Decades after his death, Bob Marley continues to influence the music of artists around the world. Algeria’s Democratoz started off performing covers of the reggae legend’s songs before recording originals—mostly in Arabic—that meld island rhythms and melodies with rock and regional rai and gnawa elements. Singer and songwriter Sadek Bouzinou provides upbeat vocals on most tracks but on some he wails slower, in a more traditionally North African guttural style. Likewise, the band’s rhythm section is adept at crafting heavy, echoed dub and reggae beats, but they also offer hybrid instrumentation that’s not directly linked to the Caribbean. The ensemble sounds most distinctive on tracks that incorporate the Algerian elements. Bouzinou, a charismatic charmer who has sung at protests calling for the release of political prisoners, emotes mournfully on political songs like “Mazal,” and is sometimes matched with equally touching, melancholy horn lines. Hope for more of these cultural blends live. Democratoz performs at 9:30 p.m. at Bossa Bistro, 2463 18th St. NW. $10. (202) 667-0088. bossadc.com.