WHO MADE IT: Mt Number One was born in Rwanda and lost both of his parents in the genocide. After a lifetime of displacement, living in a Tanzanian refugee camp and studies in the US, he finally arrived in Burundi to establish himself as a leading musical talent. Despite all the suffering he had endured as a young man, Mt Number One creates uplifting, happy music, and seems to be genuinely enamored with his ultimate homeland. Scenes from Burundian rural life, as well as gritty inner-city locales, are all prominently featured in his videos.

WHY YOU NEED TO LISTEN: It’s doubtful you’ll be able to resist dancing along to Mt Number One’s songs. Actually, it’s hard to imagine not wanting to start singing along to them, even if your knowledge of Kirundi is non-existent. Mt Number One doesn’t really try to flirt with any genre; he just likes creating catchy tunes that will bring out the whole village, nay world out of their comfort zone to dance in the street. And this earnest, clear-eyed approach is rare and admirable.