Nottinghill Carnival may have come and gone but that doesn't mean your carnival spirit has to die with it as London is set to play host to a plethora of Latin events this autumn. While the Brazilians are leading the way in their infiltration of the capital's cultural scene it is not the only Latin American country that seems to have its sights set on London.

Highlights include the Gotan Project at Brixton Academy, Marisa Monte at the Barbican and Seu Jorge at the Roudhouse.

Fans of Brazilian music have had it pretty good of late with the likes of Olodum, Ivete Sangalo and Gilberto Gill performing in the capital, and the arrival ofthe country's biggest stars appears to be a trend that is set to continue. Seu Jorge, City of God/Life Aquatic star and 'the coolest man on the planet' according to The Times is returning on November 12 th and bringing AfroReggae with him. While Jorge does not have the greatest voice, it's his gravely tone and the way his lethargic image jars with the energy he packs into every word that makes him so endearing. It was his contribution to the City of God soundtrack, a blend of samba and funk with a hint of more contemporary urban sounds of Brazil that first drew attention but international fame was only truly secured with his second album 'Cru' featuring three David Bowie 'a la Portugesa' covers. Jorge is not one to shy away from political and social issues, regularly discussing the problems facing his country during performances, a fact that could perhaps explain his decision to join up with AfroReggae, who as well being an incredibly successful band are also an NGO that seeks to show the children of Rio's favelas that there are alternatives to a life in the drugs trade As the name suggests AfroReggae are heavily influenced by reggae and African rhythms yet they also combine elements of Brazilian hip-hop, carioca funk and samba.

They will perform at the Roundhouse in Camden with the event being hosted by world music aficionado Giles Peterson.

Guanabara, the chic piece of Brazil hidden away in Holborn seems set to retain its role as a Mecca for Brazilians and lovers of Brazilian music alike. Full details of events can be found at www.guanabara.com but highlights include; Balanço (September 16th + others TBC), Marcelinho da Lua (September 28th) and Son Verano (September 30 th). Balanço has long been getting Manchester's collective booty shaking every Wednesday night and has become a must for all lovers of Latin rhythms there. Hosted by DJs Franco and Irfan Balanço manages to squeeze in most Brazilian styles from samba to sertanejo and forr ó to funk, with healthy dollops of samba and hip-hop thrown in for good measure. Marcelinho de Lua hails from the famed trio BossaCucaNova and promises an eclectic blend of nova-electronica while Son Verano is a one off special from Otro Lado and will bounce its way around the globe from the sounds of Brazil to African and Cuban beats.

Meanwhile Qbrasil continues as London's only radio station dedicated to Brazilian music (broadcasting online at www.qubrasil.com ) and has recently branched out into live events. It was the boys at Qbrasil who were responsible for bringing Olodum and Maminal's to the UK, and in doing so have set the bar rather high for themselves. They are being coy about what they have up their sleeves for the coming months but rumour has it that founding father of Brazilian hip-hop DJ Hum will be making a stop-off in the capital.

Following on from its two month celebration of Tropicália, Brazil's artistic reaction to the military dictatorship that governed the country during the 60s and 70s, the Barbican will play host to a number of Latin stars over the coming months. Marisa Monte, one of Brazil's leading female vocalists, will take to the stage on September 25 th. While she has long enjoyed a highly successful and much respected solo career in Brazil and some attention in the US, it is only through her role as one third of the Tribalistas that she has been capitulated to international fame; the London show will be her first UK date since becoming a global star. The Barbican will also see performances by, amongst others, Silvio Rodriguez (September 22 nd) and Qawwali Flamenco (October 23rd). Qawwali Flamenco promises to do pretty much what it says on the tin fusing Qawwali and Flamenco, two musical traditions from opposite sides of the globe while Silvio Rodriguez, considered the godfather of Nueva Trova, promises to bring his blend of protest song fusing jazz, rock and classical music with traditional and contemporary Cuban styles.

Another one to watch out for is the Gotan Project live at Brixton Academy on November 3rd. The group are generally regarded as leading the way in the world of electric-tango and while their music hails from Argentina the group features a Frenchman and a Swiss member, as well as an Argentine. The core of their music is unquestionably tango yet it can be easily be described as breaks, break beat or deep house depending on your stance, and of course the track you are listening to.

Any discussion of Latin goings in London would of course not be complete without at least some mention of JungleDrums, the Brazilian magazine and seemingly unstoppable cultural force. The JD crew are keeping rather quiet about their plans for the autumn but they will, I am told, be hosting a Brazilian beach party as part of the Egg club's At The Beach (September 14 th). Their 4th an anniversary is also fast approaching and a birthday bash that is ure to be something special is planned for November 2nd at the Electric Ballroom in Camden.

And while not strictly musical it only seems fair to mention that the Brazilian Film Festival will be going on at the Genesis Cinema and Riverside Studios from September 22nd to 24th.

Words By: Joe Kent