I’ve never before been so apprehensive about the reaction to one of my compilations. This is the sixth in an annual series of round-ups of music from around the world, and in previous years I’ve been reasonably confident that each album was an accessible introduction for anybody not already a diehard convert to the idea of listening to music not sung in English.

Partly because the bulk of the selections had taken account of reactions from listeners, I knew they had already struck a chord. And in many cases, other taste-makers in the international world music community had confirmed their approval, nominating many of the artists for the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music, or voting for their albums in the monthly poll of European world music DJs.

While this year’s album does include several big names (notably Youssou N’Dour, Mariza and Amadou & Mariam), it also includes many artists that don’t seem to had as much impact on any other professional as they have had on me. The sequencing of the album is based entirely on the sound of the music, not the reputation of the performers, but I was concerned when I realised that the first six tracks on CD1 include five artists who are not yet widely known. That flies in the face of recommended practice, which is to stack the front of your compilations with the best known names.

However, early reactions have been reassuring, both in published reviews on the internet at Fly.co.uk and phatplanet.com and in informal emails from Phil Meadley, Garth Cartwright and others. It seems that these reviewers welcome the unfamiliarity of many of the tracks, so that the album becomes an adventure. I cannot describe the relief their comments have brought me.

Regular listeners to my two shows on BBC London and BBC World Service will recognise most of the tracks, almost all of which have drawn comments of approval and/or requests to play them again.

But what about people who have never heard of me, who run across the album in the racks – what will they make of it? I remain more than a little nervous.

CG

CD1:
1. Daby Balde - Sora
2. Sissy Atanassova - Chaje Shukarije
3. Ivan Kupala - Geo
4. Amadou & Mariam - Coulibaly
5. Camille - Au Port
6. Mei Tei Sho - Lambi Golo Part 1
7. Lhasa - La Frontera
8. Chango Spasiuk - Tarefero de Mis Pagos
9. Darko Rundek & Cargo Orkestar Ista - Slika
10. Oliver Mtukudzi - Vanereva Nepasipo
11. The Chehade Brothers - Niyal Albou
12. Volga - Verejushki
13. Nairobi Yetu - Nijenge
14. State of Bengal vs Paban Das Baul - Padma Nodi
15. Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate - Kadi Kadi
16. DJ Fitchie & Joe Dukie - Midnight Marauders

CD2:
1. Issa Bagayogo - Dya Bana
2. Shiyani Ngcobo - uDadewetha
3. Seu Jorge Mania de Peitao
4. Shukar Collective - Calling Tamango
5. Yasmin Levy - Naci en Alamo
6. Okna Tsahan Zam - Edjin Duun
7. Laye Sow - Boonoo
8. Mariza - Transparente
9. Julia Vorontsova - Older
10. Youssou N'Dour - Tijaniyya
11. Ana Salazar - El Accordeonista
12. Malouma - Tuyur El Wad
13. Dead Combo - Rumbero
14. Julien Jacob, feat. Rachid Taha - Jacob
15. Clotaire K - Beyrouth Ecoeuree
16. Tokyo-chutei-iki - Otome Sankanbi
17. Think of One - Moana