First it was George Weah, the 1995 FIFA World Footballer of the Year, the first and only African footballer so far to attain this feat. After a successful career in the round leather game, Weah thought it was time to give politics a shot. The former soccer wizard aspired to become the president of the war torn Liberia in 2005 but lost to Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Not deterred by the outcome of the 2005 presidential election, Weah again contested the presidency in 2011 as a running mate to Wilson Tubman, grandson of the former president of Liberia.
Given his commanding followership, especially among the youths, many people believed that the presidency would be for Weah just for the asking. His loss therefore was a big surprise. Some people explained this to his low education qualification and for the fact that the office of the president is a serious business and not run by emotion.
The bug seemed to have stung other notable celebrities thereafter who thought they could convert their stardom into electoral victory. Following the example of Weah, Wyclef Jean a Haitian Grammy-winning hip-hop musician, in 2009 declared interest to vie for Haiti presidency. Like Weah, Jean saw his success in music as a boost to his ambition. He attracted sympathy of people across the globe when he openly wept at the scene of the earthquake that ravaged the country, killing an estimated 230,000 people and displacing more than a million. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to test his popularity at the polls as the electoral commission disqualified him on the grounds of residency. Jean was said not to have stayed the required period of time in Haiti as stipulated in the electoral law. 
Now it is the turn of Youssou N’Dour, a 52-year old Grammy award winner. N’Dour on January 3 this year announced his intention to contest the Senegalese presidency. Running on the platform of his movement Fekke Maci Boole (which in his native Wolof language means: I am a part of this; so I must act),  N’Dour believes it is time to challenge President Abdoulaye Wade, who has amended the constitution, against popular demand, to enable him contest the presidency for the third time. His manifesto is hinged on the fight against corruption in government, health, education and agriculture. 
“For a very long time, many Senegalese of different backgrounds have called for my candidacy for the presidency next February," N’Dour said during his official declaration on his private radio and television stations. “I have listened; I have heard and I am responding favourably to their request. I am a candidate. It is a supreme patriotic duty, the best I can give of myself. I am the current alternative to the current leadership in place, in the country." N’Dour has built a media empire in Senegal with a television channel, radio station and L’Observateur, one of Senegal’s most popular newspapers to his kitty. 
Despite his high hopes, N’Dour was disqualified by the constitutional court from contesting the election. Ivorian reggae legend Alpha Blonde had cautioned N’Dour not to expect the passionate reception he got in the field of music at the political arena. “Everyone has his own personal experience, but to jump into the political landscape from music is dangerous," Blonde was quoted in the Ivorian media, adding “I personally do not believe that being an excellent musician can make one an excellent politician.” A 26 year-old Senegalese singer, Abdou Nguom had predicted that real politicians would not help N’Dour actualised his dream despite his success in music. 
Even in Nigeria, celebrities who ventured into politics have not been successful. Former Afro-beat musician, Fela Akunilapo Kuti in 1979 declared interest to contest the presidential election. His contemporary Onyeka Onwenu, contested twice the chairmanship of Ideato local government area of Imo State and lost.
Very few celebrities have been known to have actualised their political ambition, the likes of Michel ““Sweet Mickey" Martelly, a popular singer who won the presidency of Haiti, and Tony Muonagor (alias Tony One-Week), a Nigerian Nollywood actor who was recently elected to represent Idemili north in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
 The only African story of a successful leap from the entertainment world to the peak of political power is that of Madagascan disc jockey turned president, Andry Nirina Rajoelina. At 36, the socialite shot to international fame after being declared the head of state by the country’s military in 2009. 

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