Here are a list of albums heard on Afropop Worldwide's Afropop's Spring 2007 Hot Picks:

Ricardo Lemvo, Makina Loca "Isabela" On his third album, Ricardo Lemvo returns to what he calls his "root mission," to explore connections between Congolese and Cuban music. (Mopiato Music 2007)

Spanish Harlem Orchestra "United We Swing" (Six Degrees 2007)

Lura "M'bem Di Fora" The most exciting Cape Verdean singer to hit the scene since Cesaria Evora, Lura does not disappoint on her second international release. If anything, the blend of animated funana, batuku, mazurka and morna is more nuanced and polished than on her superb (Times Square Records 2006)

Vusi Mahlasela "Guiding Star" Vusi Mahlasela is perhaps the most nuanced and savvy of a burgeoning crop of African singer-songwriters. He is as apt to sing in English as in Zulu or Xhosa, and when he does, he makes sure his message hits home. (ATO Records 2007)

Angelique Kidjo "Djin Djin" It's always a moment to celebrate when an African album wins a Grammy Award, as Angelique Kidjo's Djin Djin has just done for Best Contemporary World Music. Kidjo has been a standard bearer for African pop music since she tore up the scene with... (Razor & Tie 2007)

Various artists "Bokoor Beats" This piquant selection of highlife, afrobeat, and afro-rock from the 70s and early 80s in Ghana puts a personal spin on the history and lore of the legendary Bokoor Recording Studio. (Otrabanda 2007)

Juju Duarte "Da Rua Dos Ossos" Juju Duarte is an unsung treasure of backstreet Rio de Janeiro. He sang for 20 years in samba clubs in Rio, but also at religious gatherings and street parties. His producer and collaborator here, American musical adventurer Beston Barnett, describes him (Art Hurts Records 2007)

Also look for these recommended titles.

Tcheka "Nu Monda" The latest talent to emerge from the Cape Verdean archipelago adds new power and sophistication to an alluring national genre, and also to the ever growing ranks of acoustic Afropop. (Lusafrica 2006, Times Square Records 2007)

Nawal "Aman" A self-styled vocalist, composer and string player (guitar and the long-necked lute called gambusi), Nawal hails from Comoros, an Island nation in the Indian Ocean. (Self Produced 2007)

Erol Josué "Regleman" (Mi5 Recordings 2007)

Tinariwen "Aman Iman: Water Is Life" The kings and queens of desert folk rock have produced their most satisfying and fully realized recording to date. This is Tinariwen's third CD since their 2001 international debut, but the group's history goes back into the mysterious world of Touareg (World Village 2007)

Bebel Gilberto "Momento" (Six Degrees 2007)

King Sunny Adé "Gems From The Classic Years (1967-1974)" (Shanachie 2007)

Mory Kante, Rail Band "Le Rail Band, Feat. Mory Kante" Now from the archives of Senegalese producer Ibrahima Sylla, and his Syllart label, comes a welcome set of "Classic Titles" releases, including this gem. This wild and quirky set of seven, mostly very long, tracks brings Djelimady's recollections to life (Sheer Sound 2007)