Are you looking for good music to see this weekend but are overwhelmed with all of the choices? We are so lucky that in the Bay Area the world often comes to us. This weekend is no exception. Here are my recommendations: singer-songwriters Habib Koité from Mali and Lila Downs from Mexico.

Tonight Cal Performances presents Habib Koité & Bamada at Zellerbach Hall. Koité comes from a long line of Malian troubadours known as griots, and combines traditional music with modern genres. He also adds his own unique techniques such as tuning his guitar to a pentatonic scale, similar to the kamale n’goni, a traditional Malian stringed instrument. On a tour that covers three continents, Koité has stopped in Berkeley to promote his latest album Afriki.

“I Ka Barra” is one of my favorites as I performed this song with my Afropop ensemble at The University of Texas at Austin. Meaning “Your Work.” It was a really hard song to get right, but it was worth trying.

Tickets are $22, $28 ad $36.