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Sister Fa – The reigning queen of hip-pop in Senegal holds her title in a competitive male dominated industry. Sister Fa is a role model for young women in her country—tackling social and political causes. Most notably, Sister Fa uses her music to fight against female genital cutting.
Viviane N’Dour – Viviane is a glamorous music star. This diva combines mbalax, hip-pop and R-and-B to showcase her talent. Her love of music paid off when she joined the renowned band Super Etoile, led by brother Youssou N’Dour. The gig gave Viviane the chance to tour the world. Now the singer releases her own music. Viviane went on to create her own band, known as “Jolof.”
Daara J Family – Rap group Daara J Family feature N'Dongo D and Faada Freddy. Their music has influences of hip-pop and reggae. Daara J means “School of Life” in Wolof. The group’s music is performed in French, English, Spanish and Wolof. Daara J uses musical ideas and instruments from Senegal and other parts of Africa. The group formed in 1997. Its popularity has remained high partly because of its activist stance. 
Baaba Maal – Baaba Maal is one of Senegal’s most internationally celebrated singers and guitarists. He’s a big promoter of the Pulaar language-the language he sings in. He has worked with Palm Pictures in U.K. to release several albums, including
Thione Seck – Brilliant mbalax star and his percussion heavy band ‘Raam Daan’ is renowned for his sublime singing. He performs every weekend at his club in downtown Dakar. His talented son Waly opens for Thione and seems to be taking on the family franchise. He loved listening to Indian film music while growing up and you can hear a hint of that in his sound. 
Ismael Lo – Ismael Lo is known for his use of the guitar and harmonica. He also combines guitar melodies with traditional Senegalese mbalax. In the 1970s he was part of the popular Senegalese group Super Diamono. Ismael was born in Niger to a Senegalese father and Nigerian mother. The artist originally studied fine arts and painting. However, his love for music took priority.
Youssou N’Dour – Grammy Award winner Youssou N’Dour does it all--he’s a singer, composer, bandleader, studio owner, savvy businessman. And he is starting to get involved in politics. A child prodigy, he played a key role in transforming the Senegalese musical world to roots based mbalax. Afropop Worldwide Goes To Dakar, Senegal For The Third Edition of The World Festival of Black Arts!
Aired August 10, 2011
This is only the third time since independence that such an ambitious, pan-African, pan-Diaspora, multi-disciplinary extravaganza has been mounted. The first was in Dakar in 1966. The second was in Lagos in 1977 for the legendary FESTAC. And now, it's back to Dakar for the World Black Arts Festival. We'll hear the stars on opening night--Youssou, Baaba, Ismael Lo, Angelique, the Mahotella Queens. We'll catch the awesome Haitian rock and roller Wyclef Jean. The kids loved Wyclef and he proclaimed "Haiti is Africa." We'll hang out in Dakar's hippest outdoor club, Just 4 You Dakar, to catch Souleymane Faye. Abdoulaye Diabate introduces us to his African jazz sound. And we head to hyperactive Sandaga Market to pick up the latest in Senegalese mbalax and hip hop including the CD that's burning up the Dakar airwaves right now--Diaga from the sublime singer Thione Seck. And the Brazilians! What's a party without Brazilians?! They are the honored country at the Festival. They came with a delegation 400-strong, bringing us the vivacious Sandra de Sá and others.
Discography
