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

Companions in crisis

TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – our curated selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe

The Ambassador of Persian Flamenco • With her new show, debuting in Toronto, Farnaz Ohadi has found the perfect showcase for her exploration of flamenco’s Persian roots

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Moonchild • Lisa O’Neill shines in her orchestral debut at Dublin’s National Concert Hall in November

Lexicons of Love • Corsica hosts the song contest dedicated to Europe’s lesser-known languages

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines editorial team are currently listening to…

Emily Wurramara • On her latest album the rising Anindilyakwa star channels trauma, ancestral knowledge and togetherness. “It’s a community-driven record”, she declares

The 4 Corners and Centre of Julie Fowlis’ Universe • The Scottish singer picks the albums that have stayed with her through pivotal moments of her life. “I keep coming back to ones that have a Gaelic heartbeat to them”, she confesses

Uganda, Kampala • At the heart of Uganda’s vibrant, innovative and optimistic music scene, ‘Africa’s largest music festival’ Nyege Nyege continues to surprise and delight

Q&A PATRICK BEBEY • Cameroonian musician with a penchant for groovy Afro-jazz

OMIRI

Portugal • Floor-filling, research-heavy live shows and female-inclusive Creole rap from two of the hottest properties in Portugal right now

folk ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL®

1000HZ Records

2025: THE GREAT FESTIVAL HIATUS?

Damahi • “We take a free-spirited approach”, explain the band popularising the music of southern Iran

Happy Valley • Zamane Festival in Morocco’s Draa valley features a weekend of dromedaries, discussion and sizzling desert rock

Zakir Hussain (1951 – 2024) • Tabla maestro and global fusion trailblazer

And farewell to…

Tributes to Zakir Hussain • The death of Zakir Hussain, known by some as Zakir Bhai (Brother Zakir) and Ustad Zakir or Zakir Ji, to show respect, has led to no shortage of testimonials from musicians all over the world. Here’s just a selection of those wanting to show their appreciation for a one-of-a-kind musician:

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton talks to Einar Selvik of Wardruna about the group’s new album, all centred around a she-bear

Next Issue… • April 2025 (#206) On sale March 7

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

COMPETITIONS

A Conversation with SAM LEE • Russ Slater Johnson speaks to the English singer and climate activist about campfire singalongs, collecting folk songs in unexpected places and how nature is at the heart of everything he does

WHAT CAN MUSICIANS AND MUSIC LOVERS DO DURING A CLIMATE CRISIS? • With the earth passing 1.5 degrees celsius of heating in 2024, and recent natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, we asked artists and researchers how to play and enjoy music while respecting and helping the planet

MUSIC DECLARES...