Artists like Ismaël Lô

Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and guitarist born in Podor, on the Senegal River. In addition to acoustic guitar, he also plays percussion. He has released several albums, both for independent and major labels. In July 2003, he was made a UNDP Youth Emissary.

Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, known professionally as Papa Wemba, was a Congolese singer, songwriter, bandleader, actor, and cultural icon. Widely hailed as the "King of Rumba", he is regarded as one of the most influential African musicians. Across a career spanning nearly five decades, he propelled Congolese rumba onto the world stage, and helped globalize African popular music. Through his voice, performance style, and fashion, he shaped the sound and image of contemporary Congolese culture, becoming a central figure in the rise of La SAPE, the flamboyant movement of elegance and style. Wemba is often considered one of the greatest African vocalists and performers of all time.