Elikeh
Web: www.elikeh.net
Album: Between 2 Worlds
Show: Fri, August 24 @ Black Cat

Elikeh cranks up the Afropop rhythm power—as well as the star power—on their latest release, Between 2 Worlds. Togolese bandleader and songwriter Massama Dogo takes his eight piece group on a trip around the African groove map, and picks up some new players along the way. “Alonye” features Malian guitar superstar Vieux Farka Toure, and “Nye’n mind na wo” features the vocals and guitar work of jamband mainstay John Kadlecik, who currently fills Jerry Garcia’s spot as the leader of Furthur, the Grateful Dead’s latest incarnation. Dogo describes Elikeh’s sound as a mix of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Togolese traditional music, and a sprinkling of rock, and he knows what he’s talking about. If any of those are your thing, Elikeh will hit a sweet spot, and maybe introduce you to some new African sounds. Their show at the Black Cat is the official DC-area release for this new, enthralling CD.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com