Reviews
Avenida Paulista, da Consolação ao Paraíso
The Avenida Paulista is the beating heart of São Paulo. Nowhere is the wide disparities in Brazilian society more apparent...
Reviewed by Andy Cumming in issue: August/2025
Super Somali Sounds from the Gulf of Tadjoura
As part of their ongoing relationship with Radiodiffusion-Télévision de Djibouti, Ostinato Records launch the initial instalment of their new Djibouti...
Reviewed by Jim Hickson in issue: May/2021
The Bariba Sound
There have been some great music reissues from Benin in recent years – particularly the compilations African Scream Contest and...
Reviewed by Martin Sinnock in issue: June/2012
Djely Blues
One of the world's consummate guitarists with a touch, phrasing, rhythmic swing and fluidity to rival any rock’n’roll axe hero...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: April/2016
Baul-Fakir Gostho Lila: Conversations between Ma Joshoda and the Cowherds
It could be just happenstance, but I detect a reawakening of interest in traditional folk culture in the Indian subcontinent....
Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: Aug/Sept/2013
Live à L’Étoile
Dexter Johnson & Le Super Star de Dakar
Although born in Nigeria, saxophonist Dexter Johnson was a seminal figure in Senegalese music. He wound up in pre-independence Dakar...
Reviewed by Martin Sinnock in issue: Aug/Sep/2014
Som Sistema
Bern-based Afro-Brazilian singer Mariana Da Cruz’s seventh album is an urban, global-minded set that moves freely across genres, coloured by...
Reviewed by Andy Cumming in issue: May/2026
Ladilikan
This album is a sublime meeting of two superb chamber groups. On the one hand there is San Francisco's string...
Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: November/2017
Recycle
Founded in 2006, Hungary's Cimbaliband are a surefire festival hit. Centred on the larger-than-life cimbalom player Balázs Unger, they are...
Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: June/2017
