Senegal's Youssou N'Dour returns to stage

Renowned Senegal singer Youssou N'Dour is set to return to the stage for a comeback, his entourage said Friday, a month after a government reshuffle saw the icon lose his ministerial post. The award-winning musician, known for his eclectic style, will perform a concert in Paris on October 12 which will be his "great return to the stage, the comeback of Youssou N'Dour the singer", said his spokesman Charles Faye. N'Dour had been the country's tourism minister since April 2012 until he was unexpectedly left out of the cabinet assembled by new Prime Minister Aminata Toure in early September. The hugely popular entertainer was instead appointed as an advisor to the president with the rank of minister, although his duties have yet to be specified. In an interview with television station Africa24 last month, N'Dour said he now had more time to concentrate on his music -- a mix of traditional drumming with African-rooted Cuban sounds, American soul and rock. "I no longer have a (ministerial) department, which allows me to pick up the microphone again," he was quoted as saying. "I never quit music but I didn't have the time for it." He added that a large part of his new advisory role consisted of "representing the image of Senegal". The singer-songwriter said he would have more opportunities "to play my artistic role around the world, to have an impact on the image of Senegal, on investment." The 54-year-old has enjoyed international success with his sound, inspired by his modest roots and political beliefs.