Saturday, Sept. 30

    This almost shames us to admit, but journalists and critics have to be honest, so here goes: We learned about the Burundi beat from Adam and the Ants, Bow Wow Wow and their iwily mpressario Malcolm McLaren. There we said it. A bunch of trend-hopping new wave Brits brought this kinetic form of percussion to these Western ears back in the early '80s. That said, we're suggesgting you check out the real deal, The Royal Drummers of Burundi at Sanders Theatre Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. This is a highly physical act: 17 drummers performing in a semi-circle around one lead drum called inkiranya. The intertwining, mind-spinning rhythms come from the drums and from their dance; there is truly something transporting and intoxicating about getting lost in the sound. Opening is Mombassa Party, a Kenyan group that combines Indian, Arabian and African elements led by singers Maulidi Juma and Zuhura Sawleh. Tickets: $25-$40
45 Quincy St., Cambridge, 617-876-4275  WorldMusic.org