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# World Music Central

Your Connection to traditional and contemporary World Music, including folk, roots, global music, ethno and crosscultural fusions

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Western classical Encounters with North Indian classical music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/western-classical-encounters-with-north-indian-classical-music/) - Spruce Ritual with Lucian Kano Balmer - Spruce Ritual: The Way The Evening Speaks (Ansonica Records, 2023) Spruce Ritual, in collaboration with Lucian Kano Balmer, presents their highly anticipated debut album titled "Spruce Ritual: The Way The Evening Speaks," which artfully and beautifully navigates the realms of western classical and North Indian classical music. Anchored
- [Artist Profiles: Bela Fleck](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-bela-fleck/) - Bela Fleck is often considered the leading banjo player in the world. He was born on July 10, 1958, and raised in New York City. Named after composer Bela Bartok, Bela picked up the banjo at age 15 after being fascinated by the bluegrass playing of Flatt & Scruggs. He began experimenting with playing bebop
- [Artist Profiles: Luar Na Lubre](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-luar-na-lubre/) - Luar Na Lubre was founded by multi-instrumentalist Bieito Romero (bagpipes, tin Whistle, punteiro, diatonic accordion; guitarist Daniel Cerqueiro; percussionist Xulio Varela; bassist and mandolinist Roberto Douro; and piper and percussionist Xan Cerqueiro. Although the ensemble has had various lineup changes, it is one of the longest-lasting Galician folk groups in the past decades. Most of
- [José María Bandera: The Maestro of Flamenco Guitar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jose-maria-bandera-the-maestro-of-flamenco-guitar/) - Hailing from the vibrant southern city of Algeciras, Cádiz (Spain), José María Bandera Sánchez, an exceptional guitarist, has cemented his place as a flamenco guitar virtuoso. Born in 1960 into a lineage of flamenco artists, he began his musical journey at a tender age of ten, guided by the expert hands of his grandfather, Antonio
- [Adam Semijalac's "Ode Dite": An Exploration of Folklore and Intergenerational Trauma](https://worldmusiccentral.org/adam-semijalacs-ode-dite-an-exploration-of-folklore-and-intergenerational-trauma/) - Adam Semijalac - Ode dite (self-release, 2023) Adam Semijalac, a seasoned Croatian musician, unveils his latest album, Ode Dite, which illustrates his desire to experiment with traditional instruments unfamiliar to his repertoire. Drawing inspiration from the raw essence of dangubica (small Serbian and Croatian stringed instrument with two single or double strings) and bugarija (guitar-sized
- [North Carolina Bluegrass Band, Balsam Range](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-balsam-range/) - Balsam Range is a bluegrass and acoustic music group founded in 2007 in Haywood, western North Carolina, where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge, the Great Balsam Range. The five original members are all acoustic musicians and singers from western North Carolina. The Balsam Range lineup in 2021 included Buddy Melton on fiddle,
- [Oghlan Bhakhsi's Musical Expedition Across the Vast Central Asian Steppes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oghlan-bhakhsis-musical-expedition-across-the-vast-central-asian-steppes/) - Oghlan Bhakhsi - Journey Across The Steppes (Felmay Records, 2023) "Journey Across the Steppes" presents a collection of mesmerizing Turkmen traditional melodies and instrumental compositions, exquisitely performed by Turkmen bagşy (bard) and dutar (lute) virtuoso, Oghlan Bakhshi (Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad). Born in 1993 within the Turkmen region of Iran, this young maestro embarked upon
- [Beatriz Aguiar Intertwines Latin American music with Her Ancestral roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/beatriz-aguiar-intertwines-latin-american-music-with-her-ancestral-roots/) - Beatriz Aguiar - Enrique Firpi – Leon Mennen - Ultramar (2023) "Ultramar," the latest offering from captivating singer-songwriter Beatriz Aguiar, establishes a compelling connection between her fascination for contemporary Latin American music and her ancestral roots. The focal point of her artistic endeavors lies in the Mediterranean and Northern Spain, regions that witnessed a significant
- [Nusantara Beat, Modern Grooves Rooted in Indonesian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nusantara-beat-modern-grooves-rooted-in-indonesian-music/) - Nusantara Beat - Djanger / Borondong Garing (Les Disques Bongo Joe, 2023) Nusantara Beat, an Amsterdam-based sextet, performs invigorating and contemporary music rooted in Indonesian traditions. The group delivers a mix of pop beats, tropical and enigmatic harmonies that transports the audience on an expedition to the ancestral homeland. "Djanger" exemplifies this artistic vision by
- [Elida Almeida Shares her new music video "Kaminhu Lonji"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elida-almeida-shares-her-new-music-video-kaminhu-lonji/) - Elida Almeida just dropped her latest music video, "Kaminhu Lonji." The track is part of her album "Di Lonji," which hit the shelves on January 27, 2023, courtesy of Lusafrica. "Kaminhu Lonji" highlights Elida's roots, not just her geographical origin, but also the distances she's overcome in Cape Verde. It's a captivating journey from where
- [Maria Ángeles González Winner of the Flamenco Singing Talent Contest 'Naranjito de Triana' 2023](https://worldmusiccentral.org/maria-angeles-gonzalez-winner-of-the-flamenco-singing-talent-contest-naranjito-de-triana-2023/) - Maria Ángeles González has won the first prize in the 'Naranjito de Triana' Flamenco Singing Talent Contest 2023, organized by the Cristina Heeren Foundation for Flamenco Art, with the collaboration of Acciona and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía, and the Joly Group. After the pre-selection of all the
- [Concert by Antonio Reyes and Josemi Carmona at the Círculo Flamenco in Madrid - June 22, 2023](https://worldmusiccentral.org/concert-by-antonio-reyes-and-josemi-carmona-at-the-circulo-flamenco-in-madrid-june-22-2023/) - This coming Thursday, June 22, the tenth season of the Círculo Flamenco de Madrid will end with a concert starring Antonio Reyes and Josemi Carmona, a special event in which both flamenco artists will collaborate for the first time on stage. The show will begin at 10:30 p.m. at the Teatro Flamenco Madrid (Teatro Alfil),
- [Cape Verdean Vocalist, Elida Almeida](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cape-verdean-vocalist-elida-almeida/) - Elida Almeida, a talented singer from Cape Verde, was born in 1993. She hails from Pedra Badejo, a town located in the eastern part of Santiago Island. Growing up in the mountains of Santiago, Elida faced various challenges during her childhood. It was not an easy ride for her, as she lived in a place
- [Tri Nguyen to Release New album "Duos - Alone"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tri-nguyen-to-release-new-album-duos-alone/) - Tri Nguyen's forthcoming album, titled "Duos - Alone," scheduled for release under the Naxos World label in August 2023, represents an intensely personal and introspective endeavor for the accomplished artist. This recording serves as a heartfelt homage to his departed mother, delving deep into Tri's innermost ruminations on life, family, cultural heritage, the significance of
- [Inna De Yard's 'Family Affair': A Comeback for Acoustic Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/inna-de-yards-family-affair-a-comeback-for-acoustic-reggae/) - Inna De Yard - Family Affair (Chapter Two Records / Wagram, 2023) After a 4-year hiatus, the highly regarded reggae project known as Inna De Yard makes a comeback with their latest offering, "Family Affair." Scheduled for release on June 2nd, this album once again presents a heartfelt compilation of unplugged classics that have become
- [Algeria's Amazigh Freedom Rock 1973-1983](https://worldmusiccentral.org/algerias-amazigh-freedom-rock-1973-1983/) - Les Abranis - Amazigh Freedom Rock 1973-1983 (Bongo Joe Records, 2023) Bongo Joe Records delves once again into the realm of Kabyl rock with Les Abranis, an Algerian band that emerged as pioneers in the fusion of traditional Berber music and Western rock, folk, disco, and funk. The band proudly celebrated their Kabyl heritage, carving
- [Gyjak Master Abdolghaffar Geldinejad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gyjak-master-abdolghaffar-geldinejad/) - Abdolghaffar Geldinejad, an accomplished maestro of the gyjak (spike fiddle), was born in 1957 in Gonbad-e Kavous, a city situated in the Turkmen Sahra region of northeastern Iran. Immersed in the realm of Turkmen music, Geldinejad acquired his profound knowledge under the tutelage of masters Arazmohammad Kalte and Nazarli Mahjubi within the Iranian territory. However,
- [Oghlan Bakhshi: A Maestro of Turkmen Traditional Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oghlan-bakhshi-a-maestro-of-turkmen-traditional-music/) - Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad, hailing from the Turkmen region of Iran, embodies the remarkable talent and passion that has propelled him to the forefront of the Turkmen music world. Born in 1993, he began his musical journey under the tutelage of his father, the gyjak (spike fiddle) master Abdolghaffar Geldinejad, who imparted the profound knowledge
- [Acclaimed East African Vocalist Yanna Momina Dies at 76](https://worldmusiccentral.org/acclaimed-east-african-vocalist-yanna-momina-dies-at-76/) - Producer Ian Brenan reported the passing of Yanna Momina, a leading artist from the northeast African nation of Jibuti (Djibouti), on Sunday, June 18th. Brenan said: "Yanna Momina Abass 1947-2023. We are saddened to announce the death of Yanna Momina at age 76. Momina had been scheduled to perform at this year's WOMAD Festival, but
- [Enchanting and Timeless: Amelia Hogan Soars with 'Taking Flight'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/enchanting-and-timeless-amelia-hogan-soars-with-taking-flight/) - Amelia Hogan - Taking Flight (self-release, 2022) American vocalist Amelia Hogan performs beautiful traditional folk music from Ireland, Scotland, Britain, United States, and contemporary styles as well. On her album "Taking Flight," Hogan uses her admirable vocal skill to deliver captivating storytelling. The album consists of 16 Celtic music flavored tracks, including one original composition,
- [Artist Profiles: The Quebe Sisters](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-the-quebe-sisters/) - Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe grew up in North Texas. Although they initially studied classical violin, in 1998 the sisters changed to western fiddle when they visited the North Texas State Fair in Denton, Texas. There, they first listened to Texas-style fiddling. Later, they met Joey and Sherry McKenzie, national fiddle champions and organizers of
- [Introducing the Inaugural Selection of Showcase Artists for WOMEX 2023](https://worldmusiccentral.org/introducing-the-inaugural-selection-of-showcase-artists-for-womex-2023/) - WOMEX, the preeminent international exhibition event for world music, has disclosed the initial roster of Jury-selected Showcase artists who will captivate audiences during the 29th installment of this grand affair. From the 25th to the 29th of October 2023, A Coruña, Spain will pulsate with a symphony of diverse sounds, rhythms, and cultures, as musicians
- [Elshan Ghasimi: Mastering Tradition and Innovation in Persian Classical Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elshan-ghasimi-mastering-tradition-and-innovation-in-persian-classical-music/) - Elshan Ghasimi, born 1981 in Isfahan, Iran is a master of the tar, a long-necked Iranian lute instrument, and of Persian classical art music, as well as a composer, performance artist and educator. She works in meeting spaces of tradition and modernity, West and East, music and other art forms. Language, music, physicality and dramatic
