Australia’s hardline treatment of refugees is under fire as high-profile artists join the campaign in support of two detained Kurdish musicians: Farhad Bandesh and Mostafa ‘Moz’ Azimitabar. Jane Cornwell reports
The new voice of Mali, Rokia Koné, teamed up with producer-to-the-stars Jacknife Lee for an album sure to go down as a classic. Jane Cornwell catches up with this seemingly improbable, though quite inspired, pop partnership. Photography by Karen Paulina Biswell
The 'world music bible', now available exclusively on the Songlines website
All of these albums received a maximum of five stars when reviewed in the 2020 issues of Songlines. Looking for your next favourite album? This is the perfect place to start.
Qawwali is a devotional music in Pakistan and popular around the world. Simon Broughton picks the best recordings of traditional qawwali, plus some interesting fusions
Traditional Irish music is in fine fettle with a constant stream of fresh new talent emerging from the Emerald Isle. Here Michael Quinn introduces ten of his top Irish albums
In the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta sits between the European and Islamic worlds. That dual heritage is reflected in its Indigenous music, reports Simon Broughton, and it deserves to be better known
Calypso has its roots in canboulay music brought to the Caribbean by African slaves, but the style is constantly being revitalised and reinterpreted. Charles de Ledesma traces its history and chooses his top ten albums
Chris Moss picks out 10 giants upon whose shoulders today’s generation of musicians stand
Featuring outstanding new releases from Seun Kuti, Ibrahim Maalouf, Yasmin Williams and more
Featuring outstanding new releases from Mari Boine, The Down Hill Strugglers, Bagedai, Bizhiki, Peni Candra Rini and more
Ten of our longest-standing contributors pick albums released during Songlines’ lifetime that are well overdue another listen
The kora has become the defining instrument of West Africa. Simon Broughton picks his ten top albums, including Ballaké Sissoko, Seckou Keita, Sona Jobarteh and more
Chris Wheatley picks out some of the world’s finest ambient soundscapes
Sufi music occurs all across the Islamic world. Simon Broughton chooses the standout recordings, going for the more traditional and spiritual examples
Start your journey and discover the very best music from around the world.
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