The foremost figure in world music once said he never had any political ambitions. Now he wants to be Senegal's president, becoming a force for change rather than just a voice of change

World music fans know him as a giant, 30-somethings will instantly recognize his voice from the 1994 worldwide smash “7 seconds” and followers of West African politics will, as of this week, know him as a candidate for President in Senegal’s February 26 election.

Waayaha Cusub remain defiant despite bearing the scars of the Islamist group, whose reach has extended to Nairobi

This coming February the Niger River near Segou, Mali will be transformed into a six-day festival for African and Malian music, visual art, local crafts, and cultural discussion. This year there's a great line up of bands featured on a floating stage on the river. The goal is to bring together artists of all varieties to help preserve their local artistic customs. The festival also aims at saving the Niger River from environmental degradation. Check out the amazing line up of artists and events!

Bring in 'Rain on my lips', the new video by Burundi born emcee/poet Pepe Haze and singer Steph McKee.

Kenya’s celebrated musicians triumphed over other regional stars to scoop trophies in their nominated categories during the inaugural East Africa Music Award (EAMAs) ceremony hosted in Nairobi on Saturday.

Singer/songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla's Afro-folk sound is starting to attract international attention – he's one of 10 finalists in the Radio France Internationale Discoveries Awards. And with his debut album, “Umlilo” (fire), due to be released in September, home fans have something to look forward to as well.

The 21-stringed kora is a fascinating musical instrument, not just for it’s distinctive sound, but also for the ingenuity of a large calabash covered with cowhide as a resonator. Here is an instrument that is uniquely West African and represents a powerful cultural symbol, passed from one generation of male singers, known as jeli (or griot in French), to the next.

A new Jazz sensation has hit Addis Ababa; the ‘Jazzamba’ club, the newest music lounge in Addis.

A prominent Swaziland Member of Parliament and founder of mighty Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors gospel group, Timothy Myeni has just completed a successful tour of the United Kingdom where he rocked gospel music lovers.

From the streets of Kinshasa to sell-out tours across Europe, a group of disabled performers are bringing their punchy tunes and uplifting message to music fans far beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cape Verde is Andrade’s proper homeland and her music is deeply anchored in the islands’ many song styles, which are themselves the product of cross-Atlantic seafaring.

Celebrated Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi was last week appointed a United Nations Children's Fund regional goodwill ambassador.

Sudanese refugee Mantist Oryem shares what he knows about writing poetry and making hip-hop music.

Randy Weston honored for his lifelong engagement with Morocco and deep commitment to bringing Morocco’s Gnaoua music tradition to the attention of the Western world.

In Zimbabwe, clunky audio tapes are still alive and prolific. Far from being outdated, they are the medium of choice for many Zimbabweans who are eager to get their hands on the latest music in an affordable way.

America’s elite Yale University has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Senegal’s leading musician, Youssou N’dour.

Cameroonian born baritone Jacques–Greg Belobo, has been at the vanguard of trying to change attitudes towards all forms of classical music in Africa. “This music is seen as white people’s music and non African. I want to show that there are no limits in the arts,” says the man known as Africa’s Pavarotti, after the late, great Italian tenor.

Wednesday was a momentous day in the history of the Republic of Somaliland. The country, if we can call it that, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Somalia. It’s shown it is possible to rise above chaos and build a lasting legacy. By SIMON ALLISON.

Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier in Sudan who has defied the odds to become a musician. His "We Want Peace" campaign raises awareness of justice, equality and conflict prevention. Here he tells his story and why he joined CNN's Freedom Project.