Salif Keita & Toumani Diabate

Last nights concerts at the Antique theatre featured the best of the French African performers. The packed Roman theatre was given a masterclass in the Kora by Toumani Diabate who not only played but also explained a little of the history and workings of this ancient 21 string instrument, which is similar to the European lute of the middle ages. The set ranged from intricate solo songs to full-on jazz rock romps - unfortunately there were issues with the sound which required rather too much talking and not enough playing. The Kora is a unique instrument with a unique sound and well worth getting to know. Diabate is at the Barbican on July 5th and has a very informative site at http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate.

Salif Keita, like Diabate was born in Mali but unlike Diabate comes from royal blood and has the reputation of the 'Golden Voice of Africa'. Playing with a large electric band the energy and pulse was set racing from the first song. Catchy tunes, excellent soloing from a very tight band and two wonderfully flexible and talented backing singers saw the show build to a tremendous climax.

Whilst not being the most intricate music it certainly struck a chord with the crowd who danced and sung along all night bringing the band back time and time again for encores.