Energetic Brazilians CSS return with more sassy electrofunk, The Good, the Bad and the Queen perform live in an east London boxing ring and De La Soul take over the Jazz Café...

CSS
The Scala, N1
The ceaselessly energetic Brazilians return to dispense more sassy electrofunk as part of the Popstarz club night. Fabulous debut album Cansei De Ser Sexy is about to be rereleased with a hefty push from the sextet's record label, so household name status is now a very real possibility.(020 7833 2022). Tonight, 10pm-4am.

The Good, the Bad and the Queen
York Hall, E2
Damon Albarn's latest hobby band fuse dub, African music and rock in a dark, but frequently inspired way, and with musicians of the calibre of the Clash's Paul Simonon and Afrobeat legend Tony Allen on board, a live show always looks tempting. When the gig takes place in an east London boxing ring, the fight night atmosphere promises to be electric. (020 8980 2243).
Tonight, 7pm.

De La Soul
Jazz Cafe, NW1
The feel-good hip hop veterans are not the force they were, but are still a big enough draw to take over the Jazz Café and fill it with Daisy Age sounds for an incredible 11 nights. Expect a jolly romp through the hits rather than any emphasis on dreaded new material. (020 7916 6060). Tonight-Sun 11 Feb, 7pm.

Soul Britannia
Barbican, EC2
A weekend of British soul at the Barbican features the Brand New Heavies (Fri) and Linda Lewis, Madeline Bell and Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band (Sat). Of most interest, however, may be the documentary about the late James Brown and a night of Americans including Eddie Floyd and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave (both Sun). (020 7638 4141). Tonight-Sun 4 Feb, 7.30pm.

Aqualung
The Spitz, E1
This is the first chance to hear new material from sensitive piano tickler Matt Hales, still best known getting his song Strange and Beautiful onto a Volkswagen advert, who will release third album Memory Man in March. (020 7392 9032). Tonight, 7.30pm.