Black, who worked with the composer on his Born Free, Thunderball and Diamonds are Forever theme songs, said Barry remained unaffected by his international success.

BBC: Bond composer John Barry dies aged 77

The move into dealing with timber species was welcomed by Will Travers from the Born Free Foundation.

BBC: Cites meeting: Ebony beats ivory in conservation stakes

On the day of my hip hop tour of Gabon, the government sponsored a free streetside concert with Amenem, Tina and Ba'Ponga warming up the stage for Senegalese-born U.S hip-hop star Akon.

CNN: The tiny African nation that's a rappers' delight