Singer Youssou Ndour bids for Senegal presidency

Youssou Ndour has announced that he is running for the presidency in his home country of Senegal (Getty Images)

World music star Youssou Ndour has announced that he is running for the presidency in his home country of Senegal.

The announcement comes amid growing criticism of the current Senegalese president's quest for a third term in elections on February 26.

Ndour is known in Senegal for his scathing critique of the ruling party. The Grammy-winning artist is best known abroad for his grooving beat and emotive voice.

He joins some 20 candidates already challenging 85-year-old President Abdoulaye Wade.

Mr Wade's plans to run, as well as frequent power cuts and the spiralling cost of living, sparked violent protests last year in what has historically been one of West Africa's most stable democracies.