Youssou N'Dour is in Brazil this weekend for the Back2Black Festival, a three-day international event celebrating Africa through political discussions and cultural events, with events taking place in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

Opening the festival's Rio events at the Leopoldino Station tonight are a conference featuring Bob Geldof, an acoustic set by Gilberto Gil, and, finally, a concert performance by Youssou, also featuring the Brazilian singer Marisa Monte. On Saturday, also in Rio, Youssou joins South African film director Gavin Hood (Tsotsi) and Brazilian rapper MV Bill for a conference examining culture and development issues moderated by Kátia Lund, co-director of the film City of God.

On Sunday, Youssou heads to Brasilia for the closing festivities, performing a free outdoor concert at the Museu da República's Esplanada dos Ministérios. Coincidentally, Omara Portuondo, the female face and voice of the Buena Vista Social Club, performs in the festival's closing-night concert in Rio that night.

For more information on the festival and its events, in Portuguese, visit backtoblackfestival.com.br.