Khadja Nin

This sophisticated take on Afropop braids Khadja Nin's warm, understated voice with cool, contemporary production. This is less pop music than chill music: songs like "Mzee Mandela" and "Africa Obota" simply float, anchored by bass and rhythm. Special surprise treat: "Damu Ya Salaam" is actually a very nice cover of Sting's bloated, self-important "Russians."