This appearance of Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal was to be an undoubted highlight of the summer-long Worldwide festival.

As expected, the support slot featured the film from the One Giant Leap project, a laudable critique of corporate, mall-obsessed Western society.

Powerfully soundtracked by Maal and others, it gave a platform to performers from a wide range of cultures, including Indian and Aboriginal musicians.

Liberal viewpoints were headed by the hardly-controversial Anita Roddick.

The film's participants deserved a better reaction than the one it received, with the most impatient contingent heckling.

They effectively brought the interval forwards, spoiling the remainder of the film for those who chose to stay.

After the interval, however, there was more agreement as Baaba Maal opened the live show, performing Miyaabele on solo guitar.

His vocal presence was intense throughout. Soon joined by backing singers and his kora player, the full band featured kit drums and guitars.

Centre stage was often occupied by the expressive work of Massamba Diop on the tama drum.

There were thrilling interludes from the section of percussionists on hand drums.

Though the band was missing some of the more subtle instruments, such as the balafon, the kora playing of Kaouding Cissokho was a welcome presence on Laare Yoo and Senegaale Ngummee. Another highlight was the encore - a lilting chant performed by six vocalists.

"This is an African party," declared Maal, and the crowd boisterously agreed. During the evening, many were persuaded to dance.

A night, perhaps, more for the feet than the head.