Oumou Sangare performs "Seya" (Joy), the title track to her new album. It is the first album in six years from "Mali's Star of Stars," and it reaffirms her position as one of Africa's great female vocalists and an African phenomenon. Since Moussoulou, her debut release, rocketed her to national stardom in 1989, she has retained her position as one of West Africa's most admired and outspoken artists.

Sara Watkins has made the rounds of TV and radio shows across the country to discuss her self-titled solo debut album. Catch a behind-the-scenes look as she does, set to Sara's version of the Jimmie Rogers tune "Any Old Time," off the new record.

Sara Watkins performs John Hartford's "Long Hot Summer Days," off her self-titled solo debut album, on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, April 13, 2009. She's accompanied by the album's producer, John Paul Jones, on bass; her brother and Nickel Creek band mate, Sean, on guitar; and The Roots's ?uestlove on drums.

Amadou & Mariam perform "Ce N'Est Pas Bon," from their new album, Welcome to Mali, live at Radio France's Studio 104, December 1, 2008.

Preview Allen Toussaint's The Bright Missippi with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage in the recording studio with Toussaint and producer Joe Henry.

Sara Watkins talks about the transition from being one third of the band Nickel Creek to branching out on her own for her self-titled solo debut. The album's producer, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, weighs in on his involvement as well, helming a stellar line-up of guest artists. Includes behind-the-scenes photos from the studio and songs from the new record.

Somali-born rapper K'Naan contibutes guest vocals on the song "Africa" on Amadou & Mariam's album Welcome to Mali. Amadou & Mariam explain how this "original West Coast–East Coast collaboration," as K'Naan calls it, came about, and how themes of peace and solidarity feature prominently in their work.

Mariam and producer Damon Albarn explain the creative process behind their collaboration on Amadou & Mariam's Welcome to Mali's opening track, "Sabali." Features an excerpt of the song's music video.

Amadou discusses his lifelong love of musics of all types—blues, rock, jazz, rap, even disco—and from countries across Africa and around the world, exemplified in the Africa Express concerts organized by Damon Albarn. "The great thing about Amadou," says Albarn, "is he's got open ears." Features an excerpt of Amadou & Mariam's performance at the Africa Express for the BBC Electric Proms.

"I think the best term for us now is Afro-blues rock," Amadou explains in discussing the evolution of Amadou & Mariam's Welcome to Mali's dance/rock sound and moving beyond the confines of "world music." Features an excerpt of Amadou & Mariam's live performance of the album's title track at Radio France.