Chart-topping rapper Ja Rule and singer Ashanti to visit NZ

American rapper Ja Rule and singer Ashanti have been confirmed for one New Zealand concert in early March.

The chart-topping pair, who delivered the Grammy-nominated hit duet Always On Time, will play at the Mt Smart Supertop on Friday, March 7.

Appearing as a guest star in the show is newcomer Charli Baltimore, a labelmate to the two headliners on celebrated New York hip-hop/R&B label Murder Inc. Records.

Ja Rule - Jeffrey Atkins - recently released his fourth album, The Last Temptation, which features both women as guest vocalists.

Ashanti - surname Douglas - has had a string of US No 1 singles from her self-titled debut solo album and is up for five Grammy Awards next month, including best new artist.

Tickets for the show go on sale next Friday.

Meanwhile, among other musical tourists heading here in coming weeks include English singer-songwriter Beth Orton, who plays at Galatos on Monday, February 3, and left-field American country rock outfit Lambchop, who appear at the Kings Arms on Friday, March 21.