Album: Bonga, Bairro, (Lusafrica)

What makes this 65-year-old Angolan veteran's music so compelling is that he effortlessly mixes Brazilian samba with the melancholy yearnings of Cape Verdean morna.

In a mostly acoustic set which alternates ballads and dance numbers, Bonga is accompanied by a small band that get right to the heart of the material. Meanwhile the man himself sings with a frayed and world-weary voice which seems to be saying that although life is tough, we should celebrate the brief moments of joy it offers. A modest jewel of an album.

Pick of the album: 'Zukada' sounds like Cesária Évora with added gravel