African Music Concerts Week of May 23 - May 31

Modern Congolese music is quite different from the standard 80's soukous. Ngo is another one of the modern musicians that tweaked their sound in Paris and has a new world style. Come check him out as he plays from his new CD "Metamorphosis".

Real Ethiopian roots reggae done in a pop-style is the handiwork of Isaac. He was raised in an orphanage that was sponsored by King Haile Selassie I, leading to Isaac's royal inspiration. Listen to the lyrics and let them influence you, this is more than the average American reggae offers.

Cameroonian bassist Andre Manga returns to his home club for some of the funk that he makes by blending African beats with jazz riffs and an international electronic backing group.

Zanzibar celebrates its 1st year anniversary with an AIDS benefit for orphaned African children, featuring a local Afrobeat band ready to break on the scene with a new CD. Their special guest is Sandra Iszadore from Fela's Africa '70 band. Come check out the North African vibe of this DJ den and listen to the live Afrobeat in this special performance.

Albert Torres is having his annual Salsa Congress this year at the Hollywood Park Casino with special guests Africando. This is the Los Angeles debut for the African King's of Salsa which originally featured Pape Seck (who is no longer with us), Medoune Jalow and Nicholas Menheim from Senegal and Boncana Maiga from Mali.

The rest of the show looks interesting if you like Salsa or Afro-Cuban Jazz. Check out their website for more information.

Congolese Rumba meets Cuban Salsa with local fave Ricardo on the stage at his new hangout. Drop in at 7:00 if you want to take salsa lessons from before the show.