The Malian singer Rokia Koné is known as the Rose of Bamako. In a country known for world class instrumentation and great female vocalists, mainly through recordings and performances from luminaries such as Oumou Sangaré and Fatoumata Diawara, Koné has emerged as one of the most innovative, experimental African singers on the international music scene.Continue reading “Why These Songs From Mali Are Just Right For Our Pandemic Times”
Category Archives: Folk
Why This Book Tells a Singular History of African Music
When Jenny Cathcart travelled to Senegal in 1984 as a member of the BBC TV film crew that produced The Africans, she met with the rising star Youssou N’Dour. It was a fateful meeting which led to her abiding interest in African music and culture. When the term ‘world music’ was coined in London, JennyContinue reading “Why This Book Tells a Singular History of African Music”
This Tunisian Singer Has Just Released Her Lockdown Recordings
It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly ten years since the world watched the events of the Arab Spring unfold. The hope came with the peaceful actions of all those young people who rose up against authoritarian regimes in often successful attempts to secure a brighter, more democratic future. In Tunisia, the singer-songwriter EmelContinue reading “This Tunisian Singer Has Just Released Her Lockdown Recordings”
Ayo talks of musical rebirth, self-reflection and her new album AYO
With four records already under her belt, Nigerian-German singer Ayo is preparing to launch her self-titled fifth album, AYO. The 14-track record will be released 6th October and aims to seamlessly blend folk reggae, pop and hip-hop with soul-infused vibes. “My previous records were me, but this record is all of me,” says Ayo. “It’sContinue reading “Ayo talks of musical rebirth, self-reflection and her new album AYO”
Yuma, the duo showing us what Tunisian folk sounds like
‘It was vital, imperative, natural, instinctive. Perhaps we arrived at a musical universe, or perhaps we created it,’ says Ramy Zoghlemi. He grabs his exuberant beard and funnels down it with one hand, while staring at a little espresso coffee cup on the table. Seated alongside is his collaborator, Sabrine Jenhani. Together, they are Tunisia’sContinue reading “Yuma, the duo showing us what Tunisian folk sounds like”