(CedricMuhammad.com) This week’s AfricaPrebrief newsletter covers action around AngloGold Ashanti’s market activity; more evidence that Egypt will eventually join the Maghreb Union; the heat up in Zambia’s election dynamics; the likely outcome of Kenya’s constitutional referendum (which is weighing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange); the ‘rise’ of Guinea?; and a reminder from Tanzania about why [...]

One of the things I foresee taking place this decade are that many of those currently being let go by the American music industry establishment will eventually find their expertise appreciated by African artists and business interests. The sooner that these talented professionals - who are still wandering in the wilderness - let go of the old, the faster we can all get on with the new.

In Ana Tijoux and Queen Yonasda, I think we may have found the perfect reconciliation and balance.

Will October 10, 2010 be the date we will look back on as the moment the music industry was saved… from itself? Maybe. Those familiar with this column will remember that I already have suggested December 8, 2009 - the date VEVO was launched – as a nominee for the industry’s updated [...]

I’m sorry to disappoint many, but my calling is to state that while we are caught up in the jewelry, sick flow, gossip and maybe real/maybe not so real sex life of our favorite rapper, they just pulled a Jedi Mind trick on us, laughing all the way to the bank – while trying to eat well, raise their children right, showing respect to their closest companion, and speaking proper English in business meetings with their entertainment lawyer.

In trying to balance a billionaire’s caricature, with his more genuine personality as one who gives back and who is a thinker-strategist, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is dealing with some of what such wealthy men as Andrew Carnegie once experienced.

The most important group of artists in the world right now is Young Money. It is not even close, if you understand what is happening with 13 Year Old Nation, the New Synth Pop, and the Demographic Death of Hip-Hop.

The emergence of a hot artist, commercially successful style or new trend can seem ‘random’ because the vast majority of us can’t predict when a person will reach the point when they want to ‘create,’ for the benefit of the public or when people will like something or why. But the illusion of surprise disappears when we look at the matter from a supply and demand point of view.

In talent, appearance, style, life experience, and maturity, Monica, absorbs four ‘generations’ of artistry – represented by Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole and Rihanna- better than anyone.

There are few things I enjoy more than building with the youth (from the perspective of a late 30-something and the purposes of this article that would be teenagers and those under 25) about rap music – their personal favorites, what they are listening to on the radio, the latest gossip and rumors, aka ‘I heard that Drake…’; and when, where, and how they enjoy it all (technology/websites etc…).