The White Mandingos

Wednesday:
>> OkayAfrica returns to Tropicalia with DJs Underdog, Jay Raggs and Jahsonic. 10 p.m. $5.

Thursday:
>> Even though D.C. won’t get to see the Kings of the Mic tour he’s a part of (it’s only getting as close as Baltimore), DJ Maseo of De La Soul will be taking some time out of his show schedule to bless the turntables at Tropicalia. Make sure to check DCist Thursday for an interview with Plug Three. 8 p.m. $10.

>> Spoken word artist Saul Williams is coming to the Black Cat to perform from his deep well of poetry. 8 p.m. $20.

Friday:
>> The Axel F. Party will be taking place in a slightly different venue, the National Geographic building (1145 17th Street NW), for the venerable institution’s 125th birthday. Staying the same, though, will be DJs Jahsonic, Stylus and Adrian Loving playing the best of lazer boogie and other jams from the late-1970s through late-1980s. 8 p.m. $20-$25 in advance.

>> “Drank In My Cup” rapper Kirko Bangz will be at the Howard Theatre along with local up-and-comer Shy Glizzy as the opening act. 9 p.m. $20-$50.

Saturday:
>> As a part of the D.C. Jazz Festival, The Roots will make their way down to D.C. from their NYC base for a show at Kastles Stadium. 6:45 p.m. $TBD.

>> Although The White Mandingos are a new band, the three members are veterans of the music business. Featuring Silver Spring-born writer Sacha Jenkins, former Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer and L.A. emcee MURS, the band is formed around the concept of a Harlem native who leads a rock band. The end product is the album, The Ghetto is Trying to Kill Me, which the guys will be performing from at U Street Music Hall. 7 p.m. $20.

>> Since he’s already in town for his band’s show, there’s enough time for ?uestlove to squeeze in a DJ set at the Howard Theatre. 11 p.m. $17.50 in advance, $22.50 at the door.