Youssou N'Dour – Keynote Speaker

Senegalese musician and politician

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Specialist Subjects

  • Politics
  • Music
  • Culture and Tourism

Language

  • English

Biography

Youssou N’Dour is the Senegal Minister of Tourism and Culture since April 2012. He is also one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, an actor and businessman.

In early 2012, civil unrest broke out in Senegal when an opposition campaign set out to unseat Abdoulaye Wade, the serving President of two terms with plans to rule for a third seven year term. Youssou decided to use his background and popularity in support of the opposition to defend democracy, freedom and young people, and took to the streets, addressing the crowd at protests. He attempted to run for the presidency of Senegal, but was disqualified for lacking the required number of signatures. He later supported Macky Sall, now president of Senegal, and in April 2012, was named as Senegal Minister of Tourism and Culture in Mr. Sall’s cabinet.

Hailed as the “voice of protest” by Time magazine and as “one of the most beloved musicians on the continent” by Rolling Stone, he was described by the Guardian as “arguably the most important figure in world music”. Recently awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2013, he also received a Grammy Award in 2005, among other recognitions.

Youssou N’Dour is an ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation since 2000 and owns an influential media group, a night club and a music studio in Senegal.

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