World-renowned Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour announced Monday night that he was running for president against incumbent Abdoulaye Wade in February 26 elections. “I am a candidate,” the country’s most famous export declared on his privately-owned television station after weeks of speculation about his plans. “I have listened, I have heard, and I am responding favourably,” Ndour said, referring to numerous requests that he throw his hat into the political ring.