Features
Best Albums 2020: Africa
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.
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.
Despite continued fighting, there is new musical life in Afghanistan and new interest abroad. Simon Broughton and Veronica Doubleday report
The doyenne of the Korean bamboo flute talks about the power of distortion and diverse dictionaries of tonal colours
Oumou Sangaré contemplates the current state of her native Mali. She speaks to Andy Morgan about how music and mogoya may be the only things that can save it. Photography by Holly Whittaker
Jameela Siddiqi celebrates the legacy of the first qawwali group to find fame and send devotees into spiritual ecstasy around the world
Smallpipes player Kathryn Tickell is steeped in the rich folk traditions of North East England and the Borders
Kevin Bourke visits an urban folk fest where Catalan party bands, Australian charisma and homegrown talent prove folk music thrives in the heart of the city
Despite continued fighting, there is new musical life in the country and new interest abroad. Simon Broughton and Veronica Doubleday report
Tony Allen, Hugh Masekela and Elaha Soroor all recognised for their stellar musical contributions at Songlines annual prize-giving summit
The Benin-born singer Angélique Kidjo is a global superstar – a leading figure in African music as well as being a prominent activist and ambassador for UNICEF. In 2018 Kidjo won the Songlines World Pioneer Award.
Tim Cumming delves into the history and mystical appeal of the Moroccan musicians from Jajouka
A selection of essential releases from the US and Canada including new albums from Creekbed Carter Hogan, Abigail Lapell and Reyna Tropical
Remembering Tony Allen, Femi Kuti on Fela Kuti, Pedro Ben, Nyege Nyege, La Réunion, Rwanda, Baltic Sisters, I'm With Her, Sally Potter...
Michael Levy speaks to Simon Broughton about his ‘lyre of Apollo’ explorations, which follow in the exalted footsteps of the ancient Greek masters
A leading light in the Scottish Gaelic music scene, the singer is also a tireless collaborator, as Nathaniel Handy finds out as he looks back over her career
Start your journey and discover the very best music from around the world.
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