Youssou N'Dour

NEW YORK (AP) — An African singer who ignited worldwide controversy among Muslims with his music is performing in New York City.

Youssou N’Dour is playing Saturday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of an arts festival aimed at spreading a deeper understanding of Islam.

He says he wants to show “the true face of Islam.” He calls it a religion in which people “can dance, even enjoy.” He says people “don’t have to associate Islam with fear and sadness.”

The singer insists on turning his love of Islam into song lyrics. He was boycotted for years by fellow Muslims who accused him of desecrating Islam by “tainting” it with secular pop culture.

A documentary film about his mission will play in theaters across the United States starting June 12.