We were up against giants of world music such as Khaled, Ojos De Brujo, Bebeya Jazz and the Super Rail Band of Bamako.

BBC: Confessions of a Womad DJ

"With his exceptionally exuberant band Super Etoile de Dakar and his musically ground breaking and political solo albums, Youssou Ndour has worked to reduce animosities between his own religion, Islam, and other religions, " it said.

BBC: Youssou Ndour and Kaija Saariaho win Polar Music Prize

And a host of music stars including Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and rock band Super Furry Animals wrote to the then First Minister Rhodri Morgan in 2006 urging an end to the "postcode lottery" for music lessons.

BBC: Gwent music service: Elitism fears over Newport plan

We were this band of super-young people, in all our best clothes.

NEWYORKER: Sole Mate

He and his band, The Super Etoile, have toured the world for 20 years, picking up elements of the world's musical traditions along the way.

NPR: Youssou N'Dour, 'Egypt' and Islam

After Super Furry Animals took notice of El Goodo's debut in 2005, the band has been building up their resume by touring in both the UK and stateside with acts like Beulah, Essex Green, and The Zombies.

NPR: El Goodo: 'Feel So Fine'

The Marching "100, " as the band is known, is a storied institution that has performed at presidential inaugurations and Super Bowl games.

WSJ: Florida A&M Band's Suspension Is Extended

Far from being shoddily made, however, the band's upcoming album was produced by Dave Newfeld who has also worked with Broken Social Scene, Super Fury Animals, and Los Campesinos.

NPR: The High Strung: 'Real Stone'