5. Patricia Opondo

Madosini. Ma Dosini. The mother of the Dosini clan is also the mother of an art form. The most talented and most important traditional bow player in the world. A vital force in African music. Meet her - hear her - here.

Performer, researcher, teacher, archivist, campaigner, inspiration. Few people have done more to document, promote and champion traditional African music and musicians than Professor Andrew Tracey. This is his remarkable story.

From learning the uhadi bow at his mother's knee to becoming an international superstar to being the first black professor of music at the University of Cape Town, Dizu Plaatjies has never stopped believing one thing - without its music, Africa would be lost.

Timbila is recognised by Unesco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is Mozambique's national instrument but, without the passion and dedication of one family, it would almost certainly have disappeared. Meet Vanancia Mbande Junior, a brilliant musician who is also doing all…

Before we introduce you to some of Southern Africa's most talented and influential musicians, here's a bit more information on what this series is all about.