Yannick Noah: Redemption song

This week sees Jamaica celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence, and for a country of under three million people it certainly punches above its weight in terms of its international status in the world of music.

As a genre, reggae remains hugely popular, and while the 'classic' reggae sound of the 1970s still resonates, its various mutations and adaptations, whether dub, dancehall or ragga have had a vital influence on contemporary hip hop and R'n'B.

As with pretty much everywhere else, reggae found a place in France, Gainsbourg's work in the genre in the 70s putting it squarely in the mainstream. His reggae albums remain fine examples of the genre, choosing as he did some of the best musicians at what many regard as the peak of their skills.

In subsequent years the torch has been passed to other generations, and it continues to burn brightly in their hands.

Yannick Noah is now a widely-known French singer, despite initially coming to public prominince as a tennis player in the 80s and early 90s.

He's had several number one hit albums, the song Aux arbres citoyens from his Charango collection giving him a number one single.

This track comes from his recently released 2012 album Hommage, where he pays tribute to Bob Marley by covering some of his best-known songs including Buffalo Soldier, War and I shot the Sheriff as well as Redemption song.