Ever since the 1978 release of their politically-charged, landmark debut album Handsworth Revolution, iconic British roots reggae outfit Steel Pulse have shaped the music landscape with a pioneering and innovative spirit. Fusing the well traversed upbeats of reggae with elements of jazz, latin music, dance and R&B, the went on to become the first non-Jamaican band to win a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

Following their starring role on Paul Simon's 1986 record Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have firmly established themselves as leaders of African and more generally world music. Constantly touring across the globe, this choral vocal group summon up some of the most beautiful harmonises you're ever likely to hear.

There are ukulele players...and then there's Jake Shimabukuro. Declared a "hero" by Rolling Stone, the Hawaiian born musician has taken the humble instrument to new levels, blending bluegrass, flamenco and classical techniques in a lightning-quick flurry of fingerpicking.