In the early 1960s, aged only seven and spurred on by members of his extended family, Bamundele Rigobert aka Rigo Star (and occasionally Ringo Star!), began playing the guitar. His skills were quickly evident and in 1977 he joined Papa Wemba's Viva La Musica in Kinshasa where he became a vital component in their new, dynamic sound. The 1980s found him in Paris, and there his talent as a player and arranger ensured that he became one of the most in-demand session players of his generation. In one interview he was quoted as saying: “My telephone number doesn't change, they just call me.” And so they did. The list of artists from Koffi Olomide to Kanda Bongo Man, not forgetting Paul Simon on his “Rhythm Of The Saints” album, is a veritable Who's Who of African popular music in the 1980s, 90s and beyond. But perhaps none more so than one Africa's best-loved female vocalists, Mbilia Bel.