African Music Concerts Week of Aug 3 - Aug 9

The whole family will enjoy this outdoor afternoon event featuring West African stories and tales spun in the tradition of a griot. Asha accompanies his stories with the lilting music of the kora, a traditional instrument of the Senegambian, Guinean and Malian regions.

Zap Mama is a primarily acapella group of women who mix rhythms, voices and various other sounds to create a mesmerizing weave of harmony. The leader grew up in the Belgian Congo, spent some time with pygmies and incorporates these influences with the sounds of Belgium. When they debuted it was self-named Afropean pop. Several albums and more than a decade later their popularity is worldwide.

The opening act, Les Nubians, is the latest sound in Afropea. Two sisters from Cameroon who now reside in France combine the sounds of hip hop, pop, R&B, soul and traditional African dance music to create their own twist and a new worldly sound. The perfect accompaniment to a great evening.

One of my favorite singers, and a guitarist admired by other musicians, Tuku is the Zimbabwean version of Elvis Presley in terms of his prolific set of hits and popular notoriety. Over more than 25 years he has released 40+ albums. He started out with Thomas Mapfumo's Wagon Wheels and hasn't looked back as he led his people to greater enlightenment through uplifting dance music.

Oumou Sangare was the international star who brought Wassoulou music out of Mali and into the hearts of the world. Ramata makes her West Coast debut with the same style of music, altered by her own magic incorporating a western influence. With any luck blues harmonica man Charlie Musselwhite will join her on stage.

Warming up before their big LA performance, the Soukous Stars and their flashy women will be setting the beach in Santa Barbara on fire. The views of the city and their own brand of "speed soukous" will be the specialty of the night.

Eugene is a member of the Umunna Cultural Club as well as fronting the Igede Band International. They are performing to kickoff a new Nigerian cultural club. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe will be there in person (although not performing) to help with the festivities. Eugene plays a brand of Igbo Highlife emphasizing his guitar playing prowess and his raspy melodic voice. Umunna features a pride of African drummers including a real "talking drum" -- a two man tree-size drum.

The Ivorians will be out in force to celebrate. Expect a great DJ with loads of local music. They're certain to play Magic System's 1er Gaou at some point, hey!