New world music voices (new to most Americans, at least) are featured in this great day of African reggae and Middle Eastern styles.

Reggae singer Tiken Jah Fakoly has become the musical conscience of his native Cote d’Ivoire by merging the spiritual optimism of Bob Marley with the political activism of Fela Kuti. Like Fela, his outspokenness has got him in trouble with his country’s authorities: at one point he had to flee to Mali in order to stay alive. But he’s stayed true to his classic reggae roots, and continues to strike a chord with down-trodden Ivorians, as well as pretty much anyone who happens to hear him.

Idan Raichel is an Israeli keyboardist and composer whose love of Gypsy music and tango was profoundly impacted by his exposure to Israel’s Ethiopian population. With The Idan Raichel Project, he not only merges the Ethiopian and European music traditions, he brings in influences from all over the Mediterranean and North Africa. Featuring Ethiopian, Yemenite Jew and Arab musicians, the group is an established success in Israel. The Idan Raichel Project’s albums only started seeing American release last year, but have already made a big impression on the world music circuit.

African-born, New York City-based DJ Kadafi spins the most engaging and challenging sounds from West Africa. The house DJ at the Bronx’s Zoodoo Nightclub, he was named the best Africa DJ in NYC by Delaroca productions. His first album is scheduled for release this summer.