Putumayo’s Acoustic Africa

“First, there was Hendrix, then Stevie Ray and now, Habib.” —Bonnie Raitt

“[Vusi Mahlasela] was a voice during the revolution . . . a voice of hope, the Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan of South Africa, and still is.” —Dave Matthews

The extraordinary breadth, emotional depth, and joy of African music come to life during this rare all-star evening of talent from across the continent. One of Mali’s most revered guitarists, Habib Koité is joined by his legendary band Bamada. Vusi Mahlasela’s popular songs and soaring voice played an important role in the South African struggle against apartheid, and his sound track for the 2006 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi has garnered international praise. Dobet Gnahoré, the young Cote d’Ivoire singer/dancer described by the BBC as “a vivacious bundle of energy, blessed with a powerful voice and infectious charisma,” makes her U.S. debut. Copresented with the Cedar Cultural Center.