Nneka says she has no intentions of being an entertainer: "I’m here to speak my mind." The African singer, who already has great buzz in Europe is confident she can be both soulful and politically conscious.

Born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and German mother, Nneka was only 18 when she abruptly left her African homeland for Germany to pursue a career in music. A former born-again Christian, Nneka began to question her religious beliefs while in school: "I realized I suffered in my religion… I would deprive myself of living." It was then she began working with German music producer DJ Farhot, who provided the beats for Nneka's semi-autobiographical songs about Nigeria, which was engaged in a violent civil war over oil.

In 2005, Nneka released her debut, Victim of Truth. With politically-charged reggae (Africans), soul (Confession) and hip hop (Showin Love), the petite singer with a powerful voice began earning comparisons to Bob Marley and R&B-hip hop standout Lauryn Hill. Last year, Nneka followed up with No Longer at Ease, an album that criticizes the corruption that runs rampant through her native country. Halfcast, a trip-hop lament about being a light-skinned girl in Africa is preceded by the breakthrough single, Heartbeat, a galloping track about brotherhood that could pass for next year's "Single Ladies."

Nneka's U.S. debut, Concrete Jungle, is slated for release early next year. The rising star who counts The Roots and Lenny Kravitz as fans says she welcomes an American audience that may be more interested in dancing than debating – but she does want them to listen: "I don't want to be a big star. I just want to get my message across."

See: myspace.com/nnekaworld

Nearly 25 years after German rock band Scorpions rocked us like a hurricane, teen glam rockers Tokio Hotel are making America scream.

Founded in 2001 by then 11-year-old twin brothers Tom (guitars) and Bill Kauiltz (vocals) and rounded out by Gustav Schäfer (drums) and Georg Listing (bass), the band has been dubbed "the greatest German bubblegum-neo-glam-goth-emo boy band. Ever."

The group released two successful albums in Germany, Schrei (Scream) and Zimmer 483 (Room 483), before putting out the English-language debut Scream earlier this year. The collection of songs successfully translates some of their biggest hits – the 2005 hit single, Durch Den Monsun is now Monsoon – while filling in some gaps. As Bill's look has become more femme, his voice has gotten deeper, making their latest effort their most adult-sounding yet.

The rocking Ready, Set, Go! has made the band's popularity stateside explode, prompting the band to lament: "We're trying to live our dreams and not to give up, expressing ourselves no matter what people may say."

See: myspace.com/tokiohotel