If I had any influence, media coverage of “the stars” wouldn’t be weighted so heavily in favour of their outrageous behaviour, but rather on their civility. After all, today, bizarre celebrity behaviour appears to be the norm, while civility seems to be the truly abberrant quality.
And if that were the criteria for my own personal “Us Weekly,” then the pair of celestials I met yesterday would certainly be up there in the top ranks.
A super-friendly group of four was walking along the corridor yesterday afternoon. We greeted each other heartily and informally, like saying hello to someone you’ve met before but just can’t place, so you chat about the wonderful Spring weather.
That is until you walk further down the corridor because you happen to be heading in the same direction and witness a formal introduction… to Youssou N’Dour.
As a lover of this pioneering Senegalese artist’s music, I was shocked. I simply didn’t recognize the singer out of the only context I’ve ever seen him — in concert and wearing traditional clothes. And what I loved about this brief brush was the fact that he came across completely unaffected, interested in reaching out to know you.
My other entry to the list would be the Beninese singer/songwriter, Angelique Kidjo, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few times over a few years under different circumstances. Yet every time I see her, what strikes me is her warmth and openness. She exudes an incredible energy, a positive vibe, and these qualities seem remarkably constant whether you meet her before or after a concert, a formal circumstance, or sharing the ladies room.
Come to think of it, these are super star qualities we should all be more eager to acquire than poor imitations of celebrity wardrobes or tiny dogs named Tinkerbell.
Technorati tags: Celebrities Youssou N’Dour Angelique Kidjo
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Roger Federer makes landfall, but no Shakira sighting
Another day, another celebrity, or so it seems to be lately. This morning it was tennis superstar, Roger Federer, and at midday, Shakira strode the halls. (You might remember it was only last week that Angelique Kidjo and Youssou N’Dour…