Famed Musician Youssou NDour Champions United Against Malaria

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 / Xeex Sibbiru (‘Fight Against Malaria’ in the local Wolof dialect) Celebrity Cup last week.

The much anticipated match pitted Senegal’s football legends against a team comprised of contemporary Senegalese footballers and famed musicians, including Blackburn Rovers El-Hadji Diouf and grammy-award winning singer Youssou NDour. Both teams wore uniforms featuring the UAM and Xeex Sibbiru crests.

The good-natured competition saw the two teams exchanging lots of goals and friendly trash talk knowing that win or lose, both teams were accomplishing their ultimate goal…raising awareness about malaria. The match, which will be aired on national TV later this week, featured speeches by Youssou NDour and other noted players encouraging the people of Senegal to use mosquito nets and seek treatment for malaria. TV broadcasters joined the chorus of voices speaking out against malaria, taking time out from their match coverage to acknowledge the UAM campaign and it’s significance.

Players and musicians alike also used the occasion to record a public service announcement for United Against Malaria that will air on TV alongside the match and throughout the coming months in Senegal. Learn more about the United Against Malaria campaign here.