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

Happy holidays and so long

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

Give a world of music this Christmas • 5 issues for £22.88 10 issues for £45.75

TOP OF THE WORLD • On your free CD – the editor’s selection of the top ten new releases reviewed in this issue

Songlines Music Awards 2022 Live

GRAMMY 2023 NOMINATIONS • Nominations for next year’s Grammys (February 6) have been made and it’s great to see a few of our recent cover stars and featured artists mingling with the industry’s high-flyers:

Funding elation and frustration

The Ugandan songbook

New Releases • Here are some new releases we’re looking forward to. Read the reviews in the next issue

Unrest continues in Iran

Reviving the Ethiopian connection

Vote now for your chance to win WOMAD UK tickets

OBITUARIES

FOLK FOCUS • What’s happening in the folk world

La Perla • Gonçalo Frota meets the Colombian trio who are using the rhythms and vernacular of their traditional culture to transmit a message of defiance

SPOTLIGHT Gaye Su Akyol • Turkish singer Gaye Su Akyol’s captivating fourth album explores the perimeters of space and individual creativity. Tim Cumming reports

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton heads to Finland to get a taste of the powerful and political music propagating there

Next Issue… • March 2023 (#185)

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

The Best Albums of 2022 • As another year draws to a close, editors Simon Broughton and Alexandra Petropoulos look back over the last 12 months and highlight their favourite releases, including an impressive three debut albums

MONARCH FROM MAGDALENA • Totó la Momposina, the Queen of Cumbia, has announced her retirement at 82 years old. Russ Slater reflects on the star’s journey from a small Colombian village to the international stage

REWRITING TRADISION • Philip Sweeney traces Wesli’s journey from the slums of Haiti through Cuba, Canada and Paris in search of an alternative Haitian music that is neither pop nor traditional

TRUE AWAKENINGS • Montparnasse Musique, the duo formed by South African DJ Aero Manyelo and Algerian-French producer Nadjib Ben Bella, discuss the centrality of pan-African history, movement, people and atmosphere in their music. Alex de Lacey reports

Folk Magic • Tim Cumming talks to Emily Portman about her search for magic and modern connections in the folk tales that inform her music

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE • Never miss an issue of Songlines – your essential guide to an incredible world of music. There are five fantastic subscription options to choose from!

Reviews • We review full-length world music, roots and folk albums (not singles or EPs), available on CD, digital or vinyl. Please note we only accept digital submissions. Email details of albums to reviews@songlines.co.uk for consideration

Africa REVIEWS

Americas REVIEWS

THE MUSIC OF LATIN AMERICA

Europe REVIEWS

Middle East REVIEWS

Pacific...