MacColl with Omara Portuondo

Series producer John Leonard said: "Kirsty had always had a love affair with Cuba and her affinity for the music shines through."

With the aid of musicologist Dr Jan Fairley, MacColl goes in search of the best musicians in Cuba, tracing the roots of today's styles back to the 40s and 50s.

Since Cuba is a country where politics permeates virtually everything, the programme will examine pivotal moments in Cuban history, and look at the effects on the extraordinary music of the Caribbean island.

MacColl also takes a look at the impact of Che Guevara and Cuban president Fidel Castro on Cuba's image abroad.

Havana, Cuba: Home of legendary music

During the series there will be interviews with musician and composer Ry Cooder, top Cuban vocalist Omara Portuondo who sang with Nat King Cole, Cuban-American singer singer Gloria Estefan and Buena Vista Social Club stars Ibrahim Ferrer and former Talking Head David Byrne.

Since BBC Radio 2 is a music station, there will be music from The Buena Vista Social Club, but also from Silvio Rogriguez, Los Van Van, Pablo Milanes, Sierra Maestra and Cuba's finest doo-wop group Los Zafiros.

In January BBC Radio 2 broadcast an hour long tribute to the singer, presented by Johnnie Walker, who was a close friend of MacColl.

The programme, called Thank You for the Days - A Tribute To Kirsty MacColl, looked back at her life and career and examined her music.