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

Six strings down

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

Return of the Vanishing Man • Manu Chao makes a triumphant London comeback with a manic acoustic performance at Brixton 02 Academy

On the Right Track • Global musicians unite at London’s Grand Junction on October 3 for a night of impromptu artistic alliances

It’s A Mangrove World • Acclaimed British-Egyptian academic Dr Hannah Elsisi discusses an ambitious new project surveying the sonic and sensory rituals surrounding African migration

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

ganavya • Erin Cobby speaks to the singer and multiinstrumentalist influenced by ancient Hindu fables, community spirit and the philosophy of Alice Coltrane

NEWS BITES

Let the Festivities Commence! • Catalina Maria Johnson visits festivals in the US and Canada bringing global and ancestral music to a new audience

The 4 Corners and Centre of Pratibha Singh Baghel’s Universe • The Indian ghazal and Bollywood singer picks out the albums that taught her how to sing and the collaborations that have left an indelible impact

MOMO. • The nomadic Brazilian has taken inspiration from his daughter and current headquarters in London to make the most percussive album of his career. “I privileged the spontaneity of the grooves,” he tells Mark Sampson

RIDE ON • Currently on the Songlines stereo…

O Brother • A new multimedia project explores the traditions and music of the monastic residents of Mount Athos in Greece, where little has changed over centuries

IT’S HAPPENING

Muireann Bradley • Paul Slade speaks to a young Irish guitarist infatuated with Reverend Gary Davis, Elizabeth Cotten and John Fahey whose debut album was one of the sleeper hits of 2023

Raymi Willka Saldaña Rojas (2010-2024) • Hugely talented multi-instrumentalist

And farewell to…

Music, Migration and Me • The debut solo album by Alex E Chávez explores family tragedies, unsung Mexican music and migrant identity to marry the personal and political, the emotional and the erudite

SPOTLIGHT Warsaw Street Music • The traditional street music of Warsaw is undergoing a revival. Mateusz Dobrowolski takes us on a tour of Poland’s capital, looking back at the events and iconic figures that shaped the popular music of this ‘phoenix city’

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton recounts the joy of hearing two different versions of the sarangi played together at this year’s Jodhpur RIFF festival

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

COMPETITIONS

A Conversation with CHRISTY MOORE • Emma Rycroft speaks to one of Ireland’s most influential folk singers, Christy Moore, about protest songs, family and why he still loves performing

PRIDE OF PLACE • After the pandemic forced Seckou Keita to think about concepts of home, he responded with his most adventurous album to date, a paean to his mother country, recorded with a stellar...