Capturing the musical essence of a continent is a tall order - but since its 2003 inception, the London African Music Festival has responded with passion and scope. Embrace this opening weekend's variety, treat your ears to something new and be prepared for richly entertaining rewards.

Tonight, US jazz funk legend Roy Ayers, who recorded with Fela Kuti in the 1970s, performs with the stellar African Jazz Allstars at the Coronet (9pm), including Claude Deppa, Lucky Ranku and Pinise Saul. Meanwhile, multilingual rising star Chidinma Okafor makes her London debut (Purcell Room, 7.45pm).

Tomorrow at the Purcell Room try Malian kora virtuoso Seckou Keita's poetic delivery (3pm) or Benin-born soulful guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke (7.45pm).

Dance floor devotees shouldn't miss Nigeria's King Wasiu Ayinde (Coronet, 9pm), storming through a beat-heavy 'fuji' set with his 15-piece. You might feel whacked by Sunday - but then 20-year-old Cape Verdean chanteuse Mayra Andrade (pictured) promises gorgeously soothing grooves from her debut album Navega (Purcell Room, 7.30pm).

Expect big-band set-ups throughout; as LAMF founder Biyi Adepegba says: 'We're doing this the African way' - meaning a celebration across nations that all kinds of music fans should relish.

Tonight until May 30, various venues, times and prices. www. londonafricanmusicfestival.com Coronet, 26-28 New Kent Road SE1. Tel: 0870 060 0100. Tube: Elephant & Castle Purcell Room, South Bank SE1. Tel: 0871 663 2500. Tube: Waterloo