Javier Garcia (Miami/Cuba) – A product of Miami’s bi-lingual, bi-cultural mix, Garcia rocks and hip-hops over tropical rhythms. Wednesday, 9pm @ Soho Lounge
Lila Downs (Mexico) – Raised in Oaxaca, Downs brings an amazingly agile voice and unique interpretation to traditional Mexican music and contemporary Latin music. Wednesday, 10pm @ Speakeasy.
Cucu Diamantes (NYC/Cuba) – Cuban singer based in NYC shares vocals in the multinational Latin band, Yerba Buena. She’s at SXSW showing-off her solo effort, an album called Cuculand. Wednesday 11Pm @ Speakeasy
Delhi 2 Dublin (Canada/India/Ireland) – Bhangra, reggae and dub with a Celtic fiddler? Yes, these things happen in multi-cultural Vancouver and it makes for a great dance party. Wednesday, 1am @ Copa
Rogê (Brazil) – Representing a new generation of singers and composers from Lapa, the bohemian Rio De Janeiro neighborhood, where many famous sambas have been sung and written. Thursday 11:45 @ Elephant Room & Saturday 8pm @ Copa
Kali Mutsa (Chile) – Kali Mutsa is the alter-ego of Chilean actress, Celine Reymond. I suspect this electro-Andean set will be as fun to watch as to hear. Thursday, 8pm @ Buca Lounge
Baloji (Belgium/Congo) – Congolese rapper based in Belgium uses Congolese dance music as the musical bed for his new album, Kinshasa Succursale. I’m hoping he brought the band. Thursday, 10:30pm @ Copa
Just A Band (Kenya) – Take a little break from typical World Music fare with this sophisticated electro-pop from Nairobi with its urban grooves, smooth vocals and it’s just amazingly catchy melodies. Thursday, 11:30pm @ Copa & Friday, 9:15pm @ Barbarella Patio
Seun Kuti (Nigeria) – The son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti leads his father’s band, Egypt 80. Thursday, 12:30am @ Copa
Canteca De Macao (Spain) – Nine-member ensemble from Madrid tackles everything from rumba flamenco to salsa and cumbia. Saturday, 1am @ Copa