YOUSSOU NDOUR AND KAIJA SAARIAHO WIN POLAR MUSIC PRIZE

Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho have been named as the recipients of this year’s Polar Music Prize.

Sweden’s highest musical honour is awarded annually to both a pop performer and classical artist.

The pair will each receive one million kronor (£98,600) from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.

King Carl XVI Gustaf will present them with their awards at a Stockholm ceremony on 27 August.

The prize is awarded for “exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music”.

The academy recognised Ndour as “not just a singer, but a storyteller, poet, singer of praise, entertainer and verbal historian”.