A deft exploration of identity, Zoë Modiga’s latest album proves the South African is on the up. She speaks with Jane Cornwell about topics ranging from Black Lives Matter to the cultural importance of cattle in African society
Bolsonaro’s election win and incendiary rhetoric have brought uncertainty and division to the country. Alex Robinson reports from Salvador where its deeply rooted Afro-Brazilian culture is under fire
For five decades Susana Baca has been performing plangent protest songs in the name of South America’s marginalised peoples, the poor and the planet. On the eve of the release of her latest album, Palabras Urgentes, the Afro-Peruvian diva talks to Chris Moss
Meeting Ibibio Sound Machine, the groove-riding octet funking up southern Nigerian culture in the shadow of adversity
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
Gilberto Gil speaks to Alex Robinson about the 60s tropicália movement and how he has tried to bridge the gaps in Brazil’s class-ridden society
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
All of these albums received a maximum of five stars when reviewed in the 2020 issues of Songlines. Featuring Sam Lee, Shirley Collins, Will Pound, Sam Sweeney, Hamish Napier, Trio Tekke, Rura, and many more
Here are 10 of our favourite albums from the past 12 months, including releases from Sam Lee, Cocanha, Afel Bocoum, Siti Muharam, Damir Imamović and more...
Jan Fairley looks at the history and legacy of nueva canción – a music rooted in the guitar traditions of the troubadour that have played a part in Latin America’s political and cultural struggles
Jan Fairley looks at the history and legacy of nueva canción – a music rooted in the guitar traditions of the troubadour that have played a part in Latin America’s political and cultural struggles
Explore the land of wax and gold, a country full of fascinating music, in this complete guide by Francis Falceto
Explore the land of wax and gold, a country full of fascinating music, in this complete guide by Francis Falceto
Writers, musicians, producers and festival programmers are trying to find new ways to communicate the enormity of the climate crisis. Chris Moss talks to them about folk song, farming, ice, industry, wonder and awe
The story of Aboriginal music is centuries old and continues to develop in fascinating ways
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