Salif Keïta

Fairly unknown to big audiences, but at the same time one of the most talented African bass players, Etienne Mbapp has, since moving to Paris from his home country Cameroon in the '70s, played with musicians such as Joe Zawinul, Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, and his own fusion bands Chic and Ultramarine.

Fairly unknown to big audiences, but at the same time one of the most talented African bass players, Etienne Mbapp has, since moving to Paris from his home country Cameroon in the '70s, played with musicians such as Joe Zawinul, Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, and his own fusion bands Chic and Ultramarine.

Mali is right up there with Jamaica and Ireland, as far as countries who produce massive amounts of amazing traditional and tradition-influenced contemporary music. A serious player in the world music scene, Mali has given us the likes of Ali Farka Toure and Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare and Amadou & Mariam... that is to say, some of the best music in the world. If you don't have any Malian music in your collection, now's the time to start, and if you need some suggestions, read on: Music From Mali: 10 Essential Starter CDs.

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The Kora Kings comes from Brikama, in the Gambia. They have fascinated the world for years by introducing the sound of Kora to the western world and songs of the Kora long before Mory Kante's "Yekeke" and Salif Keita's epic Manding sounds.

After bringing one of Africa's super stars, Salif Keita, to perform here, there is still more in store for revellers at the Botswanacraft.

True to the saying that music is a universal language, a communication barrier did not stop enthusiasts who graced Salif Keita's show on independence eve from enjoying his sounds though most of his songs were in French.

Botswanacraft has netted another big fish just after hosting Zimbabwean guru Oliver Mtukudzi.

Botswanacraft has netted another big fish just after hosting Zimbabwean guru Oliver Mtukudzi.

You will not easily catch their work on our local FM stations; you won't even catch it on the African international music channels like MTV Base or Channel O. However, if you are to talk about true African music ambassadors, then it doesn't get better than, Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Yousour N'dour, Oliver Mtukudzi, Franco Makiadi, Miriam Makeba and Lucky Dube.

It takes years of training for opera singers to master their art. But would those skills help or hinder in singing pop songs? And what about the other way round? Orlando Gough guardian.co.uk , 'What is the story of that voice?' ... Malian singer Salif Keita.