As a member of Senegal's nomadic Toucouleur ethnic group, Baaba Maal has fought convention by challenging the caste system into which he was born. Although he does not belong to the griot caste -- the only caste allowed to enter musical professions -- he has become one of the most successful African

Mbalax, Tribal

The Buena Vista Social Club is a band of musicians whose careers span the history of twentieth-century Cuban music, from 90-year-old vocalist Compay Segundo (whose career began in the 1920s), to pianist Ruben Gonzalez, vocalist Ibrahim Ferrar (who came to fame in the 1950s), and 13-year-old timbalist

Bright, Ebullient, Expansive, Intimate, Layered, Round, Salsa music