It seemed like half of Brighton came out to watch this gig by Senegalese singer Nuru Kane and his band.

I have never seen Komedia this crowded or a full house have so much fun.

The six musicians, in African clothes and playing traditional instruments, cast a spell on the room with their hypnotic stage presence, perfect audience rapport and music with calypso, reggae and blues rhythms.

From the opening song, the audience were dancing and singing along after being taught the lyrics by Nuru Kane.

Sometimes the supremely talented drummer Mamadou took over the performance, with the band happy to stand by and let him show his stuff.

Nuru Kane is said to unite the music of north and west Africa. Even the instruments, which included the kora, the West African harp and the derbouka, a Middle Eastern percussion instrument, did that.

The multi-national Senegalese, French and Algerian band was supported by Joshua C Edwards, a shy and passionate American-influenced singer/guitarist performing his own angst-ridden songs and covering Johnny Cash.

Joshua, a student from Croydon, was invited to play at Komedia after winning a competition.

Nuru Kane is touring the UK until April 4. His album is out next week.

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