Senegalese music icon and opposition activist Youssou N'dour was injured when he was hit by a projectile at a banned rally in Dakar, his handlers said yesterday.

"N'dour was injured in the left leg. He has been seen by a doctor but he doesn't want to make a big issue out of it and we won't be giving any more comment," said Charles Faye, spokesman for N'dour's Fekke ma ci boole (I am involved) movement.

Faye did not specify the projectile that hit N'dour, saying only that he was injured "in the heat of the action" on Tuesday as riot police dispersed a crowd gathered for the rally in Independence Square, which had been declared off-limits.

Last month the Grammy-winning artist appealed against a decision by the country's top court that rejected his application to run for the presidency this month.

The council approved the candidacy of President Abdoulaye Wade, 85, for a third term - which the opposition says is illegal - sparking fierce protests in Dakar.

One of Africa's most recognised artists, N'dour shocked the music world on January3 when he announced that he was quitting music to try to unseat the president, of whom he has become increasingly critical.

The dispute over Wade's candidacy has put one of Africa's most stable democracies on edge. The capital was rocked by violent riots on Friday night that left one policeman dead.

Tuesday's incident happened as N'dour was perched on a car that anti-riot police approached. Stones were hurled from the crowd towards the police, who responded with tear gas.

At one stage there was a standoff between the police and a group of protesters headed by former prime minister Idrissa Seck, who is contesting Sunday's presidential vote, and N'dour.

Hundreds of supporters gathered around the two opposition leaders' vehicles, chanting in Wolof, "Gorgui, na dem!" (Get out, old man), in reference to Wade, who is Africa's second-oldest head of state.

N'dour swiftly left the area after being hurt.

Probably best known for his Seven Seconds hit collaboration with Neneh Cherry, N'dour has also collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sting, Wyclef Jean, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and others.