To mark the 50th anniversary of the African Union - formerly the Organisation of African Unity, BBC World Service listeners suggested the African songs that summed up the continent to them.
From the suggestions, the BBC's DJ Edu, who hosts a weekly African music show on BBC radio, compiled them into a special five-minute mix of 50 songs from 50 countries.
DJ Edu also picked the five songs that he personally felt represented Africa:
African Queen by 2Face Idibia
This is a very special song. If you play it anywhere in Africa, people know it.
For me, it was the song that introduced African music to the world - you'd be on holiday in Jamaica and you'd hear it.
Also, 2Face Idibia is one of the most humble human beings on the planet.
His wedding in Dubai earlier this year was entirely funded by his fans - that's how much people admire him.
Antenna by Fuse ODG
This is a really exciting new song from Ghana, a follow-up to the world-famous Azonto dance, which went viral (it was viewed more than 11 million times on YouTube).
What's also very exciting is the fact that Fuse ODG is a British musician of Ghanaian origin, and his track is being play-listed across the UK.
Daima by Eric Wainaina
Eric Wainaina was in a boy-band in the 1990s called Five Alive, before he went on to have a solo career in World Music.
Daima means forever.
It almost became the national anthem in Kenya.
It summed up how young Kenyans feel about their country.
It was sung at presidential inaugurations.
It's got harmony, it's melodic.
People really love it and it has made Eric Wainaina a household name in Kenya.
Agolo by Angelique Kidjo
Benin-born Angelique Kidjo is one of the most outstanding and successful female artists in Africa.
Agolo, which was nominated for a Grammy in 1994, is very traditional and yet modern.
If you're an African you can relate to it and if you're not, you can connect to it.
Ms Kidjo is truly an icon - ask any female artist in Africa and she will tell you she looks up to her.
Motherland by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Known as the "Princess of Africa", she is a true ambassador of South African and African music.
I remember hearing her music while growing up in Kenya - she is one of the first artists to cross boundaries with her music.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka has a unique voice and sound and inspires and uplifts young women and young Africans alike.
