Roots

If it hadn't been for Paul Simon, it might have taken South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo (right) a longer time to achieve international recognition. I suppose we should also mention (and here's a surreal link if ever there was one) Heinz Baked Beans, which used the group's Inkanyezi Nezazi in one of their more successful TV ad campaigns. Tie in other connections such as collaborations with George Clinton, Des'ree and, er, Dolly Parton, and you've got a thoroughly adaptable outfit. They play three nights at Dublin's Olympia theatre, from Tuesday, June 27th to Thursday, June 29th. Support is the deft acoustic blues musician, Eric Bibb.