Sénégalese music star, Youssou N'dour is out with a new album this month called Dakar-Kingston. It was released on March 8, 2010. The 13-track album was recorded in a legendary studio in Kingston, Jamaica in July 2009.

Youssou worked with the talented producer, Tyrone Downie, an ex-member of Wailers, which collaborated with other artists such as Tonton David and Tiken Jah Fakoly. Youssou also worked with Earl guitarist “Clouded” Smith, who in particular worked with Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer or max Romeo. With brass, percussion, bass and guitar lines all from Jamaican sources – the album was recorded at Kingston's Tuff Gong studios with Dean Fraser on saxophone, Michael Fletcher on "dancehall" bass and Earl “Chinna” Smith on guitar.

When I was notified of Akon's new video, Oh Africa, I was intrigued by the song's name. Oh Africa? What did Africa do again? Is Akon going to lambast us? Shouldn't he be on our side, praising the motherland? Is it a public service announcement? I hope it's a song from his upcoming album. Well, it turns it is a 'charity single' and he does praise Africa in this video. This new video is geared towards the upcoming World Cup in South Africa and he sings "This is our time to shine, our time to fly". It surely is. I don't know why he's hiding the music video he made for Mama Africa. Trust me, I know the video has been shot. I know people who have the video on their computers. I hope the Mama Africa video is finally released this year. Kudos to Akon for 'Oh Africa' and continuing to rep the motherland big!

20 artists whose songs are ruling the airwaves in French-speaking Africa now and beyond as we enter 2010. These are the songs bound to keep the dance floors busy at all the picnics, shows and parties. 20 African artistes making the waves in this Museke chart/countdown.

It's not the easiest thing to say which song is the most popular, but you can make a case for whichever you choose. And please let us know the glaring omissions we've made.

Here's your chart/countdown/menu as we usher in 2010. Click the links to find more information.

While on his current world tour, Baaba’s song “International” became a crowd favorite as it evolved with new layers and instrumentation. This extended version deviates from the original with its prominent horn section and added rhythms, yet it maintains the high quality of a studio recording.

Senegalese music legend to be honoured with lifetime achievement award at the prestigious Africa Music Awards on Saturday October 17th Youssou N’Dour has always had an unparalleled cultural position.

Since 1982 he has put out sensational records with a worldly tack as a descendant of Senegal’s griot caste of Sufi storytellers. His music and socio-political activism have surpassed religion, nationality and language, resulting in him becoming Africa’s most famous musician and a Grammy award winner.

Akon is the latest US superstar to sign up for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain. The Senegalese-American multi-platinum artist and producer is set to headline at the 2009 MAMA Awards in Nairobi, Kenya on 10 October, performing alongside Fugees’ alumnus Wyclef Jean and a host of Africa’s most celebrated contemporary artists including Wahu, M.I., Samini and Lira.

A six-time Grammy-nominated artist/producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, celebrated for his mesmerising vocal talent, haunting lyrics and extrovert personality, Akon has been making waves around the globe since he first hit the music scene in 2004 with his debut album “Trouble”, which reached #1 in the Billboard charts.