Sponsored: From free film screenings to Grammy Award-winning artists…

Sharjah’s newly rebuilt Africa Hall is set to welcome five top African artists this month.

The shows will take place from September 26 to September 30 at the stunning new-look venue, which first opened its doors in 1976. The historic hall is now part of The Africa Institute, which is dedicated to the study, research and documentation of Africa’s people and cultures.

So, who can you see there?

The event kicks off on Wednesday September 26, with Grammy Award-winning musician Youssou N’Dour and his group, Le Super Étoile de Dakar. Famed for fusing popular and traditional West African music with a dance-inspiring blend of African, Caribbean and pop rhythms, expect to hear all the Senegalese singer’s hits such as 7 Seconds and Chimes of Freedom. Doors open from 9pm, with tickets priced from Dhs60.

This performance will be followed by another Grammy winner on Thursday September 27, as singer-songwriter Oumou Sangaré takes to the stage. Largely inspired by the culture of the Wassoulou region in West Africa, Sangaré draws from genres such as rock, funk and soul while maintaining a distinctly African sound. Tickets are again priced from Dhs60.

On Friday September 28, you’ll be able to catch a free film screening of An Opera of the World from 5pm. The film explores the contemporary relationship between Africa and Europe through the ongoing refugee crisis, an issue both current and timeless. The free-to-attend screening will be followed by a discussion between Professor Manthia Diawara of New York University, the film’s director, and Professor Salah M. Hassan of Cornell University.

If it’s more music you’re after, stick around on Friday for a performance by the ‘father of Ethio-jazz’, Mulatu Astatke. You might recognise some of Astatke’s music – it’s been sampled by Kanye West, Damian Marley, Nicolas Jaar, and Nas, among others. Tickets will start from Dhs60.

On Saturday September 29, there will be two musical performances: the first by DJ, composer and musician Peter Adjaye at 7pm. Taking place at Mirage City Cinema at Sharjah’s Al Mureijah Square, the free event will be open to the general public. Then at 9pm, catch Lisa Simone, the jazz and soul singing daughter of legendary Nina Simone at Africa Hall. As well as releasing four solo albums, Simone was nominated for a Grammy as a vocalist in the jazz band Liquid Soul for their 2000s album, Here’s the Deal. Tickets start from Dhs60.

Finally, musician Somi will take to the stage at Africa Hall at 9pm on Sunday September 30. Somi has developed a hybrid sound that she has dubbed ‘New African Jazz’. The artist’s fifth album, The Lagos Music Salon (2014), which was inspired by her 18-month stay in Lagos, Nigeria, reached number one on the US Jazz Charts. Again the event will be ticketed, with prices from Dhs60.

Tickets for each show are now available on Ticketmaster, so if you’re looking for something to do next week that’s a bit different, be sure to check this one out.

Africa Hall, Sharjah, September 26 to Sunday September 30, various times and prices. More info on Facebook

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook