Frank...
I built bookcase using Sapeli last year. Finished them with sanding sealer(2 coats, sanding lightly between them) and wax. REALLY brought out the grain. Lovely stuff to work with.
To really "pop" the grain in sapele I'd suggest using a polymerised oil finish such as polymerised tung oil. This builds to a natural sheen and enhances the lustre in the grain. Your sapele might also benefit from some mahogany stain if you want a really flame red mahogany
well i ended up getting some rustins teak oil ,i have applied 4 coats upto now the box looks brillant this oil gives a gloss finish , when its dry i will give it a coat of wax then twist my lads arm to take some pics .i tried the stain scrit but it looked a bit dark .