When Fredy Massamba croons in the Bantu language of Kikongo, you understand little. When he pounds the congas, bongos and the djembe, you move with them. When he plays the reggae with a touch of funk, you are just caught in an extraordinary mesh of music. After playing in Mumbai, the musician from the Republic of the Congo will perform today at Ai at the MGF Metropolitan mall, Saket.

Massamba’s musical influences span continents. “There is a lot of Afro-soul vibe in my music. There is also ethnic music that blends European and African influences. But in every second of my show, you will feel Congo and its sunshine. That’s why I sing in Kikongo. The country is in the lyrics, percussion and dance,” says Massamba, 36, who was born in Brazzaville Congo . “When I discovered that music can give happiness and bring peace, I was inspired enough to become a musician,” he says in his native tongue as his manager translates. Although Massamba has travelled to India previously, he is still not very familiar with Indian music except for the tabla. “I just know that tabla is one of the best instruments in the world,” he says. And today, he may just get his hands on one.

Massamba performs at 9 pm at Ai. Contact 9871981357