Since the era of slavery there has been a direct connection between West Africa and Brazil: without Africa, Brazilian music and culture would be inconceivable. Black Brazilian Gilberto Gil is the best ambassador of this «Tropicalismo», which combines the best of African and European music with international pop. Blind singing duo Amadou & Mariam from Mali do the same with traditional West African sounds, taking their songs from Africa to the rest of the world. Gilberto Gil and Amadou & Mariam sharing the same stage promise a veritable feast of world music – African, Brazilian and universal!

Beat Blaser