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

25 and counting…

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

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TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – the perfect selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe

Troubadours in Tandem • Blues and griot traditions unite as Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh announce a joint US tour. Turns out they have a lot in common…

Where’s my covermount CD?

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Time to change the record • A new documentary about Sam Lee, part of a climate-focussed exhibition, stresses the need to act before it’s too late

IT’S HAPPENING

HEDONISM • Curently on the Songlines stereo…

Digging Deeper • Catriona Price reports from Mexico where she has been developing Routes to Roots, a new organisation using intercultural music collaborations to connect communities

Shane MacGowan’s crusading ideas on Irish music • Tributes to the late Shane MacGowan (1957-2023) emphasise his songwriting, but his vision for Irish music was much broader than that, writes Toner Quinn

SONGLINES’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Homelanding • A three-day festival in Germany shone a light on Kurdistan through its music

The 4 Corners and Centre of Aron & the Jeri Jeri Band’s Universe • Aron Ottignon and Bakane Seck take turns choosing their most formative works: “Thelonius Monk remains my favourite pianist and composer of all time,” Aron declares

Gabba • The new joikers on the scene are set to storm Celtic Connections. “The point is to make joik accessible to everyone,” they tell Simon Broughton

the olllam • Jo Frost gets her groove on to an unlikely fusion of uilleann pipes and whistles with knotty, Detroit post-rock. “It’s quite complex, clever music. They’re like pop songs in a way,” she finds out

A gathering of notes • Simon Broughton attended a rare and extraordinary night from Raagi Balwant Singh on December 16, set in one of London’s most charming locales

SAVE THE DATES • Songlines Encounters Festival 2024

SPOTLIGHT Syriana • In the wake of Nick Page’s passing, Bernard O’Neill has completed the album the duo began. Contemplating borders and politics, Robin Denselow discovers the collaborative work has been over a decade in the making

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton chats politics, polyrhythms and percussion with musical maverick Enzo Avitabile in Naples

Next Issue… • April 2024 (#196)

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

Baba Commandant (1973-2023) • Activist for Mande music

Lisandro Meza (1937-2023) • Colombian accordion giant

Rashid Khan (1968-2024) • Much-loved Indian singer

And farewell to…

1999 • Generation Next! The UK’s South Asian diaspora gets heard

2000 • Taraf de Haïdouks fight prejudice to be crowned the people’s champions

2001 • Hijacked equipment, roasted goat and a surprise cameo from Mali’s prime minister. It can only be the first-ever Festival au Désert

2002 • Senegalese comeback...