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

It began with Africa

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

Cumbia Beck-ons • Mexican Institute of Sound and Meridian Brothers tell Charis McGowan about their Beck-featuring ode to 70s Mexican cumbia, Ruido Tovar

Reach for the Skies • Harmonica-and-percussion duo Stevens & Pound tell Julian May about their distinctive take on the English classicism of Holst and VaughanWilliams

American Dreaming • Lucia Gadau meets Rostam to learn how the former Vampire Weekend man is leaning into his Iranian heritage

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

The 4 Corners and Centre of Ibrahim Maalouf’s Universe • A cultured talent straddling the worlds of Arabic, classical and jazz, the French-Lebanese trumpeter picks out the albums that shaped his life and sound

A Festival of Tomorrows • As she takes the reins at Morgenland Festival, Shabnam Parvaresh discusses migration, identity and music as cultural diplomacy with Jo Frost

Maryam Saleh • The Egyptian singersong-writer shifts her focus from politics to love’s vulnerabilities on her long-awaited new album, hears Bianca Carrera

The Azores, Portugal • Charis McGowan visits the Azores for a festival built on collaboration, social inclusion and unexpected musical results

Manchester Folk Festival • Kevin Bourke visits an urban folk fest where Catalan party bands, Australian charisma and homegrown talent prove folk music thrives in the heart of the city

Bobo & Behaja • Lucia Gadau meets Maxime Bobo, the free-jazz-loving French saxophonist who, with Malagasy guitarist Behaja, is carrying Madagascar’s ceremonial tsapiky music to the world

SOUNDCHECK • Songlines are currently listening to…

IN BRIEF

Babani Records • Chris Wheatley explores how a childhood prescription inspired Avneesh Bacha to found a label dedicated to preserving and innovating music from Mauritius

Divine Rights • “It’s our duty as artists to show the light and the shade of the world.” Lucia Gadau speaks to composer and sitarist BISHI, whose score for Maya: The Birth of a Superhero reframes menstrual taboo

Andy Kershaw (1959–2026) • Broadcaster and DJ

Asha Bhosle (1933–2026) • Bollywood’s global ambassador

Moya Brennan (1952–2026) • Voice of Clannad

SIMON SAYS… • In Hungary, Simon Broughton encounters a new instrument combining woodwind acoustics with fridge magnet technology

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

COMPETITIONS

A Conversation with FATOUMATA DIAWARA • Kayleigh Watson hears how the Malian musician has maintained strength and positivity throughout her 15 years in music, celebrating her homeland while never being afraid to speak out against injustice

FREEDOM OVER FORMULA • Mary Chiney charts the rise of Alté, the Lagos-born movement that turned away from Afrobeats’ arena-ready polish to make room for interiority, atmosphere and a generation that refused...