Thursday, Mar. 29, 2012
Youssou N'Dour
Age: 52
Occupation: Musician, opposition activist
Africa's most famous living musician will throw the mother of all parties on April 4 after Senegal voted its 85-year-old President, Abdoulaye Wade, out of office. Wade's increasing autocracy and attempt to win a third term, when the constitutional limit is two, sparked a protest that drew support from all corners and took N'Dour as one of its leaders. The success of N'Dour and his compatriots confirms Senegal's reputation as one of Africa's most stable and progressive nations, and is a boost to democracy across the continent.