, exactly what the song is saying to you. It's very direct at its heart."

The album also boasts some of reggae music's biggest names, including Earl "China" Smith, Morgan Heritage, and Mutabaruka, as well as Nigerian soul sensation Ayo. It was produced by veteran reggae producer Tyrone Downie - who cut his teeth as a member of Bob Marley's legendary backing band, The Wailers.

N'dour will also embark on a two-week tour of North America in support of Dakar-Kingston, kicking off June 16th in L.A.

Youssoun N'dour June 2011 Tour Dates:

06/16: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
06/17: Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
06/18: Austin City Limits, Live at the Moody, Austin, TX
06/19: Atlanta Live, Atlanta, GA
06/22: Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh, NC
06/23: Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
06/24: Terminal 5, New York, NY
06/26: Mainstage - Toronto Downtown Jazz, Toronto, ON
06/27: Metropolis Theatre, Montreal, QC
06/28: Confederation Park, Ottawa, ON