Following Gainsbourg and -M-, it’s Benjamin Biolay’s turn to work with Vanessa Paradis. The double album Love Songs serves up 20 wildly romantically tracks on love and break-ups. It marks a successful comeback for the ex-Lolita turned talented mature pop star. RFI Musique talked to Ms Paradis about her partnership with Biolay, the early years, her complicated relationship with the media… and love. Always love.

Femi’s new album, No Place For My Dream, flies the flag for afrobeat, which his father Fela made popular on the international scene. Fela’s heir knows the role that France has played in the development of his career.

Singing about society in Côte d’Ivoire is no easy task. After a decade of crisis that has left the social fabric in tatters, Alpha Blondy’s hopeful new album, Mystic Power, is an invitation to “recycle” pain, trauma and conscience.

The militant campaigner for union and peace in Mali, Cheick Tidiane Seck, is back with Guerrier, an album recorded by the pianist from start to finish and in which he takes a firm stand against one-way globalization. RFI Musique met up with the musician, who is currently organizing a series of conference-debates and concerts for his homeland.