- [The Spirited Sound of Mali's Bamba Wassoulou Groove](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-spirited-sound-of-malis-bamba-wassoulou-groove/) - Bamba Wassoulou Groove, an ensemble that emerged in 2012 in Bamako, Mali, represents a fervent endeavor by Bamba Dembelé, a co-founder of the iconic Super Djata Band, to rejuvenate the sonic essence of this legendary group from the 1970s and early 1980s. Demonstrating his skill as a conga player, Bamba Dembelé rallied a cohort of
- [The Barmer Boys, Torchbearers of the Manganiyar Traditions](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-barmer-boys-torchbearers-of-the-manganiyar-traditions/) - The Barmer Boys, a trio of musicians, stand as the torchbearers of an ancient musical lineage, dutifully preserving and propagating the time-honored traditions of the Manganiyars. Renowned as purveyors of Rajasthani folk and Sufi music on the global stage, their performances exude a remarkable blend of versatility, characterized by an effervescent energy that infuses each
- [Oye Mujer from Ladama](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oyer-mujer-from-ladama/) - Ladama - Oye Mujer (Six Degrees, 2020) Ladama, the musical collective featuring women from South American and the United States, has released this new album titled Oye Mujer (hey woman). The group combines catchy pop, funk, rock, cumbia and Latin American rhythms with lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese and English. From a world music perspective, the
- [Traditional Roots, Contemporary Vision: Pedro Ricardo and Damián Botigue Release Their Debut LP 'Un Nuevo Amanecer'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/traditional-roots-contemporary-vision-pedro-ricardo-and-damian-botigue-release-their-debut-lp-un-nuevo-amanecer/) - Pedro Ricardo & Damián Botigue - Un Nuevo Amanecer (Canela En Surco, 2023) Pedro Ricardo and Damián Botigue, in their collaborative debut LP titled "Un Nuevo Amanecer" (A New Dawn), present a remarkable mix of musical talents. Pedro Ricardo joins forces with Damián Botigue, a skilled maestro in candombe broken beat, to craft a captivating
- [Iconic Blues Album Returns: Johnny Winter's 'Guitar Slinger' to be Reissued by Alligator Records](https://worldmusiccentral.org/iconic-blues-album-returns-johnny-winters-guitar-slinger-to-be-reissued-by-alligator-records/) - Alligator Records is set to reissue Johnny Winter's esteemed album, "Guitar Slinger," on Friday, July 21, 2023. Under the meticulous supervision of the original producer, Bruce Iglauer, who is not only the founder but also the president of Alligator Records, the album has undergone a process of remastering. This latest edition of "Guitar Slinger" will
- [The Resurgence of Roy Buchanan's "When A Guitar Plays The Blues"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-resurgence-of-roy-buchanans-when-a-guitar-plays-the-blues/) - On Friday, July 21, 2023, Alligator Records will be reintroducing the timeless recording "When A Guitar Plays The Blues" by Roy Buchanan. This album has undergone a meticulous remastering process, meticulously supervised by Bruce Iglauer, the original producer, as well as the founder and president of Alligator Records. As a testament to its significance, "When
- [Alligator Records to Unveil Reissue of Delbert McClinton's Live From Austin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alligator-records-to-unveil-reissue-of-delbert-mcclintons-live-from-austin/) - On Friday, July 21, 2023, Alligator Records, is set to release a reissue of Delbert McClinton's "Live From Austin." This album, which has undergone meticulous remastering overseen by the original producer, Bruce Iglauer, the founder and president of Alligator Records, will be reintroduced to the public after a hiatus of three decades, making its first
- [Preserving Iran's Rich Cultural Legacy: Rastak's 'Essentials' Compilation Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/preserving-irans-rich-cultural-legacy-rastaks-essentials-compilation-album/) - Rastak - Essentials (Self-release, 2023) Rastak's self-released album, titled "Essentials," presents a carefully curated compilation of ten popular tracks that have been meticulously re-recorded and re-mastered for an enhanced listening experience. Each beautifully-crafted song within this collection weaves a unique narrative deeply rooted in ancient Iranian culture and history. These narratives serve as a powerful
- [The Story of the Diatonic Accordion ](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-story-of-the-diatonic-accordion/) - By Llúcia Ventura. The diatonic accordion (also known as button accordion) belongs to the reed organ family of wind instruments. Its mechanism is very simple. When the buttons or studs are pressed, the air inside the bellows vibrate the reeds, producing the sound. These metal reeds vibrate as air passes through them, and no other elements
- [Blues Medicine by Little Freddie King](https://worldmusiccentral.org/blues-medicine-by-little-freddie-king/) - Little Freddie King – Blues Medicine (MadeWright Records, 2022) Little Freddie King, also known as Dr. Bones, is a revered New Orleans blues musician and Music Maker Foundation artist who has released his most autobiographical album to date, chronicling his journey through life. The engaging "Blues Medicine" album tells the story of his journey from
- [New Concert Series: Train Station Trios: Songs & Stories of the American Railroad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/new-concert-series-train-station-trios-songs-stories-of-the-american-railroad/) - Silkroad unveiled a new concert series, "Train Station Trios: Songs & Stories of the American Railroad," as part of its ongoing initiative led by Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens. This series features local experts and Silkroad artists sharing untold stories through music and storytelling, providing a more complete view of the beginning of the American Empire.
- [De Par En Par, Rooted in Tango Nuevo and Argentine Folk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/de-par-en-par-rooted-in-tango-nuevo-and-argentine-folk/) - Marcela Arroyo – De Par En Par (Double Moon Records, 2021) Marcela Arroyo, a native Argentine, is surrounded by acoustic instruments on her new album "De Par En Par." Arroyo settled in Switzerland over 20 years ago and has released several CDs under her name and with the trio Puerta Sur. She composed most of
- [Mountain Fever Records Announces the arrival of Casey Penn's debut album, "One Step Away"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mountain-fever-records-announces-the-arrival-of-casey-penns-debut-album-one-step-away/) - Casey Penn's debut album, "One Step Away" is a deeply personal album, dedicated to the memory of Casey's father, Chuck Hanes, who was her biggest supporter and lived a life of faith. The album reflects this sentiment in its title, as Casey states, "He was One Step Away from Heaven." Casey's talent shines through on
- [Folkways Records Celebrates 75 Years in 2023 with Concerts, Reissues, and More](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folkways-records-celebrates-75-years-in-2023-with-concerts-reissues-and-more/) - In May 2023, Folkways Records, the iconic American independent label, turned 75. It's been quite a journey for this legendary collection of music and sound, founded by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in New York. Over the years, Folkways has become a treasure trove of thousands of albums, ranging from the roots of American folk
- [A Melting Pot of International Musical Talents: Complete Roster Announced for 2023 Lowell Folk Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-melting-pot-of-international-musical-talents-complete-roster-announced-for-2023-lowell-folk-festival/) - Seven additional musical acts who will be on stage at the 2023 Lowell Folk Festival Friday, July 28th through Sunday, July 30th, were announced this week by Festival organizers. The Folk Arts and Culture festival presents traditional and contemporary world music genres that span the globe, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Louisiana Bayou, Afghanistan
- [Bulgarian Duo Flying Nomads Unveil 'Redwall': A Musical Critique of Unrestrained Materialism](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bulgarian-duo-flying-nomads-unveil-redwall-a-musical-critique-of-unrestrained-materialism/) - Flying Nomads, the Bulgarian Neofolk duo, released "Redwall" recently. With their extensive repertoire and recognition as skilled musicians and storytellers, it comes as no surprise that they have already performed at prestigious events such as Exit Festival and Cosmopolis Festival. Furthermore, their talent has been acknowledged by being selected as a MOST-Balkan Music Export artist
- [Artist Profiles: Simon Beaudry](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-simon-beaudry/) - Guitarist and bouzouki player Simon Beaudry is from Saint-Côme, Québec. Simon grew up surrounded by traditional music. His maternal grandfather is well known in the area for his repertoire of songs, and his paternal grandfather Joseph Beaudry (Tido) is a fiddler. Simon's father sings and plays guitar, and his brother Eric performs with La Bottine
- [The Transfixing Sounds of Gnawa Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gnawa-music/) - Gnawa is a term used to define both a Moroccan music style and a Muslim religious brotherhood that invokes God and many prophets. The patron saint of the Gnawa is Bilal al Habashi, an Ethiopian who was the first African to convert to Islam and Prophet Mohamed's first muezzin (caller to prayer). The Gnawa also
- [Fatoumata Diawara Celebrates Freedom on New Single, “Fala”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fatoumata-diawara-celebrates-freedom-on-new-single-fala/) - Malian singer-guitarist Fatoumata Diawara has released a single named “Fala.” The song's title means “orphan” in Bambara (language of Mali). It is a haunting ballad that addresses those who have been rejected, mocked, or made to feel alone. Through transfixing rhythms and her emotive voice, Fatoumata delivers a message of dignity and resilience. She encourages
- [Guzheng, the Enchanting Ancient Zither of China](https://worldmusiccentral.org/guzheng-the-enchanting-ancient-zither-of-china/) - (headline image: FFYUEEE professional rosewood guzheng, 163Cm) The guzheng (ancient zheng), or simply zheng, is a traditional Chinese zither. This venerable instrument, with its 21–27 strings and distinctive resonant tone, holds a revered place in Chinese music and continues to enchant listeners around the world. Significantly, the guzheng's origins can be traced back over 2,500
- [Artist Profiles: Benson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-benson/) - Benson is a collaborative effort between two leading bluegrass music artists: Wayne and Kristin Scott Benson. With decades of experience in acclaimed bands, both have established themselves as role models in the bluegrass community. After years of developing separate musical paths, the two finally decided it was time to integrate their identities and create something
- [Revival of the Ancient Greek Kithara: How a 2,000-Year-Old Instrument Entered God of War](https://worldmusiccentral.org/revival-of-the-ancient-greek-kithara-how-a-2000-year-old-instrument-entered-god-of-war/) - The sound of adventure video game God of War now includes an instrument that has not been heard for over 2,000 years. When Emmy Award-winning composer Bear McCreary began crafting the music of God of War: Sons of Sparta, authenticity was essential to his approach. That search led to Greece and to the ancient kithara.
