Senegal music legend Youssou N’Dour announces a bid for the presidency

Presidential elections are scheduled in Senegal for February 26th next and world renowned Youssou N’Dour has confirmed his candidacy saying:

‘I’ve travelled the world and been seen by people all over the world and I think I have the ability to govern Senegal. I am the alternative.’ N’Dour has long been critical of current president Wade, who has been in power power for the last 11 years.

For a long time, men and women have demonstrated their optimism, dreaming of a new Senegal. They have, in various ways, called for my candidacy … I listened, I heard.

N’Dour is most popularly known in the West for his collaboration with Swedish singer Neneh Cherry on the hit Seven Seconds and could well prove to be very popular with younger voters.  While, on this blog, we are fond of his music, we await details of his election manifesto.


Neneh Cherry – Seven Seconds by brucebru

For more on his music and politics, see:

– The Guardian report on Youssou N’Dour’s entry into politics and the 2012 elections

– Videos of Youssou’s music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEGH0CuacII&ob=av2n and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km6ld1bgiHM

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