HE mixes African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery, building up layers of sounds with loops and samples.

An outstanding guitarist, singer and harmonica player, Muntu Valdo’s music is firmly rooted in the blues.

First making a name for himself at the beginning of the 1990s as a key player in several groups, Valdo – who was brought up in Cameroon and then France – collaborated frequently on local album recordings.

He toured last autumn with Congolese superstars Staff Benda Bilili and his debut album Gods & Devils was described by NME as “a rapturous record that shudders with joy and passion”.

Valdo will appear at The Forge in Basingstoke on Sunday at 7.45pm.

n Tickets cost £12.50. For more information or to book, call the box office on 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk