As one of those present at the birth of modern Afrobeat, Tony Allen is one of African music's pioneers.

The natural collaborator for Fela Kuti, he became lead drummer and musical director for the Nigerian icon's prime bands.

He has since worked with Manu Dibango, Ray Lema, Roy Ayers and others, while being embraced by a new generation of clubbers.

Afrobeat has become a developing underground success in hip-hop and rap and Tony has heard the results and liked them, coming full circle with his new CD Home Cooking.

Guests include Blur's Damon Albarn and rapper Ty. His sounds are steeped in African tradition, combining the spirit of King Sunny Ade's high-life with driving Afrobeat horns.

Tony's laconic and seductive vocals resemble Dibango on some makossa-style tracks. He definitely believes Afrobeat has the potential to spread further.

"It really comes down to the amount of exposure. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music was exposed through a television ad in the UK and look at how successful they are now.

"I believe Afrobeat could become more popular in Europe. Reggae was associated initially with Bob Marley and it was the European counterparts such as UB40 that then brought it to the masses."

Though Kuti's political stance brought a higher profile than Tony's, he believes this to be inevitable.

"Fela was political. This is why he made such great music - it can't be separated. If he was alive now, I feel Afrobeat would have more popularity, as he was more than an Afrobeat innovator.

"He was a person that got his message across to a large audience. People stopped to listen to him."

Tony's band continue the process, recreating the humid atmosphere of the legendary Shrine club where the music developed. He has promising plans for future projects.

"British hip-hop is totally underestimated and I would like to further explore this area. I love combining all styles of music."

For tickets and information, call 01273 709709.