Algiers — Regardless of where you come from and no matter what religion you belong to, when you hear good music you let it take you away.

Perhaps this was what music lovers across Africa witnessed here at the second Pan African Festival when one of Africa's best talents, Ismael Lo, took to the stage at the Readh El Fateh monument.

The harmonica-playing guitarist performed all his hit songs and delighted Africans with a world-class performance that proved why Africa was not only the cradle of mankind, but also for music.

Africa is where music stars are born and good music lives in Africa. Anyone who doubts that should have been here to see for themselves.

Popularly known to his fans as the "African Bob Dylan", Ismael Lo showed why he is rated as one of the best on the continent. Of course, Zimbabweans are no strangers to his music: he performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts a few years ago and a repeat of that magical show was witnessed here by hundreds of music fans attending the concert for free.

"Salam Alekum," he greeted the crowd before opening his set piece with a song dedicated to his homeland Senegal.

In fact, most of his songs are inspired by his traditions with interpolations of mbalax, a sound that is rooted in Wolof traditions.

He then sang the chart topper Taj Bone, which he performed solo, blowing the harmonica and at the same time strumming his guitar.

Another track that touched many hearts was Jammu Africa. Although the show peaked with each song, the seemingly impatient crowd chanted Dibi Dibi Rek, until right to the end when Ismael decided to round up his performance.

When he finally played the song, the atmosphere was electric and he got everyone on to the dance floor.

His percussionist brought as much energy on stage as he did on the congas, something, which reminded me of Kenny Neshamba, The Black Spirits' former band member on the song Mutavara.

The organisers must have been a little biased towards Senegal as two artists from the country were billed to perform, the first being Youssou N'Dour who set the bar high for Ismael Lo who, again, did not disappoint.