Biography

Sophie Ndong

Sophie Ndong is a gospel singer & songwriter, a worship & praise leader, an influencer and a professional humanitarian. Born in Dakar, Senegal, Sophie Ndong is the second child from a family of five children. Her mother Marie was one of the lead singers of the Saint Joseph choir of the renowned Julien Jouga and her father Jacques was a choir master and a music-lover who exposed her to a variety of local and international music both traditional and modern.

Supported by her Aunty Bernadette, Sophie began singing in public at age 7 when she joined the “Saint Kisito” choir at her local church, following the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1992 who encouraged young people to ‘’not be afraid to engage in youth service and ministry in the church’’. This prompted her then choir Master, Mr. Gabin Malou to set up the Saint Kisito choir of the Saint John church.

At school, Ms. Ndong was recognized as a polyvalent & talented music and arts student. Nominated several times as choir leader, solo singer, poet and art performer for major local, and national events, Sophie performed before celebrities and authorities including former Senegalese President Wade or the renowned artist Youssou Ndour.

Sophie rose to prominence over a solo and flute performance on National TV during the ‘’Choralies Show’’ to which her choir Saint Kisito was invited. This led thereafter to various invitations on other local and national platforms which further exposed her talent.

After serving briefly as a backup singer for a gospel reggae singer, Sophie emigrated to France to pursue her studies and later in the United States where she learned to blend her African sonorities with rhythm and blues, blues, soul and jazz. Influenced by many artists from Mahalia Jackson to Cece Winans, and James Cleveland to William McDowell, she learned to fine-tune her vocal abilities while diversifying her musical repertoire.

In 2006 and under the spiritual guidance of her Aunty Therese, Sophie had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ which led her to join the US-based Charismatic group “Salt and Light International” where she gave her life to Christ.

Sophie has travelled to more than 35 countries. She speaks five languages and has a humanitarian career that spans over 10 years, with various positions within the UN and INGOs. She holds 3 Master’s Degrees in Law, Economics & Management – International Relations & Strategy and Information and Communication Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications & Cultural Mediation. Sophie also studied Theology at the Saint Augustin Centre in Dakar-Senegal.