- [Artist Profiles: Gao Hong](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-gao-hong/) - Gao Hong was born in 1964 in Luoyang, Henan province, China. She is a renowned composer and Chinese pipa (lute) player. Gao Hong has resided in the United States since 1994. In 2005 Gao Hong became the first traditional musician to be awarded the prestigious Bush Artist Fellowship, and in 2012 she became the only
- [Gao Hong and Zhao Xiaoxia Explore the Depth and Beauty of Chinese String Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gao-hong-and-zhao-xiaoxia-explore-the-depth-and-beauty-of-chinese-string-music/) - Gao Hong and Zhao Xiaoxia - Prelude to the Divine Realm 神遊引 (Naxos World, 2025) Prelude to the Divine Realm is an exceptional collaboration between two of China's most celebrated musicians: pipa master Gao Hong and guqin virtuoso Zhao Xiaoxia. This precious and elegant album revisits some of China's most iconic traditional compositions, such as
- [Zhao Xiaoxia: A Leading Figure in Guqin Preservation and Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/zhao-xiaoxia-a-leading-figure-in-guqin-preservation-and-innovation/) - Zhao Xiaoxia is a prominent figure in the preservation and innovation of the guqin, combining traditional and contemporary approaches to the Chinese zither. She serves as president of the Zixia Guqin Academy, vice president of the International Guqin Society, and executive director of China’s Academy of Guqin Culture. She has also authored Preliminary Examination of
- [Backline Unveils New Single “Reaping the Blues”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/backline-unveils-new-single-reaping-the-blues/) - Backline has released “Reaping the Blues,” a new single about love, loss, and reflection through a contemporary bluegrass approach. The South Carolina band weaves traditional bluegrass elements with modern influences. The lineup includes Katelyn Ingardia on vocals; Jeff Partin on guitar, dobro, and harmony vocals; and Chris Williamson on bass. Backline is known for a
- [Artist Profiles: Blazin' Fiddles](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-blazin-fiddles/) - Take five of the hottest young contemporary fiddle players from the various regions of the highlands and islands of Scotland, and you’ve got Blazin’ Fiddles on your hands. Having grown from a showcase tour of individual fiddlers highlighting the distinctive flavors of Highlands and Islands fiddle music, the Blazers have gone on to become a
- [Deanie Richardson And Kimber Ludiker Honor Howdy Forrester On “Rutland’s Reel”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/deanie-richardson-and-kimber-ludiker-honor-howdy-forrester-on-rutlands-reel/) - Deanie Richardson of Sister Sadie and Kimber Ludiker of Della Mae have released “Rutland’s Reel” (Mountain Home Music Company), a new single for that pays tribute to influential fiddler Howdy Forrester. The track favors a melody-driven approach. At the same time, it highlights the precision and interplay that define the duo’s twin-fiddle work. Richardson and
- [“Música no Forte” Sets Summer 2026 Lineup in Lajes do Pico, Azores](https://worldmusiccentral.org/musica-no-forte-sets-summer-2026-lineup-in-lajes-do-pico-azores/) - The fifth season of Música no Forte will bring artists from Brazil, Spain, and several Azorean islands to the stage at Forte de Santa Catarina in Lajes do Pico. The concerts will take place July 5 to August 9, 2026. MiratecArts artistic director Terry Costa shared that the 2026 program connects Pico, Terceira, Santa Maria,
- [Blanca Paloma Previews Debut Album With Sentaíta en la escalera](https://worldmusiccentral.org/blanca-paloma-previews-debut-album-with-sentaita-en-la-escalera/) - Blanca Paloma has released "Sentaíta en la escalera" (sitting on the stairs), the second preview of her debut album, Trenza mía, due on June 9. Released through the El Tragaluz label, the track continues to define the Spanish artist’s musical style, where flamenco roots meet contemporary sound design. The song begins from an everyday image
- [Bryan Sutton and Kenny Smith Reimagine “Three Star Hornpipe”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bryan-sutton-and-kenny-smith-reimagine-three-star-hornpipe/) - Guitarists Bryan Sutton and Kenny Smith reunite on “Three Star Hornpipe,” the latest duet in Sutton’s From Roots to Branches series. Sutton said he met Smith soon after moving to Nashville, when Smith was already established there and doing work with Gallagher Guitars in Wartrace. A visit about one of Sutton’s guitars soon led to
- [Runas 2026 Opens Competition Call with Expanded Opportunities for Winners](https://worldmusiccentral.org/runas-2026-opens-competition-call-with-expanded-opportunities-for-winners/) - The Festival de Ortigueira has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Runas competition, now in its 27th year. This year, the contest adds a new incentive: the winner of the final will not only perform on the festival’s main stage, but may also join the lineup of the Festival Internacional Sierra Celta, held
- [Purbayan Chatterjee and Mark Lettieri Collaborate on New Single “Soar”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/purbayan-chatterjee-and-mark-lettieri-collaborate-on-new-single-soar/) - Sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee and guitarist Mark Lettieri have released a new single, “Soar.” This piece represents the moment when structure begins to dissolve, and instinct takes over. “Soar” is developed around a rhythmic pulse that feels nearly suspended, constantly lifting and resetting itself. As “Soar” progresses, the rhythm stretches, creating the sensation of gliding, and
- [Artist Profiles: Moya Brennan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-moya-brennan/) - Máire Brennan, better known as Moya Brennan was best known as the lead singer of Clannad, a group largely made up of Brennan family members. Her haunting voice added an ethereal quality to the unique sound that the band developed over two decades, winning them many accolades and awards in the process. Moya started singing
- [Moyses Dos Santos Releases Lead Single “Boa Viagem”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/moyses-dos-santos-releases-lead-single-boa-viagem/) - (headline image: Moyses Dos Dantos — Photo by Brian Cross) Brazilian electric bassist and composer Moyses Dos Santos has released “Boa Viagem” on video. The song appears on Maria, his upcoming debut album. Although he is currently based in London, Moyses reconnects with his Northeastern roots in his new project. At the same time, he
- [Bluegrass Outfit Lonesome River Band Revives a Stringbean Rarity](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bluegrass-outfit-lonesome-river-band-revives-a-stringbean-rarity/) - Lonesome River Band revisits an old comic tune on “Pretty Little Widow.” The song first appeared in 1928 through Gid Tanner and His Skillet Lickers. However, this version traces more directly to Stringbean’s performance of the tune on The Porter Wagoner Show in the 1960s. “Jesse Smathers brought this song to our attention from a
- [Festival Les Suds Unveils New Set of Artist for 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/festival-les-suds-unveils-new-set-of-artist-for-2026/) - French world music gathering Festival Les Suds, à Arles has unveiled a new wave of artists for its 31st edition, set to run from July 13 to July 19, 2026. The event continues to present performers who carry music across borders. The program will once again feature the flagship Soirées Suds at the Théâtre Antique.
- [Tamikrest Keep The Tuareg Connection Live With “Imanin”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tamikrest-keep-the-tuareg-connection-live-with-imanin/) - Tamikrest have released “Imanin,” the second single from their upcoming album, Assikel, due May 15 via Glitterbeat. The Saharan rock group also shared a new video for the track. According to the band, the video serves as “a tribute to refugees and to the ongoing struggle of the Kel Tamasheq people.” For the past two
- [Cherished Indian Star, Vocalist Asha Bhosle Dies at 92](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cherished-indian-star-vocalist-asha-bhosle-dies-at-92/) - Acclaimed Indian singer and actress Asha Bhosle passed away 12 April 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was 92 years old. Asha Bhosle's name was synonymous with two things: Bollywood (also known as filmi, the Indian movie industry) and success. Asha's effect in terms of global cultural reach and influence can not be underestimated. She
- [Inspired by India](https://worldmusiccentral.org/inspired-by-india/) - Autorickshaw is a world fusion band based in Canada. On its latest release, Four Higher, the band displays a wide range of Indian influences. “Saraswati” is an energetic devotional Hindu song by Suba Sankaran, backed by bass voices, electric bass and tabla. Other pieces fall into the category of Indian classical music. There are several
- [The Multifaceted Cello](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-multifaceted-cello/) - The cello, also known as the violoncello, is a musical instrument that belongs to the violin family. It is a bass instrument, meaning it produces low-pitched sounds. The word “cello” is an abbreviation of the Italian word "violoncello." The cello appeared in the 16th century and evolved from the bass viola da gamba. It is
- [The Persian Setar, An Ancient and Influential Long-Necked Lute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-persian-setar-an-ancient-and-influential-long-necked-lute/) - (headline image: professional walnut setar MOS-4) The Persian setar (سه‌تار) occupies a distinctive place in Iranian classical music and in adjacent musical cultures influenced by Persianate history. The term se-tār literally signifies “three strings.” However, the modern Iranian setar is commonly four-stringed. The parts of a setar include a pear-shaped wooden bowl (soundbox) called kase;
- [Bullerengue: History, Instruments, and Variations of an Afro-Colombian Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bullerengue-history-instruments-and-variations-of-an-afro-colombian-tradition/) - Bullerengue is a traditional Afro-Colombian musical genre and dance from Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is notable for its powerful matriarchal legacy. The genre stands out as the only oral musical tradition in the Colombian Caribbean led primarily by elder women. Born in the palenques, autonomous Maroon communities formed by escaped enslaved Africans in the 17th
- [Artist Profiles: Tamikrest](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-tamikrest/) - Tuareg desert blues act Tamikrest was formed in 2006. the band is known as “spiritual sons” of pioneering Tuareg band Tinariwen, characterized by transfixing and intense songs. Tamikrest's debut album was ‘Adagh’ (Glitterhouse Records). The name Tamikrest is Tamashek (Tuareg language) for junction/ connection/ knot/ coalition. The seven founding members of Tamikrest originated from Mali,
- [Dallas String Quartet Puts Romani History Front And Center](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dallas-string-quartet-puts-romani-history-front-and-center/) - Dallas String Quartet has released the official video for “Rhapsody for the Romani,” the closing piece from Romani: The Untold Story. The video was unveiled earlier this month, to celebrate International Romani Day. The work, composed by violist Ion Zanca, is influenced by his Romani heritage and highlights the community’s long-standing influence on western classical
- [All About Flamenco Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/all-about-flamenco/) - An overview of flamenco music, including a list of perfomers.
