Fall Stars: World
It's likely that American audiences first discovered Seu Jorge through his pivotal role as ''Knockout Ned" in the extraordinary, Academy Award-nominated film ''City of God" in 2002. He was later recognized as the seaman with a penchant for singing samba-tinged versions of David Bowie songs in Portuguese in Wes Anderson's comedy ''The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou." Yet before he was a noted actor, Jorge was an acclaimed singer in Brazil, hailed by such luminaries as Caetano Veloso. On the strength of his stunning new album, ''Cru," he'll make his Boston debut, performing his charismatic, raw-boned blend of bossa nova and rock songs. Sept. 14, Remis Auditorium at the Museum of Fine Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Considered one of the premier voices of his nation, Malian singer Boubacar Traore is a seminal artist of African music. He's been a professional singer since the 1960s, though for a time he all but abandoned music. To support his family he worked various jobs including as a schoolteacher, farmer, and tailor. When family obligations lessened in the 1980s, he returned to his music and recorded his first album, ''Mariama." He's making his Boston premiere. Sept. 23, MFA's Remis Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. (The MFA Film Program will present three screenings of ''I'll Sing for You," Jacques Sarasin's tribute to Traore, Sept. 17 at 4:15 p.m., Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., and Sept. 24 at 12:10 p.m.)
Their name says it all -- the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul. Accompanied by music and poetry, these Turkish dancers perform the Sema, which is a spiritual ceremony as well as a remarkable dance: The dancers spin as they seek to achieve a divine, trance-like state. Each dance represents the ceremony's story of death and resurrection. Oct. 7, Sanders Theatre, 8 p.m.
Gangbe Brass Band makes a most joyful noise combining traditional Yoruba songs, American jazz, and Afro-pop rhythms. Hailing from the West African nation of Benin, this 10-piece brass and percussion band was founded in 1994 (it was originally an octet) and has gone on to achieve international acclaim for its vibrant, dynamic shows. Making its Boston debut, the band will perform songs from its albums, ''Whendo" and ''Togbe." Oct. 23, Somerville Theatre, 4 p.m.
Born in the Catskills, N.Y., village of Big Indian, Lhasa spent much of her childhood traveling between the United States and her father's native Mexico. Since her parents banned television, she was immersed in music and art from an early age. As a teenager she performed in cafes, and when her family later settled in Montreal, she recorded her debut album, ''La Llorona," released in Canada in 1997. Her latest album is 2003's ''The Living Road," featuring songs in English, Spanish, and French. Oct. 13, MFA's Remis Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 1993, Yamato is an internationally acclaimed drumming group from Japan. The six-member troupe uses traditional wadaiko drums, and its sonic power can range from sounds mimicking the gentle patter of rain to a thunderous, heart-stopping roar. Nov. 18, Berklee Performance Center, 8 p.m.
