The Independent Recommends: Pop

RUNNING UNTIL November 15, the prestigious Oris London Jazz Festival starts today. As well as big names in the jazz world, it promises a feast of world-beat events. The first of two key gigs this weekend goes under the title of Lester Bowie and Louis Moholo and His African Drum Orchestra, with the fabled American trumpeter and South African drummer fusing contemporary jazz with African rhythms.

With its blend of traditional Arabic and western pop sounds, Algerian rai music counts as one of the most accessible, danceable and exciting forms of world-beat. One of the genre's most popular figures, Cheb Mami (left), probably second only to the great Cheb Khaled, brings a full band with him to this highly- anticipated show. As well as love and personal feelings, his songs also focus strongly on the political climate in the Algeria of today.

Bowie: Queen Elizabeth Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) Sat 7.45pm

Mami: Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) Sun 7.30pm