- [Artist Profiles: Jake Shimabukuro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-jake-shimabukuro/) - Widely recognized as the world’s top ukulele player, Jake Shimabukuro (shee-ma-BOO-koo-roh) is internationally renowned for lightening-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques. He views the ukulele as an “untapped source of music with unlimited potential.” Jake’s virtuosity defies label or category. Playing jazz, blues, funk, classical music, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake’s mission is to
- [Old Hen, New Spin: Steve Martin and Alison Brown Hatch Video With Della Mae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/old-hen-new-spin-steve-martin-and-alison-brown-hatch-video-with-della-mae/) - Steve Martin and Alison Brown have released a new video for “New Cluck Old Hen,” their chart-topping collaboration with Della Mae. Filmed at Brooklyn folk venue Jalopy, the clip supports the single from Martin and Brown’s debut album, Safe, Sensible and Sane, out on Compass Records. The track revisits the traditional Appalachian song “Cluck Old
- [Perfect Weather and Diverse international Flavors at WOMADelaide 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/perfect-weather-and-diverse-international-flavors-at-womadelaide-2026/) - WOMADelaide 2026 March 6-9, Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla, South Australia This year’s long weekend of music, art, and dance was blessed with Idyllic weather in the verdant setting. Traditional and contemporary music styles provided something for everyone. Dotted between seven main stages with roving performers, international flavors at food stalls, kids zone, Planet Talks and
- [Ara Dinkjian and The New York Gypsy All-Stars To Perform in New York City](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ara-dinkjian-and-the-new-york-gypsy-all-stars-to-perform-in-new-york-city/) - Oud maestro Ara Dinkjian and the New York Gypsy All-Stars are set perform at Roulette in New York City on Friday, April 17, 2026. The show will feature compositions by Dinkjian, one of the finest oud players in the world. The pieces combine music of Armenia, the Balkans, and the Middle East with jazz. Dinkjian
- [Home Grown Finally Gets Its Moment After A COVID-19 Pause](https://worldmusiccentral.org/home-grown-finally-gets-its-moment-after-a-covid-19-pause/) - Matt Tighe and Tad Sargent - Home Grown (2025) Fiddler Matt Tighe and multi-instrumentalist Tad Sargent released Home Grown nearly five years after the project first took shape. The Celtic music album features brilliant instrumental skill and lovely instrumental tunes deeply rooted in the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and other traditions. The album was
- [Artist Profiles: Ara Dinkjian](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-ara-dinkjian/) - Ara Dinkjian is an Armenian oud virtuoso born in the United States in 1958. His earliest professional musical experience was accompanying his father Onnik Dinkjian, a renowned Armenian folk and liturgical singer. Ara learned several western and eastern instruments (piano, guitar, darbuka, clarinet) and in 1980 graduated from the Hartt College of Music, earning the
- [Desert Blues Band Tarwa N-Tiniri Weaves Gnawa and Amazigh Music on “Nbina”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/desert-blues-band-tarwa-n-tiniri-weaves-gnawa-and-amazigh-music-on-nbina/) - Moroccan desert blues band Tarwa N-Tiniri has released “Nbina,” a new single and video from its upcoming third album, Zaman (release date: April 17, 2026). The track features Gnawa rhythms and trance-driven melodies tooted in the musical traditions of southeast Morocco. Abdelaziz Boussta, president of the Jdour Gnawa Association for Authentic Art, wrote the song.
- [Spanish Harlem Orchestra Joins Dudamel And New York Philharmonic For Anniversary Concerts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spanish-harlem-orchestra-joins-dudamel-and-new-york-philharmonic-for-anniversary-concerts/) - Spanish Harlem Orchestra will celebrate its 25th anniversary with four concerts alongside Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic from May 6 to May 9, 2026. The program includes a list of twelve selections that bandleader Oscar Hernández shared with Dudamel and his team. It features signature works from the orchestra’s catalog, including “Llegó La
- [The Klezmatics Face The Music With We Were Made For These Times](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-klezmatics-face-the-music-with-we-were-made-for-these-times/) - The Klezmatics have announced “We Were Made For These Times,” the title track from their forthcoming album We Were Made For These Times (April 30 release date). The release arrives ahead of the group’s first album in nearly a decade. The project centers on immigration, exile, and solidarity, and reflects an extended writing period since
- [Songs Carried Across Salt Water: Memory, Exile, And The Quiet Force Of Displaced Dreams](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-carried-across-salt-water-memory-exile-and-the-quiet-force-of-displaced-dreams/) - Michalis Kouloumis — Displaced Dreams (Seyir Muzik, 2025) In Displaced Dreams, Michalis Kouloumis articulates exile as a lived, trembling presence. The album is a precious and beautiful meditation on forced movement, where sound itself seems to migrate restlessly, and with purpose, between Greek, Ottoman, and Western classical traditions. Kouloumis’ violin leads the dazzling conversations with
- [Spain On Stage Connects Spanish Roots Music With Europe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spain-on-stage-connects-spanish-roots-music-with-europe/) - From April 20 to 22, 2026, El Puerto de Santa María and Cádiz will host Spain On Stage, a professional event that aims to connect Spanish roots music with European industry figures. Organized by Monkey Week SON Estrella Galicia and backed by Spain’s Ministry of Culture through the EU-funded NextGenerationEU plan, the program will bring
- [Flushing Town Hall to Present Global Mashup: Brooklyn World Wide East](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flushing-town-hall-to-present-global-mashup-brooklyn-world-wide-east/) - Flushing Town Hall will present Global Mashup: Brooklyn World Wide Comes to Queens on Saturday, April 11, with a double bill led by Guachinangos and Shiva Lakhan. The event, produced with Jalopy Theatre, will bring together Hispanic American and Caribbean traditions in a world music program that features separate sets as well as a collaborative
- [Oud Maestro Sufian Ararah Revisits Memory on “Asdaa”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oud-maestro-sufian-ararah-revisits-memory-on-asdaa/) - Berlin-based Libyan oud player and composer Sufian Ararah has introduced “Asdaa” (أصداء), a new piece for oud and piano created with Andreas F. Staffel. The composition focuses on memory, place, and the echoes of spaces that no longer exist. Moreover, “Asdaa” is influenced by Mediterranean and North African musical traditions, placing them in a contemporary
- [Ana Crismán Revolutionizes Flamenco with Her Harp](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ana-crisman-revolutionizes-flamenco-with-her-harp/) - Ana Crismán Arpa Flamenca — Arpaora (Andalouse Alhambra / InOuïe Distribution, 2026) Spanish harpist Ana Crismán has released her debut album Arpaora internationally in physical format in 2026 on French label Andalouse Alhambra. The artist from Andalusia in southern Spain presents the album as the first flamenco harp recording. Arpaora first appeared in Spain as
- [The Indian Classical Music - Spring Festival in Delhi 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-indian-classical-music-spring-festival-in-delhi-2026/) - The Sunad – Nadam Brahmanandam Sabha in Association with the India International Centre is set to present a grand musical treat by veteran performers. The shows will take place April 9 and 10 at The India International Centre, C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, 40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi 11003. Thursday, 9th April 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- [Lovely Bengali–Mexican Folk Fusion: Donde La Tierra Canta](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lovely-bengali-mexican-folk-fusion-donde-la-tierra-canta/) - Koyel Basu - Donde La Tierra Canta | যেখানে মাটি গান গায় (Where The Earth Sings) (2026) British-Bengali independent artist Koyel Basu has recently released her debut EP, Donde La Tierra Canta | যেখানে মাটি গান গায় (Where The Earth Sings). The project presents beautifully made acoustic world-folk music deeply grounded in Bengali spiritual tradition
- [Moussa T Offers Modern Tuareg Desert Blues on Tartite](https://worldmusiccentral.org/moussa-t-offers-modern-tuareg-desert-blues-on-tartite/) - Moussa T — Tartite (Mixto Records, 2026) With Tartite, rising Tuareg musician Moussa T delivers familiar desert blues closely associated with Tuareg music. At the same time, the album combines regional guitar traditions with modern studio production. The vocals are warm and engaging and Moussa T doesn't hesitate to use electronically processed vocals at times.
- [Ashley Maher’s Music of Hope and Beauty](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ashley-mahers-music-of-hope-and-beauty/) - In the midst of stressful times, why not take a break, relax, sip some tea, and listen to Tree to Tree. This is Ashley Maher’s latest album, released on Spin Wild Records (October 2025). Her warm vocals invite us into this light and playful music. They run alongside a multi-genre mix that moves with ease
- [Almería To Host European Folk Network Conference in 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/almeria-to-host-european-folk-network-conference-in-2026/) - The European Folk Network has announced that its 2026 conference will take place in Almería, Spain, on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, 2026. Fundación Indaliana para la Música y las Artes, known as Clasijazz, will host the two-day event at its venue in the Mediterranean city. The site includes space for plenary sessions,
- [Rising Teenage Guitarist and Singer-Songwriter Asher Brinson Debuts with Bluegrass Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rising-teenage-guitarist-and-singer-songwriter-asher-brinson-debuts-with-bluegrass-stars/) - Asher Brinson — Midnight Hurricane (self-release, 2026) Asher Brinson is a young bluegrass guitarist and singer-songwriter from eastern North Carolina that has attracted a lot of attention. In April 2026, Brinson is releasing his superb debut album, Midnight Hurricane, independently. Despite his youth, Asher Brinson delivers timeless American roots music with the depth and conviction
- [Souad Massi's Zagate Hits No. 1 on April’s Transglobal World Music Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/souad-massis-zagate-hits-no-1-on-aprils-transglobal-world-music-chart/) - Souad Massi has reached No. 1 on the Transglobal World Music Chart for April 2026 with Zagate. The Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter presents a mix of folk, rock, and poetic songwriting with political commentary. Massi collaborates with producer Justin Adams, who also plays guitar on the album. Other guests include Youssoupha on “Congo Connection” and Gaël Faye
- [Songs Of Stolen Children Tops World Music Charts Europe in April 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-of-stolen-children-tops-world-music-charts-europe-in-april-2026/) - Songs Of Stolen Children by Daughters of Donbas has reached No. 1 on the World Music Charts Europe for April 2026. The ensemble features Ukrainian-Canadian singer Marichka, an Amnesty International Award recipient, activist, war journalist, and volunteer combat medic. She travels regularly between Canada and Ukraine as part of the project, which is dedicated to
- [Sami Yusuf Unveils Transfixing Single “Being”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sami-yusuf-unveils-transfixing-single-being/) - British-Azerbaijani composer Sami Yusuf recently released his new album, Ecstasy, on Andante Records. The second single, “Being”, features a cappella vocals by VOCES8 and Yusuf. This song uses a recurring Arabic phrase to create a trance-like, meditative atmosphere. The arrangement focuses on vocal blending to produce a unified sound that emphasizes the theme of interconnectedness.
