John Alan Urquhart | World Music Central

The cover of Zagata by Souad Massi features the artist posed front and center against a red background. She wears an elaborate red garment with wide, wing-like shoulders and intricate patterns, paired with traditional jewelry and a detailed headpiece.

Album reviews

Souad Massi’s Latest Explores New Franco-Arabic Blends

Souad Massi – Zagate (Backingtrack Production, 2026) Algerian-born singer-songwriter Souad Massi has never strayed far from her Algerian Chaâbi folk roots, while creatively incorporating Western…

Cristina Branco in an orange jacket pulls the collar toward her face, meeting the camera. Behind her, a wall layered with graffiti. White lettering at the side announces the album title.

Album reviews

Disobedience Required: A Review of Cristina Branco’s Mulheres de Abril

John Alan Urquhart December 9, 2025 No Comments Cristina Branco fado Mulheres de Abril Portuguese music world music

Cristina Branco – Mulheres de Abril (Locomotiva Azul, 2025) For over thirty years, Cristina Branco has been reinterpreting fado, Portugal’s national music, for an ever-increasing…