Grammy-winning African music star Youssou N'Dour has been named as Senegal's minister for culture and tourism. Earlier this year the singer-songwriter, perhaps best known for co-writing and singing Neneh Cherry's 1994 hit '7 Seconds', announced his intention to stand as a presidential candidate against the octogenarian incumbent, Abdoulaye Wade. N'Dour criticized Wade's tenure, stating he was "hearing in mono, not stereo" and claiming he has held back the creation of a "new Senegal". N'Dour failed in his bid for presidency, as his application was disqualified due to a lack of valid signatures. However, the new Senegalese president, Macky Sall, named N'Dour as member of his new cabinet earlier this week (April 4). N'Dour also held a concert in celebration of Sall's win.
When his own bid failed, N'Dour became an avid supporter of Sall, joining in street protests against the undemocratic reign of Wade – who was seeking an unconstitutional third term in office - and getting hit in the leg by a flying projectile in the process.
N'Dour has released 27 albums over the past 28 years, his most recent being 2011's 'Mbalakh Dafay Wakh'.
