Tragedy struck the kwaito scene in South Africa when the Queen of Kwaito, Brenda Fassie, died on May 9. Only 39 years old, her life was full of spontaneity and turbulence, complicated by a long standing addiction to cocaine. Her big hit "Weekend Special" in 1983 launched her as the country's musical icon, going multi-platinum with the later album "Too Late For Mama". During the 90's she had passed the crest of the roller coaster that was her life and started on a fast dip downward bottoming out when her lover died of an overdose while Brenda lay next to her in bed. She returned in 1998 and 1999 with two new big selling albums that helped launch the Kwaito sound, culminating in a Kora award and four consecutive South African Music Awards.

It was reported that she had an asthma attack which resulted in brain damage and left her in a coma at hospital. She was visited by thousands including the president of South Africa. She died of heart failure before recovering from the initial attack. She will be missed by millions of fans.

http://www.eastandard.net/africa/afnews10050406.htm

Friday, May 28 is the Los Angeles debut of the best Cuban Jazz and Salsa band in Africa. Africando was crafted from a group of the finest vocalists to produce an African twist on the Cuban sound. They were quite successful with several albums but don't often get out to perform live. They've never been to the US, so we have Albert Torres to thank for introducing them on this side of the globe. His annual Salsa Congress features the famous names in Latin music, draws a huge crowd and a fantastic display of dancing skills by groups of contestants.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-05-w4.html

Temple Bar spun off a new club about a year ago called Zanzibar on the corner of Arizona and 5th Street). They have been featuring Afro Funke on Thursdays with DJs spinning, but this month they have a special event with live music from the group AfroBeat Down with special guest Sandra Izsadore, a companion of the late, great Fela Kuti when he was leading Africa 70 in Los Angeles. This show is a fundraiser for AIDS that will be held every other month on the last Thursday. The band is also performing the last Sunday of the month at KAOS in Leimert Park and at Temple Bar in June. Come out and get funky with their deep Afrobeat.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-05-w4.html

Isaac Haile Selassie throws down some righteous Ethiopian Reggae on May 27 in Orange County.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-05-w4.html

Next month watch out for Angelique Kidjo at the House of Blues and Prince Diabaté in a midnight show at the Conga Room. July brings the one and only Youssou N'Dour to a new venue for the African circuit.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-06-w2.html

Stay tuned, summer is almost here and there will be plenty more to see under the sun and stars.

jay