Algerian singers in London

Shubbak London cultural festival opens with a double bill bringing together two of Algerias most outspoken music rebels. A rocking dervish with a spirit tinged by oriental sensuality, riock’n’roll icon Rachid Taha made a much-awaited comeback this year with his ninth studio album Zoom, recorded with guests including Mick Jones of The Clash, Agnes B and Eric Cantona. Soulful yet steely singer-songwriter Souad Massi has been hailed as Maghreb’s Tracy Chapman. Fusing everything from chaabi to American folk rock and Portuguese fado while missing electric and acoustic instruments with haunting vocals, Souad’s melancholic ballads bear the imprint of Algeria’s troubled recent past. 22 June, 19.30 at the Barbican Centre London. Visit www.barbican.org.uk to book tickets now.