Salif Keita meshes rock, funk, and jazz with the deepest West African griot tradition, creating an original yet authentic African sound. Last time Salif played in London his show was called “the African gig of the year” by the Independent - expect no less this time round from this masterly live performer in the spectacular setting of the Roundhouse.

Akli D, star of African Soul Rebels and protégé of Manu Chao, will open the evening. Akli D fled the violence of his native Algeria and shaped the music in exile in the cabarets of Paris. It was there he made friends with Manu Chao, who produced his stunning album Ma Yela on Because. His rootsy Berber blues incorporates trance-like North African rhythms as well as traces of reggae and Senegalese Mbalax. His unique Algerian music is highly infectious and promises a lively start to a top quality evening of African music.

Thursday 3 May 2007
Roundhouse, London
0870 389 1846 / roundhouse.org.uk

Tickets: £20 + booking fee

Doors 7pm; Akli D onstage 7.45pm; Salif Keita onstage 8.45pm
Concert ends 10.30pm. All timings are approximate

Photo by Damian Rafferty

Read a review of his last UK gig