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

Ringing the changes

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

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

The Forgotten Choir • A new production finds moving modern-day parallels by looking at the unlikely journey of a South African choir to the UK in the 19th Century

Radical Spinsters • The renegade feminist label that knows no bounds

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

IT’S HAPPENING

PIRATE’S CHOICE • The Songlines team are currently enjoying…

Grammy Gongs • Elation and astonishment in equal measure at this year’s awards

Mputu ‘Mi Amor’ Ebondo (1950-2023) • The ‘President’ of Kasai Allstars as remembered by his bandmate and label boss

Stella Chiweshe (1946-2023) • Pioneering female mbira player and champion of Shona tradition

SONGLiNES ENCOUNTERS FESTiVAL

Shovel Dance Collective • The forward-thinking ensemble speak to Sophie Parkes about audio adventures with Mother Thames and giving voice to the marginalised

Su-a Lee • The cello-playing staple of Scotland’s folk and chamber scenes speaks to Nathaniel Handy about her duet-laden debut album

SPOTLIGHT Lisa O’Neill • The acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter verses Alexandra Petropoulos in the celestial poetry of her latest album

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton explores The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels and reflects on its honest confrontation of colonialism

Next Issue… • May 2023 (#187) On sale April 7

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

Remembering ALI • We speak to musicians and friends of Mali’s beloved musical maverick Ali Farka Touré whose legacy shows no signs of stopping, with a new album set to add to the legend

OUMOU SANGARÉ

NICK GOLD

VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ

A TIMELINE OF ALI

LUCY DURÁN

DEREK GRIPPER

ANDY KERSHAW

Blackletter & Broadsides • Julian May speaks to Hack-Poets Guild, a trio bringing centuries-old tales of murder, scandal and moral outrage back to life with the help of AutoTune, a hemp thrasher and no lack of ingenuity

BEING BAABA • Seven years since his last album, Baaba Maal has remained busy – lending his voice to Hollywood, working with countless foundations and acting as an elder for his Senegalese community. He speaks to Jane Cornwell about his new release and staying true to his roots

BAABA’S PATH TO BEING

GWO KA MASTER • Philip Sweeney speaks to Guadeloupe’s elusive Moise Polobi about a new album that takes his homespun gwo ka traditions out of the rainforest and deep into the cosmos

Adventures in Aboriginal Taiwan • Simon Broughton travels to Taiwan to speak to the Indigenous musicians giving renewed meaning to centuries-old traditions

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

Bantu Spaceship

Africa...