African Music Concerts Week of Jul 1 - Jul 8

Here is an eccletic mix of talent, both rooted in Africa but molded to their own culture. One is from Haiti, the other a Cape Verdean living in Portugal. I've not heard either sing before but I will definitely be out to see this free concert.

If you can't make the Sunday show, catch Sara Tavares in Santa Monica. It'll cost you though!

These ex-patriots from Sudan escaped the war and now live in Southern California. Come out to experience the first sounds of Sudan in Los Angeles. The show is preceded by a lecture featuring the band members and a co-author who will be signing their book They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky.

Cameroonian bass player Andre Manga fronts an international jazz group featuring music he composed. A violinist has been added to the ensemble. It is a funky, African form of jazz.

This is a word-of-mouth show because I can't track down any details. If you like the Algerian Rai style, this DJ can mix it together beautifully.

Occasionally I wander a little off Africa and into the Caribbean. Bobby Matos qualifies. I've seen him play with Antibalas, and he fit right in. Give some AfroCuban jazz a chance for one night -- it's free! Go early, though, you'll want to be downtown by 7:30 for Kékéké.

Old style Congolese Rumba is hard to come by, but these veterans really know what they are doing. They have a new album Kinavana which has gotten excellent reviews, as well it should. They are after all the greatest of the genre, dating back to the 60s: Papa Noel, Syran Mbenza, Wuta-Mayi, Nyboma Mwan Dido, Jean-Papy Ramazani, Loko Massengo, Bumba Massa and Yves Ndjock.

It's been a long time since Touré Touré has been in town. Finally, we get to see one half of the group at the Getty. Not sure what sort of music or band he will have but Daby Touré will perform along with Panjea plus the Los Angeles DJ Collective will spin Afrobeat, highlife, hip-hop, gospel and soul. Najite and the Olokun Prophecy will also be performing with their AfroBeat sound.

If you live in Orange County or further south, the best place to catch the band is at this reprise of their California Plaza gig.