* Cesaria Evora: Cape Verdean singer known as the "Barefoot Diva" who rose to international fame in the 1990s with her melancholic "morna" music.
* Charles Aznavour: Armenian-French singer, songwriter, and actor who is considered one of the most popular and successful singers in the world.
* Edith Piaf: French singer-songwriter and actress who is considered one of the most influential singers of the 20th century.
* Franco: Congolese singer-songwriter and bandleader who is considered the "father of Congolese rumba."
* Fally Ipupa: Congolese singer-songwriter and dancer who is one of the most successful musicians in Africa.
* Gims: Congolese-French rapper, singer, and songwriter who is one of the most popular French-language artists in the world.
* Koffi Olomidé: Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, and producer who is considered one of the most influential musicians in Africa.
* Mdou Moctar: Nigerien guitarist and singer who is known for his psychedelic Tuareg rock.
* Salif Keita: Malian singer-songwriter and instrumentalist who is known for his unique voice and his fusion of traditional Malian music with Western influences.
* Stromae: Belgian-Rwandan singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer who is known for his eclectic music and his ability to mix different genres.
* Youssou N'Dour: Senegalese singer-songwriter, musician, and producer who is considered one of the most influential musicians in Africa.