- [Rafael Carvalho Introduces the viola da terra on A Teia Da Viola](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rafael-carvalho-introduces-the-viola-da-terra-on-a-teia-da-viola/) - Rafael Carvalho - A Teia da Viola (self-release, 2025) Rafael Carvalho's A Teia Da Viola is a delightful 10-track self-released album that celebrates the beautiful viola da terra, the 12-string traditional guitar from the Azores. The album dedicates several pieces to Azorean island life and customs. “Noite De Folgas” points to after-work nights that include
- [Rocío Márquez Takes MIN Indie Award for Best Flamenco Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rocio-marquez-takes-min-indie-award-for-best-flamenco-album/) - (headline image: Rocío Márquez receiving the award at the gala — Photo by Premios MIN, Daniel Vázquez) Rocío Márquez won the 2026 MIN Award (Spain's indie music awards) for Best Flamenco Album for Himno Vertical (2025), her latest release. The singer from Huelva received the honor at the 18th edition of the Premios MIN, organized
- [Bluegrass With Heart: Shelton & Williams Share “Shifting Sand”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bluegrass-with-heart-shelton-williams-share-shifting-sand/) - Shelton & Williams have rolled out “Shifting Sand,” a new bluegrass-rooted single on Huckleberry Records, written by Jay Shelton and Linda Burton. The song is about love, loss, and reflection. At first, it recalls the optimism of young romance. However, the narrative soon turns to disappointment as the couple recognizes that their shared plans rested
- [Africa Oyé Adds Ghorwane, Kobo Town and Awale Jant Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/africa-oye-adds-ghorwane-kobo-town-and-awale-jant-band/) - Africa Oyé has announced another group of artists for its 2026 festival in Liverpool’s Sefton Park, with Ghorwane, Kobo Town and Awale Jant Band joining the lineup. The event will take place on June 20 and 21, 2026, in Sefton Park. The newly confirmed acts join previously announced names including Fatoumata Diawara, Patoranking and Janet
- [Ashby Frank Salutes a Festival Original, “Stokes County Buck Dancing Man”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ashby-frank-salutes-a-festival-original-stokes-county-buck-dancing-man/) - Ashby Frank has returned to traditional bluegrass with “Stokes County Buck Dancing Man,” his new single for Mountain Home Music Company. The release follows his version of Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender.” Frank wrote the song with Mason Via. In a statement, he said the track honors Todd “The Bod” Inman, a well-known figure at fiddlers’
- [Don Partridge, the uncrowned King of the English Buskers](https://worldmusiccentral.org/don-partridge-the-uncrowned-king-of-the-english-buskers/) - (headline image: Photograph by A. Vente or A & F. van Geelen - Don Partridge. Dutch TV program Fenklup, recorded 8 March 1968, broadcast 15 March 1968., CC BY-SA 3.0) WRITER and musician John Phillpott recalls the arrival of the new kids on the block, hip young British men with guitars who set the London
- [Salsa Artist Anthony Almonte Talks to the Moon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/salsa-artist-anthony-almonte-talks-to-the-moon/) - Anthony Almonte has released “Imagínate Conmigo,” a new single featuring Venezuelan singer Ronald Borjas. Almonte’s debut album, Conversando Con La Luna, is scheduled for release May 15 on Wicked Cool Records. The single introduces the album’s mix of salsa, pop, and rock with prominent melodies, detailed percussion, and a clear vocal interplay between the two
- [Spain's Etnosur Festival Reveals First International Acts for 2026 Edition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spains-etnosur-festival-reveals-first-international-acts-for-2026-edition/) - Alcalá la Real (Jaén, southern Spain) will once again become an international meeting point this summer as world music festival Etnosur unveils the first details of its 29th edition. The long-running festival will take place from July 16 to 19, transforming the town’s streets, squares, and venues into a hub for world music, arts, and
- [Liza Lo's "Birdsong," a Gentle Indie-Folk Song About Friendship and Romance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/liza-los-birdsong-a-gentle-indie-folk-song-about-friendship-and-romance/) - (headline image: Liza Lo by Kayla Raquel) British indie-folk artist Liza Lo has released “Birdsong,” a standalone single. The new track was recorded direct to tape with three microphones. It also features fiddle and double bass. Speaking on the single, she shared, Birdsong is “a gentle early morning reminder for the lightness and ease in
- [The Spirited Mountain Music of The Burnett Sisters Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-spirited-mountain-music-of-the-burnett-sisters-band/) - The Burnett Sisters Band — Easy Come, Easy Go (Pinecastle Records, 2026) On Easy Come, Easy Go, the Burnett Sisters Band introduces itself with charming music rooted in Appalachian tradition. Their music is deeply grounded in bluegrass, American folk, and old-time music, although they refuse to be boxed in by category. Instead, these girls play
- [Kavita Shah & Bau Revisit 'Miss Perfumado' In Mindelo Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kavita-shah-bau-revisit-miss-perfumado-in-mindelo-video/) - Kavita Shah has released the video for “Miss Perfumado,” her new single with Bau, the Cape Verdean guitarist who served for years as Cesária Évora’s musical director. The clip was filmed in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente. Edson Silva Delgado, a documentary filmmaker from the area, directed the video through a local lens.
- [Folklore(s) 2026 Wraps with Dance and Percussion](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folklores-2026-wraps-with-dance-and-percussion/) - The Folklore(s) Festival in Madrid will conclude on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with a program centered on movement and shared experience. First, the Escuela de Música Creativa will host a monographic session on traditional dance led by Kike Arias. The workshop will connect dance and percussion through a journey across Iberian traditions, combining listening, body
- [Folklore(s) Festival Takes to Madrid's Streets and Clubs](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folklores-festival-takes-to-madrids-streets-and-clubs/) - The Folklore(s) Festival in Madrid will reach its most comprehensive day on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with a program that extends from workshops to public spaces, reinforcing its focus on participation and shared experience. First, Groupa will lead a monographic session on Nordic folklore, offering insight into its creative approach. The Swedish ensemble will guide
- [Folklore(s) Festival to Present Workshops and Nordic-Iberian intersections](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folklores-festival-to-present-workshops-and-nordic-iberian-intersections/) - The Folklore(s) Festival will continue on Friday, May 29, 2026, with a program that shifts from education to live performance. First, the influential Escuela de Música Creativa will host an open classroom session dedicated to its official Master’s Degree in Iberian Peninsula Folklore Performance. Designed for musicians and enthusiasts, the session will outline the structure
- [Folklore(s) to Open With Airwaves And La Musgaña Anniversary](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folklores-to-open-with-airwaves-and-la-musgana-anniversary/) - The Folklore(s) Festival in Madrid will launch its fifth edition on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a program that combines live broadcasting and a landmark concert. First, the Círculo de Bellas Artes will host the official presentation of the 2026 edition in collaboration with Radio Círculo’s program Entrelares. Journalist and folklore specialist Sonia Frías will
- [Scotland's Folk Band Astro Bloc Presents First Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/scotlands-folk-band-astro-bloc-presents-first-album/) - Scottish band Astro Bloc released its self-titled debut album, Astro Bloc, in January 2026. The band described the album as more than a collection of songs, stating that it serves as the beginning of Astro Bloc and outlines what the group intends to contribute to the Scottish folk music scene.
- [Sofia Rei Salutes A Forgotten Revolutionary on “Si Una Cae”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sofia-rei-salutes-a-forgotten-revolutionary-on-si-una-cae/) - Sofia Rei has released “Si Una Cae,” a new single featuring Mireya Ramos and Pedrito Martinez. The song draws on the legacy of Manuela Sáenz, a key figure in South America’s independence movement and a close companion of Simón Bolívar. Rei selected Sáenz as a symbol of women whose contributions history has often minimized or
- [Cheikh Ibra Fam Unveils “Amoul Solo” Video Ahead of Adouna](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cheikh-ibra-fam-unveils-amoul-solo-video-ahead-of-adouna/) - Cheikh Ibra Fam has released the new single and video “Amoul Solo” (“Life Is Simple”), a track rooted in West African, Latin American and Afro-Portuguese influences. The song examines the impermanence of fame, wealth, and desire. Brass lines and steady percussion support that theme with a wide-reaching sound. Meanwhile, Fam’s new album, Adouna, is due
- [Nidia Góngora Celebrates Colombian Life on “La Vida Es Un Baile”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nidia-gongora-celebrates-colombian-life-on-la-vida-es-un-baile/) - Nidia Góngora and Nuevos Ríos will release their self-titled album, Nuevos Ríos, on Friday, March 27. The project brings marimba traditions from Colombia’s Pacific coast into dialogue with modern dance music. Ahead of the release, the group has shared a video for “La Vida Es Un Baile,” filmed at Feria de Cali in Plaza de
- [Prabir And The Endless: Dazzling Mix of Eastern Ragas and Western Guitar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/prabir-and-the-endless-dazzling-mix-of-eastern-ragas-and-western-guitar/) - Prabir Mehta — Prabir Aur Antaheen (self-release, 2026) Prabir Aur Antaheen presents a set of everlasting compositions rooted in ancient Indian raags (ragas), arranged for guitar. Here, Prabir Mehta intertwines Indian classical influences with Western-style melodic arrangements, with improvisation as a central element. The recordings feature Mehta on guitar and Prudhvi Meda on mrindangam. Celie
- [Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland Team up Again on “Let’s Sing Our Song”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jason-carter-and-michael-cleveland-team-up-again-on-lets-sing-our-song/) - Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland have rolled out a new single, “Let’s Sing Our Song,” featuring John Cowan. The track comes from the sessions for Carter & Cleveland, the duo’s self-titled 2025 album, which won Album of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards and later received a 2026 Grammy nomination. Notably, “Let’s
- [Sam Bergquist Finds the Sweet Spot Between Satire and Soul on Devils & Doves](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sam-bergquist-finds-the-sweet-spot-between-satire-and-soul-on-devils-doves/) - Sam Bergquist — Devils & Doves (self-released, 2026) Sam Bergquist's 2026 album Devils & Doves charts the tension between hope and doubt, humor and heartache, and holds it all together with groove, sagacity, and warmth. As Bergquist himself has said, he writes “topical songs with a little levity,” using satire to illuminate what weighs heavy.
