Starting tonight, there will be a new opportunity to enjoy music and dancing from Africa and the African diaspora at Elena’s Soul Showcase Lounge & Cafe.

Every first Thursday of the month, Elena’s will host the “Sonic Diaspora Dance Party” featuring DJs Brotha Onaci (the People’s DJ Collective) and Champe’ (Lion’s Den Productions) spinning music from traditions as diverse as Afrobeat, Cumbia, Kuduro, Reggae, House, Afro-Latin, Dancehall, and Soca.

Opportunities can be rare to listen and dance to African inspired music, and for many who follow the genre, Onaci is a welcome addition to the West Philadelphia music scene. Having moved from Chicago to West Philadelphia in August 2011, Onaci has made his mark in Philadelphia by performing for Occupy Philadelphia and Sanctuary Holistic Arts, in addition to spending time with broadcasting staff at WPEB 88.1.

Tonight’s Sonic Diaspora is a special celebration of Bob Marley in honor of his birthday on February 6, and there will be Marley tunes every hour, in addition to the high energy dance beats.

9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. 21+. $5 cover. 4912 Baltimore Avenue.

– Emma Eisenberg