Ever been to Mauritius? I’d be surprised if you said yes. This tiny island off the coast of Madagascar boasts a population of slightly over one million. Yet, surprisingly, Mauritians are well represented among Shanghai’s musicians and this is due largely to Gilbert Kuppusami.

Co-front man for Lions of Puxi, Kuppusami came to Shanghai in 2001–the first Mauritian on the local music scene. Since then, he has imported more than a few friends. “I brought some of them and others heard what was happening here in Shanghai. They came by themselves because they are talented, but I knew most of them back on the island.” They make up the core of the Lions (vocals, percussion, bass, drums, keyboard) and can also be found working as hired guns, playing corporate gigs and in hotel bars.

Many of these musicians have formed a group, Noukilla, which plays original tunes in a modern Mauritian style. Their sound is a fusion between reggae and Afro funk. They played at last year’s JZ Festival with a host of guest musicians and rocked it with a ton of energy and virtuoso musical performances.

Noukilla is back in action at this year’s JZ Festival, which, from the lineup, looks to be stacked with talent. JZ is bringing in some big names, such as Tower of Power, which is Kuppusami’s personal fave. Although a bit older now, Tower of Power is famous for straight-up funk with a legendary horn section and driving bass lines.

Local promoter Nathanial Mallon has bands from his label 3 Chord Truth well represented by The Word (hip-hop), Tenho Periera (Brazilian Jazz), Noukilla and Lions of Puxi. He also shares that, “Jaygo Lasry and Etienne Jean of Wayne’s Basement both have new guitarists so I bet they’ll sound decent.” For the unfamiliar, that will be some rippingly fast gypsy jazz. He’s also a fan of Long Shen Dao, a reggae act out of Beijing known for extended, groovy jams.

In charge of booking international bands for JZ is Mark Elliot. His recommendation is Djazz from Denmark, who make jazz directed at kids. At a recent show in Beijing they had kids clapping along to titles like, “Duck-jam”, “Cat-jazz” and “Pig-funk.” Not sure I’ll be into pig funk, but hey, families, this one’s for you.

On a personal note, I’m excited about Roy Ayers. He is a world famous vibraphone player who has been traveling the world for decades and made an album with the legendary Fela Kuti. His tracks are super funky and are often sampled for hip-hop beats. Go check out Everybody Loves the Sunshine for one of the best tracks of the ’70s.