Songlines is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only publication to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identity, and the artists who incite change through their music. Through its extensive articles and reviews, Songlines is your essential guide to an extraordinary world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.
Songlines
25 and counting…
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
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TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – the perfect selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe
Troubadours in Tandem • Blues and griot traditions unite as Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh announce a joint US tour. Turns out they have a lot in common…
Where’s my covermount CD?
THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE
Time to change the record • A new documentary about Sam Lee, part of a climate-focussed exhibition, stresses the need to act before it’s too late
IT’S HAPPENING
HEDONISM • Curently on the Songlines stereo…
Digging Deeper • Catriona Price reports from Mexico where she has been developing Routes to Roots, a new organisation using intercultural music collaborations to connect communities
Shane MacGowan’s crusading ideas on Irish music • Tributes to the late Shane MacGowan (1957-2023) emphasise his songwriting, but his vision for Irish music was much broader than that, writes Toner Quinn
SONGLINES’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Homelanding • A three-day festival in Germany shone a light on Kurdistan through its music
The 4 Corners and Centre of Aron & the Jeri Jeri Band’s Universe • Aron Ottignon and Bakane Seck take turns choosing their most formative works: “Thelonius Monk remains my favourite pianist and composer of all time,” Aron declares
Gabba • The new joikers on the scene are set to storm Celtic Connections. “The point is to make joik accessible to everyone,” they tell Simon Broughton
the olllam • Jo Frost gets her groove on to an unlikely fusion of uilleann pipes and whistles with knotty, Detroit post-rock. “It’s quite complex, clever music. They’re like pop songs in a way,” she finds out
A gathering of notes • Simon Broughton attended a rare and extraordinary night from Raagi Balwant Singh on December 16, set in one of London’s most charming locales
SAVE THE DATES • Songlines Encounters Festival 2024
SPOTLIGHT Syriana • In the wake of Nick Page’s passing, Bernard O’Neill has completed the album the duo began. Contemplating borders and politics, Robin Denselow discovers the collaborative work has been over a decade in the making
SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton chats politics, polyrhythms and percussion with musical maverick Enzo Avitabile in Naples
Next Issue… • April 2024 (#196)
FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, emails and everything in between
Baba Commandant (1973-2023) • Activist for Mande music
Lisandro Meza (1937-2023) • Colombian accordion giant
Rashid Khan (1968-2024) • Much-loved Indian singer
And farewell to…
1999 • Generation Next! The UK’s South Asian diaspora gets heard
2000 • Taraf de Haïdouks fight prejudice to be crowned the people’s champions
2001 • Hijacked equipment, roasted goat and a surprise cameo from Mali’s prime minister. It can only be the first-ever Festival au Désert
2002 • Senegalese comeback...