Youssou N'Dour running for President of Senegal

Youssou N'Dour is one of the most famous singers in the history of Africa, but for those in the Western world, he is best known for his numerous collaborations with artists like Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tracy Chapman and, most notably, Peter Gabriel with whom he toured extensively.

N'Dour has forgone his music as of late to take up a new passion, politics, which has led him to one of his biggest challenges, running for the presidency of the country of Senegal. He made the announcement of his candidacy on Monday via non-government-run radio and TV stations. Youssou and another 20 candidates are challenging 85-year-old Abdoulaye Wade who is running for a third term.

N'Dour has been a vocal critic of the current government for some time. He said of his run "For a very long time, many Senegalese of different backgrounds have called for my candidacy for the presidency next February. I've listened, I've heard and I am responding favorably to their request. I am a candidate. It's a supreme patriotic duty, the best I can give of myself. I am the alternative to the current leadership in place in the country."

The election will be in two months.