Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Solomon Burke came into contact with music during his time as pastor for a local community. His vocal talent became apparent in early adulthood, when he agreed to take part in a gospel programme for a local radio station.

The Master Musicians of Jajouka are a male band from Morocco. Their music takes its inspiration from the traditional music of the Rif Mountains in Tangiers.

Hailing from the Ribatejo area of Portugal, Ana Moura is considered one of the best-known voices in the new generation of fado singers. Her passion for this most Portuguese of Portuguese music genres dates back to her early childhood, under the influence of her parents, but she initially decided to try out other musical styles and performed with a number of pop-rock bands.