A newcomer to Los Angeles, but longtime star of Cameroon, Andre Marie Tala arrives Saturday, March 20 (tomorrow night) to raise money for the peoples of Africa. He became blind at a young age, but later took up the guitar and became a talented singer, song-writer and musician, leading to his moniker of "The Stevie Wonder of Africa". He blended the sounds of his native cultural group with the then contemporary musical influences and created a brand new genre called "benskin". He was later mentored by Manu Dibango, moved to Paris, produced three hit albums and won the 2000 Kora Award for the best Central African musician.

Also on the bill at the Culver City Auditorium is jazz bassist Andre Manga and his band Dumazz. Come out and support Africa as well as the musicians at this charity event.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-03-w3.html

Unfortunately the same night as Tala, Nat "Amanzeba" Brew of Ghana will be also making his debut in Los Angeles. He brings an 11-piece band to the Mayflower Ballroom to introduce his hit style of popular music. It blends the roots of Ghana with the danceability of Congo and the modern sounds of pop. Watch for a possible return April 4 at the Conga Room.

Based on his recurring travels to Los Angeles, Baaba Maal must be the hardest working African in the music business. This time get up close and personal with him at the El Rey Theatre April 21. Plan now to take Thursday off, because this is a weeknight concert.

I'm going to be on a long deserved vacation to Chile for the first half of April so my current record of late newsletters will continue for at least another month. Hope everyone else is enjoying life as well!

jay