Whether we are simply listeners or people involved in bringing musicians to public attention, the ultimate quest remains the same: to discover and champion musicians, writers and/or singers whose ability is so remarkable, it feels as if everything they do is inherently special.
Howe rare they are, these people who truly deserve the epithet, 'artist'
Miriam Makeba was clearly one of the special few
Among our contemporaries still alive, the shortlist would include Mariza, Salif Keita, Youssou N'Dour, Toumani Diabate, Oliver Mtukudzi, Arto Tuncboyaciyan ..and who else?