Combining elements of traditional and modern music has created rhythms that are unique to Senegalese music.
African artists with major US industry support have the advantage - now more than ever.
The search for old or new African sounds is based around a nostalgia culture that is endemic to Anglo-American popular music.
Congolese singer Papa Wemba might have been one of Africa’s best loved musicians - but his politics wasn’t popular with all his compatriots.