While some observers rightfully worry about the fading of traditional music in Africa, several African artists are cross-pollinating traditional elements to create hybrids that are as beautiful as they are varied.

In the 1930s, as young Africans moved to urban centers such as Kinshasa, they discovered Cuban music, recognizing this new thing as an old relation come home, a by-product of the slave trade to the Americas. They imitated Cuban records, eventually creating their own genre called Congolese rumba. The group Kékélé has revived the old style; its third album, "Kinavana" (Stern's), has Afro-Cuban beats, but a sweet and gentle swing. It is a sound apart from salsa, with honeyed vocals, no brass section, acoustic guitars and plenty of percussion.

The music from this long-ago era is virtually unknown among salseros, but hopefully some will discover it when Kékélé plays S.O.B.'s July 26 and Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park Aug. 5.