YOSSOU N’DOUR
A Musician Who Could Change the Face of Senegalese Politics
When internationally acclaimed Senegalese musician Yossou N’Dour announced in late November 2011 that he was putting his musical career on hold to enter the world of politics, with his eyes likely on the presidency, he sent shock waves through the Senegalese political establishment.
N’Dour is known world-wide for his songs rooted in Senegal’s traditional Mbalax music. A great performer, he is one of the few Africans musicians that have achieved cross over appeal internationally, working with well-established Western musical stars, such as Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Wyclef Jean, and Tracy Chapman.
Long before he caught the eye of international stars and music critics, N’Dour had built a large following at home and in neighboring countries, with a voice the New York Times described as an “arresting tenor, a supple weapon deployed with prophetic authority.” The betting, particularly on N’Dour’s his side, is that those who love his voice and music will also love his politics.
He has already signaled that the theme of any campaign he launches will be what he sees as the marked class divide in Senegal. Announcing his intention to enter politics before a cheering crowd in the Senegalese Capital, Dakar, N’Dour said: “For me, there are two Senegals. The Senegal of the have-nots and the Senegal of the haves. My concern is the Senegal of the have-nots.”
In addition to stressing the need to provide for the have-nots, N’Dour has already made it clear that another theme of his campaign will be the age of the current Senegalese President, Abdoulaye Wade. He has repeatedly said Wade, who is 85, is too old to seek another term of office.
Whether or not N’Dour seeks the presidency of the country and no matter how he fares politically, it is obvious that he intends to leverage his popularity as a musician into a political force-a force that may fundamentally alter the political landscape of one of Africa’s most stable countries.