Finalists announced for 2015 RFI Discoveries Award

They are: Asden (Congo), Banlieuzart (Guinea), Darline Desca (Haiti), Dioba (Mauritania), Elida Almeida (Cape Verde), Elinam (Togo), Joey le Soldat (Burkina Faso), Kantala (Burkina Faso), Liz (Congo), Mao (Senegal), Mélodji (Chad), Mija (Madagascar), Sanzy Viani (Cameroon) and Woodsound (Benin).

The contest culminates on 17 November with the vote by the jury, chaired this year by Malian diva Oumou Sangaré. The voice of the public, who can nominate their favorite artist by voting online, will be added to the votes of the jury. The online voting phase has already begun and will end on 30 October 2015. Click here to support your favorite artist.

Listen to some of the finalists' tracks here or check out Mao's new video 'Djigéen' below.

The RFI Discoveries Award is a competition that highlights new talent in ‘world music’, particularly from Africa. Since 1981 the awards have helped launch many artists who have since gained an international audience, including Tiken Jah Fakoly (Ivory Coast), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Didier Awadi and last year’s winner Marema (Senegal). The first prize includes a cash award, a wide-scale promotional package, a concert in Paris and a tour of Africa.