Features
My Instrument: Noor Bakhsh and his benju
Chris Menist speaks to the Pakistani master of the keyboard-fitted zither, which holds a central role in the music of Balochistan
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Features
Video premiere: ‘Hada Jil’ by Aziza Brahim
The Saharawi singer moves into electronic sounds with her new video set in the desert
News
Terakaft’s Book of Blues
Touareg rockers release new 7” with accompanying tome documenting their inscrutable exploits
Features
“Our island knows the ocean is not the same as before” | The Return of Small Island Big Song
Jane Cornwell speaks with Tim Cole and BaoBao Chen, the producers of the Indo-Pacific collective Small Island Big Song, about their second project, which focuses on our troublesome relationship with nature. Illustrations: Jenn Da Costa
Features
Sarāb: “We try to find harmony and balance in the songs, and between us as human beings”
Megan Iacobini de Fazio meets the France-based collective Sarāb – uniting Middle Eastern traditions with contemporary jazz, climate activism and intense live shows
News
Double Vision
Eurovision is one of a number of events targeted by boycotts and accused of double standards as a result of its decision to allow Israel’s participation
Features
“Beethoven passed away 250 years ago, but the music I’m playing is way older than that” | Toumani Diabaté on his album with the London Symphony Orchestra
The pre-eminent Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté talks to Simon Broughton about his special one-off collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra
The Rough Guide to World Music
The Music of Afghanistan: A Rough Guide
Despite continued fighting, there is new musical life in Afghanistan and new interest abroad. Simon Broughton and Veronica Doubleday report
A Beginner's Guide
Master Musicians of Jajouka: A Beginner's Guide
Tim Cumming delves into the history and mystical appeal of the Moroccan musicians from Jajouka
Features
Songhoy Blues: “[We] like to make people dance… but our social concerns are the reason for the music”
From their discovery in Bamako by Damon Albarn’s Africa Express in 2013 to the global release of their latest stripped-back album in 2025, Robin Denselow traces Songhoy Blues’ journey through exile, resistance and optimism
Features
Introducing... Balimaya Project
The 16-piece are reclaiming Mande tradition and helping to educate their communities. Jane Cornwell catches up with bandleader Yahael Camara Onono
Artists
Mulatu Astatke
The musician and composer Mulatu Astatke is often described at the 'Father of Ethio-jazz,’ is an influential star of Ethiopia's musical golden age
News
Exclusive bonus CD of music from Switzerland
Discover the latest musical talent coming from Switzerland on an exclusive bonus CD, compiled by artlink, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and FONDATION SUISA and free with the December issue of Songlines (#163)
Features
Quickfire: James BKS
Hyping favourite hip-hop releases and musical heroes with the French-Cameroonian producer and son of Manu Dibango
Features
Roots Round-Up (Willie Nelson, Ruthie Foster, Joel Wood and more)
Essential Roots releases from the US and Canada, featuring Ruthie Foster, Noeline Hoffman, Willie Nelson, George Jackson & Brad Kolodner and Joel Wood
