City of Milan welcomes Youssou N’Dour nomination in Senegal 0
“We are happy that the new Government of Senegal has chosen Youssou N’Dour to guide the country’s cultural and tourist policy” said the Councillor of the City of Milan, Stefano Boeri, following the nomination of Youssou N’Dour as Senegalese Minister for Culture and Tourism.
“An internationally renown musician, ambassador around the world for African music and culture who has always taken the problems and development of his country to heart as well as injustices across the world is a choice that gives us hope for a country so rich in talent and creativity” added Boeri.
One of Africa’s most recognised artists, N’Dour sent shockwaves through the music industry when he announced in January he was giving up performing to run for president amid rising tension over the incumbent’s bid for a third term in office.
However shortly afterwards the country’s constitutional council rejected his candidacy on the grounds that he had failed to provide enough valid signatures to back his application.
The same court ruling validated Wade’s contentious candidacy, sparking deadly riots as anger grew over the 85-year old’s plans to rule for another seven-year term.
N’Dour jumped to the forefront of an opposition campaign to unseat him and was often seen at protests addressing the crowd, uncomfortably at first but as weeks went on he took on his new role with more ease.
Mr Sall’s dream team is much smaller than the 40-odd ministers who served in Wade’s government.
“Milan already has an important relationship with Dakar”, said Boeri, “and in autumn will host an exhibition called ‘Dak’art’, a collection of 25 artists who participated to the Biennial in Dakar. This is the first time the exhibition will be shown in Italy. The nomination of Youssou N’Dour strengthen the already strong bond between Milan and African culture”.
By Staff - Afronline
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