Spanning from Senegal to Guatemala, Libya to London, this global roster of female MCs continues in the footsteps of legends like MC Lyte and Lauryn Hill, helping to redefine women’s role in hip-hop.
The Western Sahara has been the subject of dispute for many decades. One of its most eloquent activists and singers, Aziza Brahim, talks about life in exile and how music and politics are inseparable
Garth Cartwright marvels at the long-lasting appeal of the Senegalese band
Nigel Williamson looks back at the enduring global popularity of the Irish musical ambassadors
Jameela Siddiqi introduces Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Pakistani Pavarotti, populariser of the qawwali tradition
Tim Cumming delves into the history and mystical appeal of the Moroccan musicians from Jajouka
The hugely popular Brazilian rap artist Criolo is refreshingly self-effacing when he meets Russ Slater to talk about his work and the problems facing Brazil
A Songlines playlist for Apple Music featuring Eliza Carthy, Sam Lee, Bellowhead and The Unthanks
A Songlines playlist for Apple Music exploring the rarefied world of the pure reggae instrumental track, including Augustus Pablo, The Revolutionaries and Tommy McCook
A Songlines playlist for Apple Music, principally exploring the music of Cesaria Evora
A Songlines playlist for Apple Music exploring Scandinavian folk music that evokes the world of JRR Tolkien by Emilia Amper, Rydvall Mjelva, Slow Moving Clouds, and many more
A Songlines playlist for Apple Music charting the rise of the Fania label, featuring Eddie Palmieri, La Lupe, Ray Barretto and Cheo Feliciano
A Songlines playlist for Apple music featuring tracks to warm the heart and soul by Bellowhead, Steeleye Span, Fleet Foxes and more
"I sincerely hope that Babel Med – or some equivalent – will return in 2019"
Gilberto Gil speaks to Alex Robinson about the 60s tropicália movement and how he has tried to bridge the gaps in Brazil’s class-ridden society
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