1. Lokua Kanza (Congo DRC) - Stesuff - 1:18
Pascal Lokua Kanza was orphaned as a child. He taught himself guitar and studied at the Kinshasa Conservatory. After playing in groups in Zaire (now Congo DRC) and Ivory Coast he studied jazz in Paris and played with Papa Wemba among others. In 1992 he launched his solo career. He has played with Anjelique Kidjo, Youssou N'Dour and Geoffrey Oryema, and he has recorded with Natalie Merchant.

2. Ras Sheehama (Namibia) - Shohela Oshaile Shaya - 3:55
Ras Sheehama publishes some of his music online at African Cream, which is based in Johannesburg. This quiet and happy song is from the album A Handful of Namibians.

3. Ali Farka Toure (Mali) - Hawa Dolo - 5:47
Ali Farka Toure passed away in March 2006 aged about 67. He was a true giant in world music for most of his life. A fine Wikipedia article.

4. Vieux Diop (Senegal) - Manko (Unity) - 3:43
Vieux Diop (said "Via Jo") first reached musical fame as a sideman in Youssou N'Dor's band. Here is a detailed review of his second album, Afrika Wassa, from which this song comes. His music crosses cultural boundaries between Africa and the West. An interview.

5. Vieux Diop (Senegal) - Mansani - 5:17
See above for information about Vieux Diop.

6. Idrissa Soumaoro (Mali) - Nostalgia - 4:58
Also known as Köte, Idrissa Soumaoro has invented his own distinctive style of music, of which this cut is representative. He has been performing in Mali since the 1970s. After much success he changed his life's course completely with study in Great Britain about how to teach music to the blind. This work led to the successes in Mali of the group Amadou & Miriam. More.

7. N’Gou Bagayoko (Mali) - Kulu - 3:58
N'Gou Bagayoko is in his late 50s. He was once a primary school teacher. Here is a biography. This song features his daughter Ramata Doussou's voice.

8. Souad Massi (Algeria) - Matebkiche (Don’t Cry) - 3:27
Beautiful Souad's website seems to be in French only. A biography.

9. Ray Lema (Congo DRC) - N’Zola - 3:39
An highly introspective international musician. Here is a very extensive and interesting biography.

10. Fely (Ivory Coast) - Ma Fille Dominique - 2:32
Fely's website demonstrates her remarkable versatility.

11. Stella Chiweshe (Zimbabwe) - Chitsidzo - 3:04
Stella Chiweshe is the queen of the mbira, an ancient hand-held keyed instrument (photo). Her website.