- [Spanish Folk Traditions to Take Over Madrid at Folklore(s) Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spanish-folk-traditions-to-take-over-madrid-at-folklores-festival/) - The Folklore(s) Festival will return to Madrid from May 28 to 31 for its fifth edition, with a program focused on traditional roots music and its place in today’s scene. Organized by the Fundación Música Creativa, the event once again brings rural culture into central venues across the city. After four editions, the festival continues
- [Souad Massi’s Latest Explores New Franco-Arabic Blends](https://worldmusiccentral.org/souad-massis-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 sounds. Highly anticipated after the success of Sequana (2022), her ninth album, Zagate, further pushes her experimental envelope while continuing to offer what she does best. The lead single “Samt”
- [Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials Return With Slideways](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lil-ed-the-blues-imperials-return-with-slideways/) - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials - Slideways (Alligator Records, 2026) Slideways, the grand new album from Chicago blues band Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials features 13 tracks that range from high-energy slide-guitar workouts to slower, mournful blues. The album includes upbeat cuts such as “One Foot On The Brake, One On The Gas”
- [Vaiano’s Paisanos Recreate the Stringband Music of Early 20th Century New York](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vaianos-paisanos-recreate-the-stringband-music-of-early-20th-century-new-york/) - Vaiano’s Paisanos has released “Ardo D’Amore,” the lead single from the group’s upcoming self-titled debut. On the track, Rachel Meirs leads with a winding violin line that runs through the Italian waltz in close exchange with Maxwell Apra’s tenor banjo. The string band includes Rachel Meirs (violin, mandolin); Maxwell Apra (mandolin, tenor banjo, tenor guitar);
- [A Soundtrack Fit for a Sultan: Kamperman’s Prince Achmed Shines Beyond the Screen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-soundtrack-fit-for-a-sultan-kampermans-prince-achmed-shines-beyond-the-screen/) - Steven Kamperman - Prince Achmed (Zennez Records ZR2025013, 2025) Dutch composer and multi-instrumentalist Steven Kamperman brings new life to Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed (1926), the world’s oldest surviving animated feature. Originally conceived as a live soundtrack to accompany Lotte Reiniger’s shadow-puppet film, Prince Achmed has now been reimagined as a standalone album. For this
- [Nidia Góngora to Present Afro-Colombian Music in New York](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nidia-gongora-to-present-afro-colombian-music-in-new-york/) - Flushing Town Hall is set to present the soulful currents of the Colombian Pacific with Nidia Góngora. Celebrated as the most-recognized singer from Colombia’s Pacific coast, Góngora is a masterful composer who was nominated for a 2019 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album with her band Canalón de Timbiquí. She combines world music and
- [Transglobal Underground Returns With “Doin’ the Moonshine” Twist](https://worldmusiccentral.org/transglobal-underground-returns-with-doin-the-moonshine-twist/) - Transglobal Underground has announced “Doin’ the Moonshine,” its first release in several years. The new single introduces what the group describes as “Digisquaredance,” a style that mixes electronic rhythms with an offbeat barn-dance spirit. The Bandcamp edition includes a remix and another new song featuring Sheema Mukherjee on sitar.
- [Eight Instrumentalists Compete in Seville for Flamenco's Most Coveted Composition Prize](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eight-instrumentalists-compete-in-seville-for-flamencos-most-coveted-composition-prize/) - After adverse weather forced its postponement from February, the final of the III Premio SGAE de Flamenco Paco de Lucía will take place on May 20, 2026, at the Sala Manuel Llanes of Teatro Central in Seville (Calle José Gálvez, 6), starting at 7:30 p.m. Organized by Fundación SGAE in collaboration with the Agencia Andaluza
- [Sami Yusuf's New Album Weaves Ancient Chants Into One Global Voice](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sami-yusufs-new-album-weaves-ancient-chants-into-one-global-voice/) - British-Azerbaijani composer Sami Yusuf will release Ecstasy on March 27, 2026, through Andante Records. The lead single, "Voices of the Earth," opens on a solitary note before expanding into a mix of qawwali, Native American chant, and other ancient traditions. From that initial silence, the track builds toward a unified sound that reflects the breadth
- [Dub Will Keep Us Together, Nick Page’s Final Dub Colossus Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dub-will-keep-us-together-nick-pages-final-dub-colossus-album/) - Dub Colossus - Dub Will Keep Us Together (Real World X, 2026) Dub Will Keep Us Together is the final Dub Colossus album to feature musician, producer, and composer Nick Page (aka Count Dubulah). The record brings together the last studio sessions Page completed with the project he founded in 2008 before his death in
- [Klezmatics Clock In With A New Protest Song](https://worldmusiccentral.org/klezmatics-clock-in-with-a-new-protest-song/) - Grammy-winning klezmer group The Klezmatics have announced We Were Made For These Times, their 40th-anniversary recording, scheduled for release May 1. The lead single and video “Un Du Akerst” (“And You Plow”), is now available. It features La Manga and Lavender Light Gospel Choir. The song is inspired by Yiddish workers’ protest tradition and highlights
- [Introduction to Bluegrass Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/introduction-to-bluegrass-music/) - Bluegrass is concert music that appeared in the Appalachian region of the United States in the 1940s, after World War II. Unlike prior American folk genres meant for dancing, bluegrass developed as music for listening. Bluegrass combines elements of English and Scottish ballads, old time, blues, gospel, and jazz to create music that is generally
- [Jazz, Raga, And Black Holes: Quadrature Plots Debut Black Hole Blues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jazz-raga-and-black-holes-quadrature-plots-debut-black-hole-blues/) - Quadrature - Black Hole Blues (Deko Entertainment, 2025) Black Hole Blues is Quadrature's debut album. The quartet grew out of the long-running Brooklyn Raga Massive jam sessions and effortlessly brings together a dazzling, charming and ingenious fusion of Indian raga, rock, jazz, psychedelia, and world music influences. The group features Neel Murgai on sitar and
- [Angélique Kidjo Shares New Single “Fall On Me”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/angelique-kidjo-shares-new-single-fall-on-me/) - (headline image: Angélique Kidjo — Photo by Brantley Gutiérrez) Angélique Kidjo has announced Hope!!, her new album, due April 24. In addition, she has released “Fall On Me,” a new single featuring PJ Morton. The 16-track project follows 2021’s Grammy-winning Mother Nature. Hope!! features guest appearances from PJ Morton, Pharrell, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile
- [Artists Profiles: Angélique Kidjo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artists-profiles-angelique-kidjo/) - Angélique Kidjo is one of the African singers with more attraction and performance power. The direct rhythms, strong, energetic, taken from the traditions of her homeland, Benin (Western Africa), are combined with the sounds of reggae, samba, funk, soul, gospel, zouk and many more. On stage is where Kidjo shows her charisma. She is a
- [Hidden Hermeto Flute Gems Revealed On New Tribute Release](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hidden-hermeto-flute-gems-revealed-on-new-tribute-release/) - Aline Gonçalves, Andrea Ernest Dias, Carlos Malta, Eduardo Neves - Obra Viva de Hermeto Pascoal - Vol. 1 Flautas (Rocinante, 2025) Obra Viva de Hermeto Pascoal – Vol. 1: Flautas is the first release of a new archival series devoted to previously unrecorded or rarely heard works by Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal. The
- [Boiled In Lead Comes Back with Celtic Punk Attitude](https://worldmusiccentral.org/boiled-in-lead-comes-back-with-celtic-punk-attitude/) - Boiled In Lead - King of the Dogwoods (Omnium Records, 2026) Boiled In Lead’s King of the Dogwoods is the Minnesota band’s first studio release in more than a decade. More importantly, it reasserts a long-standing identity: a persuasive fusion of Celtic music with a punk attitude, folk traditions from other parts of the world,
- [Bryan Sutton And Joe Bonamassa Light Up “Blue Night”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bryan-sutton-and-joe-bonamassa-light-up-blue-night/) - Bryan Sutton has enlisted Joe Bonamassa for “Blue Night,” the latest release in Sutton’s From Roots to Branches guitar duets series. When Sutton introduced the project, he outlined three goals: honor the past through previously unreleased recordings with mentors, spotlight bluegrass peers across generations, and collaborate with guitarists from outside the genre. Earlier entries, including
- [Tombak In The Spotlight On Between Hands](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tombak-in-the-spotlight-on-between-hands/) - Kaveh Mahmudiyan — Between Hands (Global Sonics, 2025) Kaveh Mahmudiyan’s first solo album, Between Hands presents his own compositions with the tombak (Persian goblet-shaped drum). The record is designed to highlight the instrument’s ample rhythmic range. Jon Balke joins on keyboards and percussion, and he also produced and mixed the album. As a result, the
- [In the Forecast](https://worldmusiccentral.org/in-the-forecast/) - Ireland’s Owen Casey teams with Austrian reggae band House of Riddim to spread “Sunshine All Year Round,” a song that further solidifies Casey as a prime mixer of Celtic and Jamaican music.
