For the first time since its inception in 2009, the three-day Back2Black festival leaves Brazil for the UK, bringing a boldly international line-up to London’s Barbican from 29 June to 1 July. Hosted by the legendary Brazilian guitarist and songwriter Gilberto Gil (pictured), the event will celebrate Africa’s influence on music and culture across the globe with a mixture of concerts, art exhibitions, talks and workshops.

Headline acts will include South African trumpet king Hugh Masekela (30 June), sensuous singer and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara (30 June), the much-loved duo Amadou & Miriam (1 July), and the inimitable Jorge Ben Jor (performing with Gil on 1 July). The event will also see exciting new collaborative work between artists from a range of backgrounds. MC and rapper Criolo joins forces with ‘Ethio-Jazz’ star Mulatu Astatke on 30 June; and on 1 July, Malian Kora master Toumani Diabaté will take to the stage with Brazilian rockers Arnaldo Antunes and Edgard Scandurra.

Back2Black is part of the London 2012 Festival and runs from Friday 29 June until Sunday 1 July. Visit www.back2blackfestival.com or www.london2012.com/festival for more information.

– Orlando Bird