In the October 12 episode of NPR's All Songs Considered, Robert Christgau, a contributing editor for Rolling Stone magazine, calls Youssou N'Dour and Super Étoile "the best band in the world." Before closing the episode with the song "4-4-44" from Youssou's new record, Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take), Christgau urges listeners to catch one of the live shows on Youssou's upcoming US tour: "It's very simple," he says, "If you're within 150 miles, don't miss them."

The latest edition of BBC Radio 3's flagship arts program, Night Waves, features an interview with Youssou N'Dour about his upcoming Nonesuch release, Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take), and the social and political issues behind his music. 

Reporters Without Borders, an organization established to protect freedom of the press around the world, just announced that Youssou N'Dour was among the first to sign its petition calling for the release of Moussa Kaka, the Niger correspondent for Radio France Internationale and Reporters Without Borders. Kaka was arrested on September 20 for being in contact with members of a minority rebel group in Niger and could face life in prison.

Youssou N'Dour has been selected as one of TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and will perform, along with John Mayer, at the gala celebration tomorrow night.