Inspired by the Cuban dance music of the 1940s and '50s, Senegal-born vocalist Laleh Sosseh formed the Star Band du Dakar shortly after Senegal declared its independence in 1960. With Sosseh sharing lead vocals with Papa Seck, the group rose to the upper echelon of African music. Although they reached their peak in the late-'70s, when a teenaged
Youssou N'Dour was a member, Sosseh and the Star Band du Dakar continue to inspire dancing with their energetic fusion of African and Latin influences more than two decades later. ~ Craig Harris