Legendary Afro-Colombian folk performer Totó la Momposina is set to give a rare UK performance at an intimate venue in London. The concert will be presented by Rhythms - part of the UK-based charity Discovering Latin America (DLA) which works to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in the region.

Totó la Momposina is widely recognised as the foremost exponent of ‘Cumbia', a folk music and dance style with its roots in the unique cross-pollination between Colombia's African, Indigenous Indian and Spanish cultures which has transformed Colombia's Caribbean coastline. A percussive style characterised by skanking off-beat polyrhythms and propelled by infectiously melodic brass, accordions, guitars and vocals, the genre has since exploded across Latin America and beyond; today it is one of the most influential and best-loved musical exports of the region.

Having announced herself globally during the early nineties with a string of critically lauded international tours and albums, Totó has dedicated her life to the promotion and preservation of her cultural heritage across the world. In recognition of her efforts, she was presented with the WOMEX lifetime achievement award in 2006, as well as receiving a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2002.

As part of the night's programme Totó will be performing onstage with three generations of her family to coincide with the launch of her latest album, ‘La Bodega' (12 October, Astar Records). There will also be a special screening of, ‘La Colombiana', a film documenting Totó's mission to keep her heritage alive through her family after which audience members will then have a chance to put their questions to the lady herself. Later, DJ Russ Jones rounds the night off with the tropical rhythms of the acclaimed ‘Arriba la Cumbia' club night.

Totó's appearance will kick off a series of events presented by Rhythms and DLA in 2009, all of which aim to promote the cultural diversity of Latin America through music and dance, alongside raising much needed money for DLA's chosen organisations. Proceeds from the performance at Cargo will go to Progressio, an international charity helping women affected by HIV and AIDS in the Dominican Republic.

£15 adv - Advance tickets are now SOLD OUT. A limited amount of tickets will be made available to sell on the door from 7pm.