Youssou N’dour wants to rule Senegal, after ruling the music world

Youssou N’dour, undoubtedly one of Africa’s and the world’s successful musicians and entrepreneurs says he wants to become the president of his home country Senegal.

The 52-year-old global music icon, whose brand of afro-beat music infused with the traditional made the announcement to stand for elections against incumbent Abdoulae Wade on his privately owned TV station according to reports from Dakar, the Senegalese capital.

Wade is standing for a controversial third term. The 85-year-old’s decision to stand for elections for the third time sparked violent protests in the capital, Dakar in June 2011.

Making his announcement, N’duor said, “I am a candidate.”

“I have listened, I have heard, and I am responding favourably,” N’dour said. There have been calls on him to stand against the incumbent.

“It is a supreme patriotic duty,” he added.

Elections will take place on February 26, 2012 and some 20 candidates will take part.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi