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

Throw down your heart

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

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

Feel the Tremor • Erin Cobby heads to a festival in the Azores for a weekend of global sounds and finds herself part of a community championing inclusivity, creativity and open-air commmunions

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

IT’S HAPPENING

IN HARMONY • Currently on the Songlines stereo…

Birdvox • Flight, fun and food for thought. Jo Frost talks with the nature-loving, socially conscious Scottish supergroup about clubland and cicadas

Latina Power • Erin Cobby watches four of London’s finest Latina singers come together for a show that’s all about celebration, solidarity and creating a Latin-London scene free of ego

The 4 Corners and Centre of Raghu Dixit’s Universe • The Indian folk-rocker is back and in ebullient form picking out a truly global selection of albums that have left a deep imprint on his psyche

Throwing Down that Cuban Funk • In its second edition, Cimafunk’s CimaFest has proven itself as a Havana-style New Orleans throwdown connecting clave across borders. Catalina Maria Johnson reports…

Fiesta Time • Since forming in 2021, New Regency Orchestra have ignited Latin big band fever in London. With a debut album now out, Izzy Felton speaks to the group’s founder Lex Blondin

Ars Nova Napoli • With the districts of Naples full of tourists, one of the city’s emblematic bands has moved onto the world stage where their streetwise Neapolitan soul remains resolutely intact, as Simon Broughton discovers

SPOTLIGHT Hermanos Gutiérrez • The genial guitar interplay of these Swiss-Ecuadorian brothers has earned them a growing fanbase fascinated by their ‘cosmic sound.’ With their new album, they’ve “elevated the experience,” discovers Silvia Rothlisberger

SIMON SAYS… • Neither church nor opera house, Simon Broughton visits a very special music venue and recording studio in Naples

Next Issue…

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

COMPETITIONS

OBITUARIES

NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE • After announcing his retirement in 2018, Malian singer and musician Salif Keita has slowly returned to the spotlight following a series of shows last year. Now, he’s making the comeback official with an extraordinary new album. Robin Denselow finds out why Africa’s ‘Golden Voice’ just couldn’t keep away

THE QUEENS ARE COMING • You’d think being the daughter and granddaughter of one of Tanzania’s most beloved musicians would make things easier, but The Zawose Queens have had to fight gender discrimination in order to release their own music. “We are part of the evolution,” they tell Nigel Williamson

NEW FAITH HEALERS • The Joy started their a capella singing in a small classroom in rural South Africa; now they’re set to release their eponymous full-length album. “You can hear how we poured our hearts into the songs,” they tell Emma Rycroft

DAKAR FUTURE • Def...