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.
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The Rough Guide to World Music
The Music of Afghanistan: A Rough Guide
Despite continued fighting, there is new musical life in Afghanistan and new interest abroad. Simon Broughton and Veronica Doubleday report
Features
My Instrument: Hyelim Kim and her daegeum
The doyenne of the Korean bamboo flute talks about the power of distortion and diverse dictionaries of tonal colours
Features
Oumou Sangaré interview: “Africa can evolve while preserving certain traditions that are worth preserving”
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
A Beginner's Guide
The Sabri Brothers: A Beginner's Guide
Jameela Siddiqi celebrates the legacy of the first qawwali group to find fame and send devotees into spiritual ecstasy around the world
Artists
Kathryn Tickell
Smallpipes player Kathryn Tickell is steeped in the rich folk traditions of North East England and the Borders
Features
Dispatch: Manchester Folk Festival
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
Features
The Rough Guide to World Music: Afghanistan
Despite continued fighting, there is new musical life in the country and new interest abroad. Simon Broughton and Veronica Doubleday report
News
World Pioneer and Newcomer winners unveiled at Songlines Music Awards ceremony
Tony Allen, Hugh Masekela and Elaha Soroor all recognised for their stellar musical contributions at Songlines annual prize-giving summit
Artists
Angélique Kidjo
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.
A Beginner's Guide
Master Musicians of Jajouka: A Beginner's Guide
Tim Cumming delves into the history and mystical appeal of the Moroccan musicians from Jajouka
Features
Roots Round-Up (Abigail Lapell, Scott H Biram, Reyna Tropical and more)
A selection of essential releases from the US and Canada including new albums from Creekbed Carter Hogan, Abigail Lapell and Reyna Tropical
News
Introducing the June 2025 issue of Songlines, an Africa Special
Remembering Tony Allen, Femi Kuti on Fela Kuti, Pedro Ben, Nyege Nyege, La Réunion, Rwanda, Baltic Sisters, I'm With Her, Sally Potter...
Features
“My musical mission is to carry on where the ancients left off” | Michael Levy and his lyre
Michael Levy speaks to Simon Broughton about his ‘lyre of Apollo’ explorations, which follow in the exalted footsteps of the ancient Greek masters
A Beginner's Guide
Julie Fowlis: A Beginner's Guide
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
