Reviews
nomthandazo
Zoë Modiga became a star in South Africa, her birthplace, after appearing on that country’s version of The Voice. She’s...
Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: July/2024
uNomkhubulwane
Nduduzo Makhathini, the South African pianist, composer, healer and philosopher, offers his third Blue Note Records album, uNomkhubulwane. This remarkable...
Reviewed by Hillary Palesa Morusi in issue: July/2024
Svängo Nuevo
Even after 20 years of playing together, the Finnish harmonica quartet Sväng still hold a unique voice in the landscape...
Reviewed by Fiona Talkington in issue: July/2024
Birds
A strange, compelling concept album from a family folk trio from Siberia who are deservedly well-known across Russia. Vedan Kolod...
Reviewed by Robin Denselow in issue: July/2024
Ulyap Songs: Beyond Circassian Tradition
Fans of the traditional sounds of the Northern Caucasus will be familiar with the name of Bulat Khalilov and the...
Reviewed by Kim Burton in issue: April/2024
Alondra
Gao Hong & Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde
Following her award-winning 2023 album with kora-player Kadialy Kouyate, US-based Chinese pipa virtuoso Gao Hong returns with a new duo...
Reviewed by Charlie Cawood in issue: May/2024
Ago
Brought together by Peter Solo of Togolese funk band Vaudou Game, the five members of Nana Benz grew up in...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: October/2023
Digital Indigenous 6: Njondhil Njondhal
Javan gamelan ensembles are usually huge affairs, with ranks of musicians playing gongs and percussion instruments. Indonesian musician and composer...
Reviewed by John Clewley in issue: July/2024
Sankofa
Thandiswa Mazwai burst onto the global music scene as the charismatic frontwoman of Bongo Maffin, pioneers of South African kwaito,...
Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: August/2024
