A Beginner's Guide
Toumani Diabaté: A Beginner’s Guide
The kora has become almost synonymous with the music of Mali. Nigel Williamson examines the career of its chief exponent Toumani Diabaté
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Features
Sir David Attenborough reveals his musical inspirations
The legendary broadcaster revisits the sounds of his early career on a recent BBC programme that reveals a little-known side to the beloved naturalist – that of a world music collector. He shares his favourite tracks with producer Julian May
Features
How Astor Piazzolla transformed tango
Chris Moss assesses the intrepid composer’s impact on music – and why his legacy, 100 years on since the great man’s birth, remains a challenge for contemporary tangueros
Features
Rhythm Nation: Jamaica's 60 Years of Independence
With Jamaica marking the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, David Katz traces the sounds that built a nation, marvelling at the island country’s remarkable aptitude for musical innovation
A Beginner's Guide
Fruko: A Beginner's Guide
A one-man tropical orchestra generator, there can be few musicians who have left a bigger imprint on their country’s music than Fruko. Silvia Rothlisberger tracks down the Colombian bandleader
Features
Songlines Music Awards 2025: Fusion
The best global fusion albums of the year, featuring AMMAR 808, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis & Karine Polwart, Africa Express, Piers Faccini & Ballaké Sissoko, and Abel Selaocoe
Features
Victory Dance: Interview with Pongo
From war-torn Angola to the ‘northern lights’ of Trømso World Festival, Pongo tells Jane Cornwell, “I have come a very long way”
Features
Cimarrón: embracing and upending Colombian musical traditions
The death of their co-founder and lead harpist, Carlos Rojas, gave Colombian joropo group Cimarrón cause to reflect on musical roots and gender roles. Chris Moss talks to dynamic frontwoman Ana Veydó about their new album, La Recia
Features
Ten Album Covers That Changed World Music
Chris Moss selects ten album covers that changed the world music scene, featuring Buena Vista Social Club, Fela Kuti and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Features
Baaba Maal interview: “I wasn’t sure I’d ever record another album”
Seven years since his last album, Baaba Maal speaks to Jane Cornwell about his new release and staying true to his roots
The Rough Guide to World Music
The Rough Guide to World Music: Hungary
Simon Broughton introduces the music of Hungary, a country of ten million people with a strong musical profile
Features
David Attenborough – The World Music Collector
To celebrate the two-year anniversary of the release, Julian May, producer of 'David Attenborough – My Field Recordings from Across the Planet', explains how this extraordinary album came about, with photos courtesy of David Attenborough
Features
50 Rhythms of the World (Part 1 – A to M)
Discover a whole world of music through the rhythms that bring it to life with our A to Z of 50 Rhythms of the World. This is Part 1, from Adi Talam to Morna...
Features
The Rough Guide to World Music: Hungary
Simon Broughton introduces the music of Hungary, a country of ten million people with a strong musical profile
Features
Balinese gamelan: a complete guide to a unique world of sound
The Indonesian island of Bali resounds with the vibrant, often thunderous music of its gamelans – the ubiquitous percussion orchestras of bronze and bamboo. Andy Channing conjures up the magic of its many incarnations
