Cultural diversity and multiplicity of languages in different African regions can arguably be regarded as a deterrent to effective measuring and comparison of talent between the regions.  However talent, I believe is relatively easy to measure irrespective of the language used in music or any deeper meaning held in cultural musical compositions. To me, angelic voice in a musician, perfect choreography among other obvious observatory characteristics is enough to judge how a piece of music is despite its origin.

So how best would we classify and rank musicians from different parts of Africa without regard as to where these musicians are from. I think the best approach would be to use characteristics as mentioned earlier that a layman would result to using. Think of any song that lingers in your mind when you are typing up a report or playing tennis; that song that occupies your mind when you are in the shower that you immediately end up busting a tune of the same; that song they play on the radio over and over. That song that everyone is in love with. It’s sought of like you are being asked to vote for a talent on the American Idol.

So here goes a ranking of modern African Musicians alongside a bit of their profile. This ranking is a representation the author’s thoughts, experiences and opinions as pertains to exposure to African Music from different regions. It is also a representation of living and non living African musicians and therefore the usage of the word ‘modern’. As a reader, you are therefore encouraged to comment on this ranking:

(1) Koffi Olomide

Known by a plethora of other names such as Le Grand Mopao, Papa Sukre, Mokonzi, Sarkozy etc etc, Koffi, in my opinion is the artist who has demonstrated world class talent in his composition and leadership. He has been and still is arguably one of the most talented African singer, composer, and director on the African music scene for the past 20 years or so.

Dominating the music charts across the continent and now well known in Europe with a combination of his deep baritone voice, which barely caresses the microphone , sophisticated arrangements , blending old school rumba and smooth keyboard melodies as well as a searing guitar climax. His compositions are classy and appeal to a wide spectrum of fans worldwide. His songs delve deep into a wide variety of topics including love , politics, technology and even religion. In each song he discusses his feelings about such diverse topics while expressing confused feelings about mythical beasts and dream like fantasies.

Names of famous people like Bill Gates , Saddam Hussein and even George Weah  have been  mentioned. Indeed He himself said you have to understand the words to fully appreciate his songs.  His sense of fashion is exquisite. He has a keen sense of fashion and extensive sapeur wardrobe as well as a personality to match.

Koffi got into a bit of trouble sometimes in 2009 when he tried to christen himself another name i.e. Benedict the XVI. His native country men advised him not to try and defile such a good name, Christianity and especially Christian Catholism is highly adhered to in Central Africa. Albeit to this fact, he still is the best of the best in African Music scene. Quartier Latin, his band, has morphed a number of times with the departure and entry of several talented members. In the end it seems that no matter what the group is composed of, Koffi is still capable of leading his Quartier Latin indomitable troops into producing great unrivalled music.

(2) Salif Keita

Unique in his voice and probably even better known for his albinism, Salif Keita hails from western African country of Mali. He is one of the old timers but still belts out tunes as he did in the 70′s and 80′s.

He has a large following in France as well as Francophone countries in Africa. His music is quintessentially West African with influences from both the Americas and Europe.

Additionally, His music blends his Malian heritage and that of other neighboring countries such as Ivory Coast, Senegal and Guinea. In my mind I regard him as one of the best.

(3) Baba Maaal

Well known for his great pitch voice, Baaba Maal is from Senegal. He sings in his native language Pulaar. He is great with the acoustic guitar. His music is very much influenced by his French background where he went school. Still young in his looks, Baaba Maal is internationally well known and has been a great inspiration to young Senegalese musicians.

(4) Youssou n’Dour

Everybody knows Youssou n’Dour, at least if you follow a little of World music. Youssou n’Dour a Senegalese citizen. Remember the song “Seven Seconds Away”

5. Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola

Also going by a plethora of other names but better referred to in the streets of Kinshasa as DeCaprio, Fally Ipupa is makes heads turn at least if you ask women they will tell you. He is however married, sorry to disappoint the ladies. He made his debut back in the mid 90′s when he did collaboration with Koffi  Olomide to sing the hit song “Enternellement”

Koffi did nurture him a bit but needless to say Fally is a talent by himself. He continues to wow crowds with his dances and vocals. Fans try to compare Fally with Ferre Gola, another one of Koffi’s protege. I put Fally and Ferre on the same ranking because their styles are similar even though Ferre is a better composer compared to Fally. This is my equalizing jugdement as much has been said to compare the two.

6. Anjelique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo débuted her music career in 1991. She is known for her strong female vocals especially when she is rocking in her native Beninese dialect. She defenetely has the regard of an icon in Africa, Western Europe as well as African Diaspora in North America and Canada. Angélique is multilingual and also sings in English has done several collaborations with other musicians such as Youssou N’Dour.

7. Papa Wemba

Also known as “M’Zée Fula-Ngenge or Jules Presley Shungu Wembadio, he was one of pioneers of Zaiko Langa Langa group in the late 60′s when he was in his early 20′s. He is known for his high pitch vocals and is the founder of the Viva la Musica group around 1978. He ias nrutured other musicians under the wings of Viva la Musica such as the Dindo Yogo, Lidje kwempa, Reddy Amisi. One of his best records is none other other than the one he did with Koffi Olomide “Wake Up”. Papa Wemba still is indomitable.

8. Wenge Musica – J.B. Mpiana and Werrason Ngiama Makanda

Wenge Musica 4×4 may have disintegrated and splintered into various teams but its members never seem to be far away from their original style. Originally started by JB Mpiana, Didier Masela, Allain Mpela, Allain Makaba, Tutu Caluji, Titina, Werrason, Adolphe Dominguez among others, its music is still popular among followers in African and beyond. All of the aforementioned and all their protégés have mentored many others in Kinshasa and Europe to stardom as they showcase their never ending talents.

9. Pepe Kalle and Laurent Nyboma Mwandido

Pepe Kalle and Laurent Nyboma Mwandido were the dynamic duo in the 90′s. Pepe with his masculine voice and Nyboma with his trademark silk smooth vocals. Pepe Kalle is no longer with us but Nyboma still performs. He has been accused of not doing as good as he did when Pepe was around but he claims he is his own man. Nyboma combines the guitar skills of Syran Mbenza (another talent of the group) with a warbling voice and together with the exquisite sounds of his late boss; they produced music that still has, to the present day, residual listener-ship