
MusikBi is Africa's first homegrown legal music download platform. It has had over 1,000 downloads since it launched.

The service aims to promote African musicians, and help them get proper payment for their work in a region marred by widespread copyright piracy. The continent's rich music history has birthed artists of varied musical genres, some of whom have gained global recognition. Arguably Senegal's most famous musical export is Akon, pictured here, a multi-platinum selling artist and producer who has collaborated with Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.

Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke is widely credited as the creator of ethio-jazz, a genre which blends traditional Ethiopian music with western jazz. The pioneering artist was the first African to enroll at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela was an inspirational campaigner against apartheid. He left his home country in the 1960s to attend music school in London and New York, and sold millions of records in his long career. Masekela returned to Johannesburg in 1990.

The male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo were founded in Durban, South Africa in 1960s, and were hailed by Nelson Mandela as South Africa's cultural ambassadors. They won international acclaim after working with Paul Simon, of the Simon and Garfunkel fame.

Brenda Fassie, the late South African pop star was called "Madonna of the Townships." One of the continent's biggest stars, she was famous for her flamboyant performances, her music loved by millions.

The Benin-born diva has sold out auditoriums across the world, winning Grammy awards along the way. She's also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002, campaigning for female empowerment and AIDS and HIV prevention.