1. Issa Sanogo (Burkina Faso) - Gbangban - 5:58
Issa Sanogo apparently is in the cast of a new movie from the Ivory Coast, a comedy named Ablakon. There seems to be no other information about him on the web. This song in French appears to be about the travails of Africa. Listen to a sample of this song on Amazon.

2. Viola (Zambia) - Siwelele - 3:43
Viola's first public performance of note was her rendition at age 9 of the old Don Williams country song "Listen to the Radio", at a hotel in Lusaka. She came to prominence through the South African equivalent of "American Idol". Here is a fine biography. Listen on Amazon.

3. John Yalley and N'in Kyffyz (Ivory Coast) - Solole - 4:31
John Yalley Kyffyz appears to be more associated with jazz, than with pop in the "zézé" genre - but this review in French might contradict these words. Listen on Amazon.

4. Youssou N'Dour (Senegal) - 4-4-44 - 3:36
Grammy winner Youssou N'Dour is a giant of African music and world music. His website has an annoying intro that you can't cancel - and even more annoying scrolling controls - but it's a trove of information. Also see this Wikipedia page. Listen on Amazon.

5. Koffi Olomide (Congo DRC) - Henriquet - 7:31
Olomide's career took off when he started playing in Papa Wemba's band (see below) after having spent time in France. Here is an excellent biography. His music shares roots with Congolese soukous but is slower and quieter. You can watch him on YouTube. Listen on Amazon.

6. Koko Dembele (Mali) - N'Den Ba - 4:06
The Leopard Man's biography of this worldly reggae singer is detailed but perhaps dated. Koko appears in this outstanding New York Times article about Malian music. Listen on Amazon.

7. Simentera with Touré Kunda (Cape Verde Islands) - Oxi Não - 4:15
Touré Kunda sings the male half of this duet. Rootsworld wrote, "What makes [Simentera] so endearing is its blend of solid songwriting, musical competence and sincerity. This third element, sincerity, is possibly the most elusive, yet telling criteria. Rather than abandon their roots (they all live and work at different jobs on Cape Verde), they re-explore and re-define them, coming up with a sound that reflects the love they have for their culture and their hope for its future. This is all captured here." There's more about the group at Calabash.

8. Jimi Mbaye (Senegal) - Noone Yi - 4:51
Guitar great Jimi Mbaye has backed Youssou N'Dor (see above) for almost 30 years. This page has a wealth of information and links, including a very detailed biography. Listen to a sample of this song on Amazon.

9. Francis Mbappe (Cameroon) - Mabolan - 4:36
Bass player Francis Mbappe has played and produced with Herbie Hancock, Youssou N'Dor, Franco Zeffirelli, and many others. For the past decade or more he's been based in New York City, where he can be heard live at the Zinc Bar. Calabash has a photo and biography. Listen on Amazon.

10. Papa Wemba (Congo DRC) - Rail On - 2:26
Like Youssou N'Dor, Papa Wemba is a giant of African and world music, though of an earlier generation that included Tabu Ley Rochereau and Franco. He is said to be a magnificent dresser in his very own style, a mix of Africa, France and New York City. The Wikipedia article will lead you to everything you'd want to know about him. Listen on Amazon.

11. Fallou Dieng (Senegal) - Koleure-96 - 5:14
Yet another protege or follower of Youssou N'Dor, Fallou has been known as "The King of Ambience" in Dakar. A biography, and a complete discography maintained in Japan. Listen on Amazon.

12. Tshala Muana (Congo DRC) - Mulopo - 4:20
"The Queen of Mutuashi", who turns 50 in 2008, was honored in 2003 along with Mbilia Bel as a preeminent female Central African vocalist. This page has a brief biography and an interview. Her hyperactive website. Listen on Amazon.