Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rokia Traoré, who celebrated a birthday earlier this week, was the guest on BBC Radio 3's In Tune yesterday, performing two songs from her forthcoming album, Né So—"Kolokani" and "Mayé"—as well as "Kélé Mandi," from her 2004 Nonesuch Records debut album, Bowmboï. You can hear the performances and her conversation with host Suzy Klein at bbc.co.uk.

Traoré was also a guest on BBC Radio 4's Front Row last night, discussing the new album, which is due February 12. You can hear that interview at bb.co.uk as well.

Né So receives a raves review in the latest issue of Uncut magazine. "Brave, challenging and arrestingly original," writes reviewer Nigel Williamson, "Traoré may just have gone and made the finest indie-rock album to emerge from arguably the world's most musical continent."

The album, produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Tracy Chapman), comprises 10 original songs plus a cover of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" and features guest performances by John Paul Jones and Devendra Banhart, along with Burkinabe drummer Moïse Ouattara, Ivorian bassist Matthieu N’guessan, and Malian ngoni player Mamah Diabaté.

To reserve a copy of Né So, head to iTunes or the Nonesuch Store, where pre-orders include an download of the title track at checkout.

Rokia Traoré kicks off a two-month tour at the Roundhouse in London on Saturday, February 6. She heads to the United States for three shows starting at the Highline Ballroom in New York on March 23. For details and tickets, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.