SOME of the biggest names in African music will join Blur front man and multi-dimensional artist Damon Albarn on stage at Solus, Cardiff University, on September 6, as part of the joyful Africa Express artistic journey around the UK.

Africa Express is a collective of African and Western musicians who will jump on a train to play several shows across Britain from September 2 as part of the London 2012 Festival. They include legendary artists Baaba Maal, Amadou & Mariam, Rokia Traoré, Kano; Baloji, Charli XCX, Fatoumata Diawara, Jupiter & Okwess International, and Jack Steadman from Bombay Bicycle Club, with more still to be confirmed.

Damon Albarn founded Africa Express in 2006 and they were a massive hit at Glastonbury the following year, creating one-off moments of magic.

Orchard Entertainment’s Greg Barton said: “Africa Express will be making a big noise around the UK, so we’re fortunate to get them here to Cardiff. With Damon Albarn on board and the calibre of musicians involved, it promises to be an unmissable show.”

The merry band of musicians will also be making pop-up performances in various locations around Cardiff city centre.

The artists will even create new material along the route and events will be unrehearsed.

Tickets for the Cardiff University gig can be obtained from seetickets.com or by calling 02920 230130.