Songlines

Songlines is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only publication to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identity, and the artists who incite change through their music. Through its extensive articles and reviews, Songlines is your essential guide to an extraordinary world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.

Songlines

Picking a favourite

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On your free CD – our editors’ selection of the best new releases reviewed in this issue

Rebuilding Maui • In early August extremely dry weather conditions and strong winds led to wildfires that devastated large areas of Maui. We speak to one of the island’s prominent musicians to find out the communal and personal cost

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Qiyi Power • Sons of musical couple Zi Lan Liao and Jah Wobble, the Wardle brothers have released their debut album as a duo, continuing a rich family legacy

IT’S HAPPENING

HAPPINESS IS… • Currently on the Songlines stereo…

After the Brass • The recent BALKAN:MOST festival in Veszprém, Hungary saw a rare performance from Manu Chao and a bringing together of Balkan states that were only recently at war

In Gustavo We Trust • Argentine musician Gustavo Santaolalla is to receive a Latin Grammy Trustee Award for his lifetime contribution to Latin music

The 4 Corners and Centre of NITIN SAWHNEY’s Universe • Nitin Sawhney shares the albums that have influenced him the most, selecting a qawwali classic as the one that he just couldn’t live without

Collaboration Queen • Welsh harpist Catrin Finch is embarking on a new partnership, this time exploring her Celtic and classical roots with Irish fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain

EVERYBODY SING! • Karl Sinfield has released an album to accompany his beginner’s guide to songs from the Roud Folk Song Index

Let Them Speak • Australia is holding a referendum that may lead to its Indigenous people gaining long-awaited political recognition

Q&A Salif Keita • Now 73, Salif Keita is as busy as ever. He’s just finished another hectic summer of shows and was recently appointed a ‘special advisor’ to Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali’s interim President since the military coup in 2021. We tracked Salif down to ask him a few questions about his new position and his plans for recording new music.

Ladaniva • Taking in everything from Balkan and maloya to Bollywood and swing, this new duo tell Anne Girard Esposito about their borderless approach to making music

Leenalchi • This South Korean ensemble are wowing the world with their fresh, body-moving take on pansori. Christopher Conder hears all about it

SPOTLIGHT Chief Adjuah • New Orleans’ recently appointed Grand Griot is looking at the past, present and future of his city on a new album which has seen him swap his trumpet for a self-designed electric harp. “I couldn’t be having more fun with music,” he tells Tim Cumming

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton reflects on Confucius’ role in China as the philosopher’s birthday is celebrated at Taipei’s Confucius Temple

Next Issue…

FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, emails and everything in between

Charlie Ndiaye (1948-2023) • Long-standing Baobab bassist

Erkin Koray (1941-2023) • Turkish folk-rock pioneer

And farewell to…

BORN TO DO IT • “Who has the right to tells us who we’ve got to...