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>> Highlights of the 21st Nuits d’Afrique festival

DEUS EX MAKINA: Ricardo Lemvo

by ERIN MACLEOD

Montreal’s Nuits d’Afrique festival has grown exponentially since its first edition, back in 1986. Twenty-one years later, the festival—which begins next Thursday, July 12—is offering a great mix of the traditional and the contemporary, expanding the concept of “world music” for all who attend. Here’s a selection of shows worth your attention:

Tiken Jah Fakoly: Côte d’Ivoire seems like a centre for African reggae. Lucky Dube has long been the famed representative of West African roots and culture, but Tiken Jah Fakoly’s powerful and political lyrics demand attention. As the opening concert for the festival, Fakoly will set a dynamic tone. With guests at le Spectrum, Thurs., July 12, 8 p.m., $32.03

Hassan El Hadi: If you want to kick the festival off in a different way, check out Hassan El Hadi. Hailing from Morocco, El Hadi is a master of the oud who is not afraid to take chances. His songs take traditional rhythms and sounds and add jazz to the mix. At Club Balattou, Thurs., July 12, 10 p.m., $15

Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca: Lemvo and his band, Makina Loca, are experts in bringing together styles from mambo to merengue to soukous to salsa, providing a musical expression of the Afro-Latin diaspora. From Central Africa to Cuba and back, Lemvo will keep you dancing. At Kola Note, Sat., July 14, 9 p.m., $23.26

Hugh Masekela: Famous for helping Paul Simon put diamonds on the soles of his shoes, Hugh Masekela’s trumpet playing is as legendary as the part his music played in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Masekela’s music is varied, exciting and triumphant. At la Tulipe, Tues., July 17, 8:30 p.m., $33.79

Vieux Farka Touré: If you missed Vieux Farka Touré earlier this year, don’t make the same mistake again. Son of the well-known Ali Farka Touré, this Malian bluesman can be engaging and upbeat as well as haunting and moving. At la Tulipe, Wed., July 18, 8:30 p.m., $26.50

Stella Chiweshe: This mbira (thumb piano) virtuoso showcases the sounds of her native Zimbabwe. Chiweshe is exceptional as she’s one of the few women who have become known for entering the male-dominated field of mbira, but her voice is just as unique. At Club Balattou, Thurs., July 19, 9:30 p.m., $21.94

Free Stuff: At Place Émilie-Gamelin, there will be a series of free shows and events on the final weekend of the festival (July 19–22). Dance and instrument workshops, kid’s activities and a market chock full of handicrafts and tasty treats will be accompanied by hours of free shows. Keep an eye out for the winners of the Syli d’Or World Music prize. Get a taste of the gold winners Taafe Fanga, who will present a mix of percussion and movement, check out silver-placers Generation Mauricana’s soca-reggae fusion; and sample the Caribbean jazz flavour of Makaya Jazz, the bronze finalists.

For more information, go to
www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com