- [Mama Sissoko Returns With Diamond Fingers After A Decade](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mama-sissoko-returns-with-diamond-fingers-after-a-decade/) - Mama Sissoko - Diamond Fingers (One World Records, 2026) Malian guitarist Mama Sissoko will be releasing his long-delayed album Diamond Fingers on March 6, 2026. The excellent 13-track set is rooted in diverse West African traditions along with blues and jazz influences. Produced by French photographer Françoise Huguier, the project combines engaging contemporary arrangements with
- [Artist Profiles: Desert Blues Band Tinariwen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-tinariwen/) - Tinariwen (originally Taghreft Tinariwen, or "edification of the lands") became known for vocalizing the political plight of endangered nomads. Their music spoke to the Tuareg or Kel Tamashek, appealing for a political awakening of consciousness. For a century, the tribes of the southern Sahara searched the barren landscape for every weapon available to maintain hope
- [Irish-Latin fusion band Baile an Salsa to Perform “Salsa-Trad” in Dublin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/irish-latin-fusion-band-baile-an-salsa-to-perform-salsa-trad-in-dublin/) - (headline image: Baile An Salsa - photo by Julia Dunin) Irish-Latin fusion band Baile an Salsa is set to perform at The Button Factory, Dublin on Thursday 12 March 2026. The ensemble plays a fusion of Irish traditional music and Latin rhythms. Formed in Galway, Baile an Salsa created a unique genre they call “Salsa-Trad,”
- [Bossa Nova and Beauty: Muca Meets Menescal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bossa-nova-and-beauty-muca-meets-menescal/) - Brazilian musician Muca, the London-based project of Murillo Sguillaro, will release Beleza (Beauty) on May 29, 2026, in collaboration with 88-year-old bossa nova pioneer Roberto Menescal. Muca combines folk-rooted reflection, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) arrangements, and bossa nova rhythms. The first single, “Playing On The Loose Fields,” features vocalist anaiis. The track features a restrained
- [Tinariwen Roll Out "Amidinim Ehad Solan" Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tinariwen-roll-out-amidinim-ehad-solan-single/) - Tuareg band Tinariwen have released an animated music video of their single "Amidinim Ehad Solan" in advance of their upcoming album Hoggar. The artwork and animation is by Axel Digoix. “Amidinim Ehaf Solan” features group vocals and the fiery guitar lines of Imarhan’s Iyad. Meanwhile, the hopeful lyrics express a desire of better fortunes for
- [Irish Folk Fusion Act Spodo Komodo Reveals 'Rhythm = Power'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/irish-folk-fusion-act-spodo-komodo-reveals-rhythm-power/) - "Rhythm = Power" is the second single from Spodo Komodo, a new hybrid folk project by Scotland-based Irish flute player Tiernan Courrell (Trip).
- [Todd Albright Makes Old Blues Songs Feel Fresh Again](https://worldmusiccentral.org/todd-albright-makes-old-blues-songs-feel-fresh-again/) - Todd Albright — Blues For Dexter Linwood (April 17, 2026 / Misfortune Records, 2026) Todd Albright's Blues For Dexter Linwood finds the Detroit fingerpicker turning a baritone 12-string acoustic guitar into a whole band: bass thrum, treble sting, and the rattling ghost of a dance floor that closed a century ago. In Albright’s hands, the
- [South African Hip Hop personalizes the fight against AIDS](https://worldmusiccentral.org/south-african-hip-hop-personalizes-the-fight-against-aids/) - (PRWEB) -Local Hip Hop is waging a war against HIV/AIDS with the Abo’ m-Rapper Against AIDS (AMAA) initiative. BLK Storm Entertainment and 8 Bayce Enterprises have taken up the challenge to use hip hop music to encourage sexual responsibility and positive mindsets in conquering HIV/AIDS. Abo'm-Rapper Against Aids will provide AIDS education and awareness by
- [Selwyn Birchwood Plugs In Florida Blues For Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/selwyn-birchwood-plugs-in-florida-blues-for-electric-swamp-funkin-blues/) - Selwyn Birchwood - Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues (Alligator, 2026) Guitarist, vocalist, and composer Selwyn Birchwood will release Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues on Friday, March 27, 2026. The album presents a diverse mix of original blues songs infused with soul, jazz, rock and gospel influences. Selwyn Birchwood is an excellent guitarist and an equally good vocalist.
- [Tuuletar Makes Waves With Mother Earth Energy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tuuletar-makes-waves-with-mother-earth-energy/) - Tuuletar - Maammo (Nordic Notes, 2026) Finnish folk vocal group Tuuletar released its third studio album, Maammo (“Mother Earth”), on January 30, 2026. The record continues the ensemble’s a cappella-driven approach and renews collaboration with American a cappella production company Liquid 5th, a partner on the group’s 2016 debut, Tules Maas Vedes Taivaal. The music
- [Unifying Musically](https://worldmusiccentral.org/unifying-musically/) - With help from a very engaging video and all-real instrumentation, multinational outfit Una Lengua Infinita celebrates tolerance and diversity on “Chefchaouen,” a beauty of a tune inspired by a poem of the same name.
- [Junior Sisk Debuts A “Brand New Whippoorwill” for Springtime Bluegrass](https://worldmusiccentral.org/junior-sisk-debuts-a-brand-new-whippoorwill-for-springtime-bluegrass/) - Junior Sisk has released “A Brand New Whippoorwill" (Turnberry Records), his latest single and first new music since the album It’s All Fun and Games. The track characterizes the whippoorwill’s call as a symbol of longing and remembrance. David Coriell and Mark “Brink” Brinkman wrote the song, and Sisk delivers it with his high-lonesome vocal
- [Festival Internacional de Jazz de Polanco 2026: World‑Class Jazz in the Heart of Mexico City](https://worldmusiccentral.org/festival-internacional-de-jazz-de-polanco-2026-world-class-jazz-in-the-heart-of-mexico-city/) - The Festival Internacional de Jazz de Polanco 2026 marks the XXII edition of one of Mexico City’s most established open‑air jazz events. It returns to the Teatro Ángela Peralta on April 18 and 19, 2026, continuing a long‑standing tradition of presenting high‑quality jazz in an accessible, well‑produced, and community‑focused environment. Founded by Eduardo Schwarz, the
- [15 Years, Countless Rhythms: The Kriol Festival Rewrites Cape Verde’s Musical Story](https://worldmusiccentral.org/15-years-countless-rhythms-the-kriol-festival-rewrites-cape-verdes-musical-story/) - The Kriol Jazz Festival returns for its 15th edition, taking place April 9–11, 2026, at the iconic Plaza Luís de Camões in Praia, Cape Verde. Despite its name, the festival is far more than jazz, it has become a world music celebration, showcasing an eclectic mix of African, Latin, Creole, and global sounds. This year’s
- [MED 2026: A World Music Event Bringing 30 Nations to Loulé’s Historic Center](https://worldmusiccentral.org/med-2026-a-world-music-event-bringing-30-nations-to-loules-historic-center/) - The 2026 Festival MED is shaping up to be its most ambitious and international edition to date, transforming the Historic Center of Loulé, Portugal, into a four‑day crossroads of global sound. With artists from 30 countries already confirmed, the event reaffirms its status as one of Portugal’s most distinctive cultural gatherings and a must‑experience destination
- [4th edition of Mahindra Percussion Festival kicks off in Bangalore this weekend](https://worldmusiccentral.org/4th-edition-of-mahindra-percussion-festival-kicks-off-in-bangalore-this-weekend/) - The fourth edition of the Mahindra Percussion Festival kicks off in Bangalore this weekend at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, with an impressive lineup of performers from across India. See our earlier writeups on the 2025, 2024 and 2023 editions. The festival is one of series of annual cultural events organized by India’s Mahindra
- [Agent Starling Presents Surrealista Enigma Musica: Myth, Drones, and A Hurdy-gurdy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/agent-starling-presents-surrealista-enigma-musica-myth-drones-and-a-hurdy-gurdy/) - Agent Starling is set to release its fourth album, Surrealista Enigma Musica, on Friday, March 13, 2026. The project features Quentin Budworth (hurdy-gurdy), Lou Duffy-Howard (voices, bass, programming), and Dexter Duffy-Howard (violin). The record combine acoustic performance with field recordings, found sounds, and manipulated electronic tones. Surrealista Enigma Musica follows Clandestine, Constellation Of Birds, the
- [Peter Street Steps Out With A Spirited First Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/peter-street-steps-out-with-a-spirited-first-album/) - Peter Street is the first release from Peter Street, a new Irish traditional music quartet with roots in formal study and live performance. The Celtic music group formed after Keelan McGrath, John Paul Reynolds and Simon Crehan met while enrolled in the BA Irish Traditional Music program at Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
- [Nashville Goes Green: Irish Fest Events Start This Week](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nashville-goes-green-irish-fest-events-start-this-week/) - Tourism Ireland and Brenda Willis, founder of Music City Irish Fest, will launch a multi-week celebration of Irish music, dance, culture, and tradition in Nashville, Tennessee, this week. The series features an artist showcase and a calendar of public events. Music City Irish Fest has highlighted Nashville’s Irish roots since 2015. This year’s programming will
- [Getting Busy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/getting-busy/) - Notwithstanding the Dropkick Murphys’ punkish rendition, the more traditionally Celtic version of Dick Gaughan’s “The Worker’s Song” by Tennessee-based Jenny and the Weazels packs plenty of power and insight.
- [Barn Sessions and Irish Tunes: Ishna Finds A Way Out](https://worldmusiccentral.org/barn-sessions-and-irish-tunes-ishna-finds-a-way-out/) - Ishna - Slí Amach: Way Out (Ishna Music, 2025) Boston-based contemporary Irish folk band Ishna has released its superb debut album, Slí Amach: Way Out. The six-piece ensemble draws from traditional Irish repertoire reflecting the members’ varied musical backgrounds, which include jazz, musical theater, western classical music, and other folk influences. All songs and tunes
- [Benedicte Maurseth’s Mirra Follows the Call of the Wild](https://worldmusiccentral.org/benedicte-maurseths-mirra-follows-the-call-of-the-wild/) - Benedicte Maurseth - Mirra (Hubro, 2025) With Mirra (2025), Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player and composer Benedicte Maurseth deepens her exploration of sound, landscape, and ecology. As a follow-up to her award-winning 2022 album Hárr, this spellbinding new work turns its focus to the elusive wild reindeer of the Hardangervidda plateau, a species native to her
- [Altan Turns 40, Tours The U.S. In March With A NYC St. Patrick’s Day Special](https://worldmusiccentral.org/altan-turns-40-tours-the-u-s-in-march-with-a-nyc-st-patricks-day-special/) - Iconic Irish folk music group Altan will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a U.S. tour in March, with dates set across the Midwest and East Coast. The tour includes a St. Patrick’s Day concert in New York City on March 17, with banjo player Alison Brown slated as a special guest. The tour highlights Altan’s
- [Artist Profiles: Brittany Anjou](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-brittany-anjou/) - Composer, improviser, pianist, vibraphonist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Brittany Anjou has recorded and led many performances on Ghanaian xylophone as a side person and with her groups, Ghanaian Gyil Gala and BEWAA. In 2019, she released her original debut jazz trio album, Enamiĝo Reciprokataj, to critical acclaim. She leads the experimental feminist punk band Bi TYRANT.
