I think it is quite a tough one that. By singing African based songs it may come across as stereotyping. Nothing wrong with the songs you mention but I think you need to be careful they don't get 'pigeonholed'. One of my favourite artists is the late Johnny Silvo who successfully combined Afro-Caribbean, pop, blues, jazz and folk of all kinds. And what a voice! Now, not saying do any of those songs but he is a good example of how a good voice will carry any style :-) One of my favourites. Contemporary folk I guess but just go on from there.

Hope this helps and keep us posted as to how it pans out.

Cheers

DtG