 African ConnectionThe four African Connection winners had a one-off opportunity to work with some of the very best African acts around at the Sage in Gateshead at the end of 2005. They received one-to-one advice and encouragement from Thandiswa Mazwai, South African kwaito star; Sekou Kouyate, Wah-wah Kora player from Ba Cissoko (Guinea); Adegoke Oduykoya, from Bantu (Nigeria/Germany) and Cheikh Lo, progressive singer songwriter from Senegal.  ZeJ (Raz Olsher and Jooba Wezler)
ZeJ are an electronic bass, keyboards, electronic drums and percussion outfit who perform in clubs, parties, outdoor raves and festivals. ZeJ wrote and produced two recordings, 'Bamvana' and 'Vuma', with South African vocalist Thandiswa Mazwai.
Watch the video of Bamvana
Listen to Vuma
 Ruth Quigley
From Edinburgh, Ruth plays keyboard, organ, French horn, trumpet and accordion. Ruth wrote and performed 'Caution' (Beware) on keyboard and horns with Afro Beat rapper Ade Bantu from Bantu.
Watch the video of Caution
Listen to Caution
 Kumbengo (Daniel Wilkins, Joel Murphy, Louis Robinson, Manveer Singh)
All study at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Together they play violin, guitar, kora and dholak. They wrote and performed 'Hello England' with the Senegalese drummer and vocalist Cheikh Lo.
Watch the video of Hello England
Listen to Hello England
 Afua
Singer songwriter from Croydon who plays and writes her own music. Afua's final recording is 'Time', written and performed by herself and Sekou Kouyate (star Guinean kora player from the band Ba Cissoka).
Watch Afua performing
Listen to Time
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