A set of Nigerian-born triplets, all practicing medicine and residing in Atlanta, decided to import African guitar hero King Sunny Ade to celebrate their 40^th birthday in style. The bonus? Ade and his band are taking full advantage of their stateside visit. And are embarking on an American tour – and we’ll take any excuse we can get to see the gifted Nigerian guitarist.

Ade’s first African-style concerts in the States show a remarkable breakdown in the barrier between audience and performers. The shows will be African-style, which means audience members can go onstage and “spray” the King with money to show their appreciation as he serenades them with “praise songs.” It might seem crass to Westerners, but the juju music of Nigeria tha tAde helped create early on should make such pocket-digging effortless.

Best heard in its nascent stages on the 2003 compilation The Best of the Classic Years, Ade’s juju is tricky, joyous and profoundly danceable music. It layers the rice-paper shuffle of bossa nova with the organic propulsion of fellow countryman Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat. From pedal steel to the giddy talking drum, the music is dense yet airy. And don’t be surprised if it’s got a familiar ring to it. Ade’s music is one of the most recognizable influences on Chicago post-rock. Groups from the Sea and Cake to Joan of Arc have all built their sounds on the chattering guitar dialogues and loping grooves of Ade’s juju, so don’t be surprised if you see Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt doing some, er, spraying.

-ML