Salif Keita - Soro

The voice entry. Salif Keita, from a noble family who became a singer against tradition, has one of Africa's most piercing and expressive voices, and this 1987 Paris album, produced by Ibrahima Sylla with keyboardist Jean-Philippe Rykiel, set it in glossy synth and horn arrangements that made him an international star. The 1980s production divides listeners, but Wamba shows the voice cutting through it all.