Ladysmith Black Mambazo: In the Name of the Father

After 40-some years leading boundary-breaking South African vocal troupe Ladysmith Black Mambazo, group founder Joseph Shabalala is stepping down and turning the reins over to his son Tommy Shabalala, who now joins a notable group of African sons carrying on the work of their esteemed musical patriarchs:

Seun Kuti: The son of Nigerian funk master Fela has deep grooves to fill. The process begins with his new album, which he recorded with his father’s band, Egypt 80.

Toumani Diabate: This artist’s father, Sidiki, was known as “King of the Kora,” and Toumani also seems like musical royalty in the making. He’s already established himself with his exhilarating Symmetric Orchestra. And his new, stripped-down album The Mandé Variations showcases his own work on the kora, an instrument that resonates like a harp.

Vieux Farka Touré: Although his sinewy guitarwork echoes his father, the late legend Ali Farka Touré, Vieux’s songs feel urgent and modern. He has a self-titled disc and a remix album to his name, and he covers “Bullet The Blue Sky” on the compilation In The Name Of Love: Africa Celebrates U2.