On January 2, famed Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour announced his candidacy in the country’s February 26 Presidential Elections.
N’Dour broadcasted on his channel TFM, Television Futurs Medias, “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 in the February presidential race. I listened. I heard.” He added “It is true that I do not have a university education – but the presidency is not something you go to school for.”
The 52-year old also told Reuters “For over 15 years I have heard this buzz going about for me. An overwhelming majority of the Senegalese people have asked Youssou N’Dour to run as president … I said ‘yes’ and I agreed to be a candidate.”
In addition to a career of internationally known music and movies, Youssou owns a newspaper, radio and television stations.
The “7 Seconds” singer has challenged Senegal’s 11 year-incumbent president Abdoulaye Wade over high unemployment and the nation’s mean daily income of $3.
Maybe Akon will run as his vice-president? Check out Reuter’s report on the event below.
David Woodson
