1. Chiwoniso (Zimbabwe) - Nguva Ye Kufara - 4:38
Sounds like Oliver Mtukudzi and that's no coincidence of course. Chiwoniso Maraire's website, hosted by her Vermont producers. Here's a YouTube video of her singing live in Montreal. Listen to a sample of this song on Amazon.

2. Edo Santa (Pan-African, UK) - Chamboulé - 4:07
A truly pan-African and world group now based in the UK. Congolese guitarist Azulino performed with Franco and Papa Wemba for many years, and pianist Gilbert Ebela is from Cameroon. Their website. Listen to a sample of this song.

3. Stewart Sukuma (Mozambique) - Hi Ta Kina Marrabenta - 4:02
As noted on this informative CD Baby page, Stewart Sukuma was the first Mozambican to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He now lives in South Africa. Watch him perform live (optionally in high quality) on this YouTube video. Listen to a sample of this song.

4. Rukiza Okera (Guyana, UK) - Vatu Vikuukuu - 5:21
“Born in Guyana, lives in London, and sings in Kiswahili." More info on CD Baby. As a child in Guyana he was inspired to learn classical guitar by seeing Andres Segovia. He has traveled to Suriname, Brazil, California, Tanzania, the Netherlands, and now the UK. Listen.

5. Bassekou Kouyaté (Mali) - Tabali Te - 1:46
This brief introductory song is one of a series on the album Segu Blue about the 18th century Bambara kingdom of Mali. Read more. Watch on YouTube. Listen.

6. Gnawa Diffusion (Algeria) - Match Bettikh - 6:31
A good Wikipedia article. "Gnawa" is a musical style from Morocco and Algeria, often accompanied by vigorous dancing. This group makes some strong statements, for example in their denunciation in other songs of American power. Listen to a sample of this song.

7. Kora Jazz Trio (Abdoulaye Diabaté) (Sénégal) - Chan-Chan - 4:42
Their website, in French only. Here's a warm review: "Mandingo tradition and the freedom of jazz". This cut is from their latest album from October 2008. Listen.

8. Rukiza Okera (Guyana, UK) - Hunitaki Tena - 4:18
See above for information about Rukiza. Listen.

9. Edo Santa (Pan-African) - Stand Up - 4:53
See above for information about Edo Santa. Listen.

10. Eric Wainaina (Kenya) - Miili Yetu - 3:58
His excellent website, and an excellent Wikipedia article. Wainaina is in the US at this writing in November 2008, interrupting his weekly club performances in Nairobi. Here he sings another song, live in a club setting. Listen to a sample of this song.

11. Jive Nation (South Africa, UK) - Shoshaloza - 4:48
"This story starts in 1985. Louis Ribeiro, Durban born Portuguese Zulu reaches the point of emigration from South Africa to England ..." Read more. Listen to a sample of this song.

12. Moussa Diallo (Mali) - Kanata Kanto - 4:06
Bassist Diallo's fine website, with a very detailed and interesting biography. He's based in Copenhagen now and has recently put much work into African music for children. Here's a video on YouTube of him playing live in Zanzibar and being interviewed. Listen.

13. Rajery (Madagascar) - Ny Fitiavako - Sounds almost like Turlough O'Carolan. Watch valiha (tubular harp) virtuoso Germain Randrianrisoa - Rajery - perform live in a YouTube video with Ballaké Sissoko on kora and Driss El Maloumi on oudh. Calabash has an excellent biography with the chilling story of how Rajery lost his right hand as a child. Listen.