Youssou Ndour

“It’s 10 P.M. – Do you know where your children are?” This PSA-style announcement originated in New York in the 1960s to reemphasize youth curfew and has since morphed into a recognizable refrain recorded by numerous celebs.

Youssou NDour, one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, played for one night only at the Barbican in London this week.

Crowds, including a healthy contingent of local and national Senegalese press, packed Pikine stadium and the rooftops of surrounding buildings to witness the first United Against Malaria /

Tonight is the finale of the “Xeex Sibbiru” (“Fight Malaria”) Song Contest, led by international superstar Youssou Ndour. Senegal will declare the winner: the face not only of Senegal’s musical future but also of a country on the brink of ending malaria deaths for once and for all.

I am here in Dakar with fellow board member Youssou Ndour. Tonight will be the finale of an American Idol style song contest that has captured the hearts and minds of thousands.