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

First choice folkie

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

WHAT’S NEW • Views, news and events from around the world

OBITUARIES

SONGLINES ENCOUNTERS FESTIVAL

INTRODUCING

THE MUSIC OF LATIN AMERICA

Ensemble Al-Kindi • Simon Broughton catches up with the Sufi ensemble returning to the stage after losing their leader and undergoing exile

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton travels to Istanbul for the celebration of one of the country’s finest folk musicians

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

ALLIANCE EXPRESS • Fatoumata Diawara adds collaboration to the mix on an album of reconciliation and largesse. “It’s time for me to invite you… into my world,” she tells Lucy Hallam

HERAT IN THE HEART • With the Taliban’s return to power once more outlawing music in Afghanistan, Simon Broughton speaks to the musicians exiled in Iran who are continuing the country’s traditions

VICTORY DANCE • From war-torn Angola to the ‘northern lights’ of TrømsoWorld Festival, Pongo tells Jane Cornwell, “I have come a very long way”

BUENOS AIRES BOMBA • Rooted in Afro- and Indigenous-American rhythms, La Bomba de Tiempo’s percussion-heavy parties have become an emblem of 21st-century Buenos Aires. Juan José Relmucao speaks to the ensemble

Dream GETTER • Having immersed herself in music and performance from childhood, Brigid Mae Power reflects on the difficulties and wonders of the career that chose her with Sophie Parkes

JIVE POWER • In the late 80s Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens arrived in the UK. The shows they played have since become legend. Nigel Williamson tells their story… and speaks to the last remaining Queen

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

AmericasREVIEWS

LATIN REISSUES

NORDIC

Europe REVIEWS

Asia REVIEWS

Pacific REVIEWS

Middle East REVIEWS

EGYPT ROUNDUP

Fusion REVIEWS

Classical & Jazz REVIEWS • The editors of our sister music magazines, Gramophone and Jazzwise, recommend some of their favourite new recordings

Live REVIEWS

Michael League • Michael League details his ever-broadening projects and curiosity to keep learning. “You’re… expanding your mind,” he tells Alexandra Petropoulos

Shirley Collins • Shirley Collins continues to make music filled with love, loss, hope and the determination to keep singing, as Tim Cumming finds out

Edinburgh International Festival • Less formality and greater flexibility are the...