Songlines

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

Ceremonies of sound

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – our curated selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe

THE SOURCE • Views, news and events from around the world

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Buzz’ Ayaz • Robin Denselow speaks to Antonis Antoniou about his new band and its mission to bring unity to Cyprus

NEWS BITES

Dimanche à Londres • Amadou & Mariam and Fatoumata Diawara are in London for a celebration of Mali. Yousif Nur gets involved…

The 4 Corners and Centre of K.O.G’s Universe • Kweku of Ghana talks us through the albums from childhood to present day that have inspired his music and defined the artist he aims to be

I GOT DEVIL • Currently on the Songlines stereo…

Førdelandia • Jo Frost heads to Førde Festival, a picturesque event that values home-grown Norwegian music as much as the global artists which are its calling card

20 Years of Morgenland • Simon Broughton visits Morgenland Festival in Germany for an opening concert celebrating 20 years of an event which has provided a vital showcase for many artists from the Middle East and North Africa

Deer Hunter

The Spirit of Lagos Youth • Izzy Felton speaks to the team behind a new Nigerian music-and-dance production aiming to showcase the energy of contemporary Lagos

Marta Pereira da Costa • April Clare Welsh speaks to the Portuguese guitarist who is breaking barriers for female fado musicians

IT’S HAPPENING

Good-Time Charlie • US troubadour Charlie Parr discusses his earliest influences and life on the road: “Ten-hour drives are not pleasant, but my reward is getting to play the guitar,” he tells Paul Slade

Raymond Antrobus & Evelyn Glennie • A one-off recording pairs the poet and award-winning percussionist. That they’re both deaf was incidental. Jane Cornwell uncovers the duo’s “instant connection”

SIMON SAYS… • In Kirkwall, Orkney, Simon Broughton hears some of Britain’s strongest protest music at the St Magnus Festival

FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, emails and everything in between

COMPETITIONS

Toumani Diabaté (1965-2024) • Hugely influential and much-loved kora player

Kong Nay (1944-2024) • Cambodia’s ‘Master of Chapei’

And farewell to…

Nomad Cinema • French film-maker Vincent Moon walked away from a career documenting Western rock royalty to create what he calls “a slightly gonzo film collection produced all around the world,” but which, in other words, could be the most impressive and vast ethnomusicology experiment of the 21st Century. Anne Girard Esposito speaks to Moon about his many travels and his thirst for experiencing the world’s rituals and culture

HOME Again • Fiona Talkington speaks to Sámi activist and singer Mari Boine who, now in her 60s, finally feels confident in her own work: “I was on my way somewhere, but now I’m really, really me,” she confides

THE RITE STUFF

Judge Ye Not • Jo Frost speaks to Scottish folk...