The rough guide to the best African music you've never heard

"The latest release to come out of the World Music Network's popular battle of the bands competition, which aims to bring lesser-known world music acts to wider attention. True to the compilation's name, the musical standard here is very high, and most of the tracks are taken from recent releases by up-and-coming African artists ... The two most effective tracks (...) are provided by red-hot kora player Nomoucounda Cissoko and Moroccan multi-instrumentalist Simo Lagnawi, giving hints as to the wide range of styles being played in the continent today ... Included as a bonus disc is Junk Funk by Sotho Sounds. This Lesotho band's light-hearted album['s] playful use of homemade instruments fits well with the vibe of the record it's packaged with".