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

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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

THE SOURCE • Views, news and events from around the world

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Lviv Forever • Len Liggins, lead singer and fiddle player for The Ukrainians, shares photos and reminiscences from the band’s 40-year career

COLECTIVA • Erin Cobby finds out how jazz liberation paved the way for a new ensemble to express communal feminine rage

Fela Gets His Flowers • After more than 10 years of trying, Ian Brennan’s evangelism has finally paid off as Fela Kuti is set to get his dues at the Grammys

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines team are currently listening to…

ADELAIDE WALKOUT

Wind Music • Chris Wheatley explores the imprint’s eclectic catalogue of Buddhist rituals, native rock and nature recordings

Essential Records

Sabine McCalla • Emily Stabell speaks to a singer whose long-awaited debut takes inspiration from New Orleans, Haiti, Brazil and US folk traditions

The 4 Corners and Centre of Sessa’s Universe • Brazil’s celestial troubadour invites us into the hypnotic records that birthed his psychedelic serenity and moulded his musical cosmos

The Path of Jaliya • Simon Broughton meets kora player Suntou Susso at the London launch of a new album which updates ancient griot traditions for today’s challenges

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton explores the foundations of HrayBery, the band behind one of the most memorable concerts at last year’s WOMEX

Next Issue… • April 2026 (#216) On sale March 6

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

COMPETITIONS

A Conversation with ALISON BROWN & STEVE MARTIN • What happens when a “wild and crazy guy” turned banjo obsessive unites with one of the instrument’s trailblazers? Devon Léger finds out when he speaks to Alison Brown & Steve Martin about their new album, Safe, Sensible and Sane

MEMORY & OBLIVION • Bianca Carrera meets Yasmine Hamdan to discuss an album born from Lebanon’s crises and a journey of reconnection

Mighty Sparrow • Nigel Campbell champions some choice cuts from the rabble-rousing canon of a ‘Calypso King’

SELECT ALBUMS • The Mighty Sparrow’s studio albums provide a deeper dive into his recording depth and breadth

STORM CHASERS

FADO PHONICS • Karina Janø speaks to Slow J and Dino d’Santiago, two Afro-Portuguese artists at the forefront of a new generation breaking down musical and cultural barriers

INSTRUMENTS OF THE WORLD

The Last Ballad of Dardistan • Ishtayaq Rasool travels to Kashmir to meet Yousuf Naseem, a Shina singer preserving oral traditions amid turmoil and displacement

AI:FRIEND or FOE? • Like it or not, AI is here to stay. Our writers take a look at the ethical and legal issues the technology raises, as well as how musicians can use it as a source of creativity. Is it all doom and...