Joki

First introduced to the English-speaking world through Peter Gabriel and Sting in the late 1980s, Youssou N'Dour achieved truly global fame in the mid-'90s with his hit single '7 Seconds'. Joko is his third album.

The record is extraordinary for its depth, breadth and diversity of musical styles. The fact that N'Dour descends from a long and famous line of griots (whose hereditary role is much like that of the Gaelic bards) gives him ingrained knowledge of Senegal's ancient musical traditions, guaranteeing an album firmly rooted in authenticity.

As well as providing a link to the sacred through music, griots are responsible for transmitting knowledge to the community. Youssou fulfils this side of his role by fusing pop, rock, reggae, rap, jazz, soul and Cuban rhythms to the traditional Senegalese style, and incorporating issues of global concern into his thematic repertoire.

Intelligent, refreshing, optimistic and uplifting, Joko is also innovative and daring, featuring Wyclef Jean of The Fugees, whose brilliant raps enhance several tracks. If you're an N'Dour fan you can't go wrong with Joko, and if you're looking for a way into African sounds, this is a fine introduction.