I'm probably not the only one who was unsurprised by Andy Kershaw's recent comments. When Live 8 added the Africa Calling concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall as a "balance" to a predominantly white Hyde Park show, the BBC stalwart accused the organisers of creating a cultural "apartheid".

While it is received wisdom that only left-wing crusties would argue with the aims and means of the weekend of concerts, I am sure more than a few perennial dissenters feel uneasy about the separation of a concert featuring African artists in Cornwall and "Geldof and his tedious friends" occupying the big stage in Hyde Park.

As an antidote to the Live 8 performers Sirs Elton John and Paul McCartney, I recommend www.afropop.org, a web portal boasting radio shows, interviews, a wealth of background information and, significantly, a dedicated shop with downloadable MP3s, try-before-you-buy samples and regular free tracks.

Websites such as this play a vital role, filling the gaps left by the big download companies, which focus on British and American pop music. Suffice it to say that one of the featured acts on the world music home page of iTunes is UB40.

Salif KeIta, the "Golden Voice of Africa", is better known in this country than most African musicians. For a great track that places his haunting singing alongside inspired rapping from Lassy King Massassy, look no further than "Ana Na Ming" (available on Afropop if you search for the title). It's the Malian equivalent of Sting duetting with Puff Daddy - only, y'know, good.

Another group performing with KeIta at Africa Calling is Tinariwen, from the southern Sahara, who produce mesmeric yet moody blues. Especially recommended are "Afours Afours" and "Nar Djenetbouba".

It may be the hot weather talking, but these songs really sound like they were made in the desert.

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