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

Small resolutions

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

Ashley Hutchings’ Million Dollar Bash • Folk-rock hero and Fairport founder is celebrating his 80th birthday with a different kind of Convention

Once In A Lifetime • Songlines attended Folk Alliance International, the ‘world’s largest folk music gathering’, in Montréal to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and get lost in a hotel-spanning labyrinth of musical moments

Kalthoum of the Nile • Egyptian musicians come together in Paris to celebrate the life of one of the world’s most iconic singers

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Kin’gongolo Kiniata • There is nothing trashy about this potent Congolese group recycling rumba for the ultimate junk jam

TO THE MOON & BACK • Prepare for regular instalments from one of the world’s visionary documenters of music

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines editorial team are currently listening to…

The Price is Right • Scottish fiddler Catriona Price discusses grand plans to bring international musicians together through her ever-ambitious project

The 4 Corners and Centre of Amayo’s Universe • Amayo, former frontman of Antibalas, has released a solo album honouring traditional Edo customs and his martial arts training. He picks the albums (and film) which led to this moment

Kashmir, India • Kashmir’s beatboxers come together to find harmony and opportunities through the blackouts

Park Jiha • “Life always flows on”, says the Korean musician, considering the self-awareness and gratitude that led to her assured, meditative new album

20 YEARS YOUNG

Arabusta

Essential Records

Beyond Belief • National Folklore Survey for England project launched

SONGLINES READERS’ ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2024

Squaring the Circus • For its debut festival, SQUARE takes artists, delegates and locals on a merry dance across four Portuguese cities

Teddy Osei (1937–2025) • Osibisa founding member and singer

Ekuka Morris Sirikiti (1961–2024) • Famed storyteller and lukeme player

Songlines Encounters Festival 2025

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton talks to Veretski Pass about their new album celebrating archived Ukrainian and Yiddish sounds

Next Issue… • May 2025 (#207) On sale April 11

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

COMPETITIONS

A Conversation with ABEL SELAOCOE • South African cellist Abel Selaocoe tells Emma Rycroft about the origins and inspirations behind his new album, Hymns of Bantu: “I wanted to celebrate all the people at home who really influenced me”, he explains

GOOD GRIEF • Jane Cornwell speaks to wordsmith, sonic alchemist and champion of the disenfranchised Alabaster DePlume about the power of collective healing and facing up to fear during an artistic residency in besieged Palestine

KHMER RAP TIME TO RISE • Alex Robinson visits Cambodia, where a...