- [Cormac McCarthy: Cork’s Versatile Piano Maestro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cormac-mccarthy-corks-versatile-piano-maestro/) - (headline image: Cormac McCarthy - Photo by Anna McGrane) Cormac McCarthy is an Irish pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor from Cork. His work includes jazz, Irish traditional music, and western classical practice. Notably, Cormac McCarthy's compositions and arrangements have reached major Irish and international stages through performances and recordings by ensembles and artists. These include
- [Aoife Ní Bhriain & Cormac McCarthy Back to Irish Roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cosancasta/) - Aoife Ní Bhriain & Cormac McCarthy - Cosán Casta (self-released, 2025) Cosán Casta is an exquisite work that reimagines Irish traditional music through masterfully crafted original compositions, precious reinterpretations of archival tunes, and an inventive, unique alchemy of western classical and jazz influences. The album celebrates the music Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy grew
- [Mali Duo Neba Solo and Benego Diakité Tops March 2026 Transglobal World Music Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mali-duo-neba-solo-and-benego-diakite-tops-march-2026-transglobal-world-music-chart/) - Neba Solo and Benego Diakité have reached No. 1 on the Transglobal World Music Chart for March 2026 with A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking. The CD edition includes two discs featuring Solo on balafon and Diakité on donso ngoni, also known as a hunter’s harp. First, disc one combines their acoustic instrumentals with
- [Il Mito Hits No. 1: Italian Pizzica Legends Rule Europe’s March 2026 Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/il-mito-hits-no-1-italian-pizzica-legends-rule-europes-march-2026-chart/) - Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (Italy) has reached No. 1 on the World Music Charts Europe for March 2026 with Il Mito. The album also led the Transglobal World Music Chart in February 2026. The release compiles eleven songs from five decades of the group’s catalogue, newly arranged and recorded by the current line-up. This era of
- [Artist Profiles: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-canzoniere-grecanico-salentino/) - Renowned Italian band Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino was created by writer Rina Durante in 1975. It is one of Italy’s most reputable and longest-standing traditional music ensembles. Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino comes from Puglia in the Salento, in southern Italy. The lineup consists of a seven member band and a dancer. The ensemble recreates southern Italy’s Pizzica
- [Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino Hits No. 1 on Transglobal World Music Chart With Il Mito](https://worldmusiccentral.org/canzoniere-grecanico-salentino-hits-no-1-on-transglobal-world-music-chart-with-il-mito/) - Il Mito (Ponderosa Music) by Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino has taken the No. 1 spot on the Transglobal World Music Chart for February 2026. The release coincides with the group's 50th anniversary. Founded in 1975 by Rina Durante and now led by Mauro Durante, the Salento-based ensemble revisits its own catalogue with eleven selections. Fresh arrangements
- [Aoife Ní Bhriain's Dazzling Career in Traditional and Classical Violin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aoife-ni-bhriains-dazzling-career-in-traditional-and-classical-violin/) - Born in Dublin within a family of musicians, Aoife Ní Bhriain is an exceptionally talented and multifaceted violinist. Aoife’s father Mick O’Brien is one of Ireland’s leading uilleann pipe players. Meanwhile, her mother Fidelma is a music teacher who comes from a large family of Irish dancers and musicians. Not to mention, her paternal grandfather
- [My Treasured Land Turns Cabin Fever Into Celtic Folk Joy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/my-treasured-land-turns-cabin-fever-into-celtic-folk-joy/) - Counter’s Creek - My Treasured Land (OOB Records, 2025) Counter’s Creek's dazzling new album, My Treasured Land, summarizes five years of life spent in London, including periods under COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, through joyful songs and splendid Celtic-infused instrumental pieces. The album also points to the desire to escape to rural locations, specially the Lake District
- [Alborea Takes Marchena For A Spin With "Santo Domingo"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alborea-takes-marchena-for-a-spin-with-santo-domingo/) - Seville-based band Alborea has released "Santo Domingo," a new single that looks to Pepe Marchena’s memory through a family story. Marchena was one of flamenco's biggest stars in the 20th century. The track features guest musician Raúl Rodríguez, whose guitar part complements the voice of Belén de los Reyes. The recording took place at Punta
- [Laura Camacho Unveils Todo Tiempo Pasado — Tango Meets Britney And Kate Bush](https://worldmusiccentral.org/laura-camacho-unveils-todo-tiempo-pasado-tango-meets-britney-and-kate-bush/) - Laura Camacho - Todo Tiempo Pasado (Athens Tango Project, 2025) Argentine composer and orchestra bassist Laura Camacho has a new album titled Todo Tiempo Pasado (All Past Time), a 10-track release under her newly rebranded Laura Camacho Tango Project. The album contains original works, the passionate “Todo Tiempo Pasado” and the touching and introspective “ECOS,”
- [WOMEX 2026 Calls For World Music Proposals In Gran Canaria](https://worldmusiccentral.org/womex-2026-calls-for-world-music-proposals-in-gran-canaria/) - WOMEX – the Worldwide Music Expo – has opened its Call For Proposals for the 32nd edition. The conference and showcase is set to take place in Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, from 21 to 25 October 2026. The Call For Proposals is open to musicians, DJs, film-makers and music professionals from
- [Todd Albright Channels Pre-War Blues On New Slide Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/todd-albright-channels-pre-war-blues-on-new-slide-single/) - Todd Albright has released a new single, his slide guitar rendition of Paul Geremia’s “If That Woman’s Love Was Whiskey,” ahead of his upcoming album Blues For Dexter Linwood. The full record will be available April 17 on new Detroit label Misfortune Records. The album features Albright’s masterful interpretations of pre-war folk and blues material
- [Win or Lose](https://worldmusiccentral.org/win-or-lose/) - Reunion Island reggae band Yango Roots calls out a “World of Competition” and musically assures us all that we don’t need to live in one. Their sound is foundational Jamaican style and their message is clear.
- [Africa Oyé Adds Fatoumata Diawara For 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/africa-oye-adds-fatoumata-diawara-for-2026/) - Africa Oyé Festival has named Fatoumata Diawara as its latest announced act for this summer’s event in Liverpool. The Grammy-nominated Malian guitarist and singer returns to Sefton Park in June, 15 years after her first UK festival appearance at Africa Oyé. Nigerian Afrobeats artist Patoranking will also appear, marking his Liverpool debut. He has collaborated
- [Traditional Sounds of Sivac Pipes Take Center Stage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/traditional-sounds-of-sivac-pipes-take-center-stage/) - Maksim Mudrinić, Oskar Kovač – Made in Sivac: Serbian Music from Vojvodina (Antonovka Records, 2025) This field recording captures traditional music from Vojvodina, the autonomous province in northern Serbia shaped by the Danube, Sava, and Tisa rivers. Its three historic regions, Bačka, Banat, and Srem, extend into neighboring countries and form the cultural backdrop for
- [Dlù's Joyful Scottish-Funk Crossover Single 'Lumina'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dlus-joyful-scottish-funk-crossover-single-lumina/) - Dlù's new single "Lumina" features an energy boost with a funk backline, disco strings, and an original Scottish reel on accordion.
- [Flamenco Innovator Rocío Márquez to Present Himno Vertical at CUNY Tonight](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-innovator-rocio-marquez-to-present-himno-vertical-at-cuny-tonight/) - Flamenco Festival New York is set to present Rocío Márquez in concert on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Elebash Recital Hall at the CUNY Graduate Center. The program features material from her most recent album Himno Vertical (“Vertical Hymn”). Tickets cost $35. A panel discussion precedes the performance. “Electric Bohemian: Flamenco and
- [Djinns, Hunters, and Mango Trees: Neba Solo & Benogo Diakité](https://worldmusiccentral.org/djinns-hunters-and-mango-trees-neba-solo-benogo-diakite/) - Neba Solo & Benogo Diakité - A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking (Etoile Audio/Nonesuch Records, 2026) Malian balafon master Neba Solo and donso ngoni expert Benogo Diakité have released a superb collaboration titled A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking. The album highlights the richness, diversity, and beauty of Malian music. The lead track,
- [Colombia Meets Senegal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/colombia-meets-senegal/) - A band from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Jorge Aguilar y Sus Embelecos, is joined by Senegalese guitarist Tapha Gaye for “Eres Tú Mi Rosa,” a reconnection to African roots full of listening and dancing pleasure.
- [Fearless Fiddle: Ashley MacIsaac’s Hi, How Are You Today?](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fearless-fiddle-ashley-macisaacs-hi-how-are-you-today/) - Ashley MacIsaac — Hi, How Are You Today? (A&M Records, 1995) Ashley MacIsaac’s now classic 1995 release Hi, How Are You Today? mixed the joyful Cape Breton fiddle tradition with contemporary dance beats that helped push East Coast Canadian music onto wider international recognition. The album shifted between irresistible club-ready energy and traditional roots repertoire.
- [Bala Master: Neba Solo Brings Mali’s Balafon To The World Stage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bala-master-neba-solo-brings-malis-balafon-to-the-world-stage/) - Malian musician Neba Solo (born Souleymane Traoré in 1969), is a leading contemporary figure of the pentatonic Senufo balafon tradition, known in Mali as the bala. Raised in the farming village of Nebadougou in southern Mali’s Kénédougou area, he was recognized early for his command as a balafon player, singer, and percussionist. Over decades of
- [Meet Benego Diakité, Kamale Ngoni Maestro from Mali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/meet-benego-diakite-kamale-ngoni-maestro-from-mali/) - (Headine image: Benego Diakité - Photo by Aboubacar Traoré) Brehima “Benego” Diakité (b. 1965) was born and raised in Siekorolé, in the Yanfolila cercle of southern Mali. He emerged as a defining voice in Wassulu (southern Malian) music through his command of the kamale ngoni (or kamel ngoni), often described as a youths’ harp. The
- [Amanda Cook’s New Single “Odd One Out”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amanda-cooks-new-single-odd-one-out/) - Bluegrass artist Amanda Cook has released a new single, “Odd One Out,” a song that focuses on the feeling of not quite fitting in and the pressure to measure real life against sophisticated public images. As Amanda Cook explains: “‘Odd One Out’ reminds us that the feeling of not fitting in is universal. No matter
- [The Violin: A Cherished Instrument Across Time and Genres](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-violin-a-cherished-instrument-across-time-and-genres/) - (headline image: Antonio Giuliani etude violin by Kennedy Violins) The violin, often called a fiddle in informal or folk music contexts, is a wooden string instrument in the chordophone family. It is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the violin family, which also includes the viola, cello, and double bass. Typically, violins have four strings
- [Willie Colón Dead at 75: Salsa Pioneer, Activist, Fania Records Star](https://worldmusiccentral.org/willie-colon-dead-at-75-salsa-pioneer-activist-fania-records-star/) - Willie Colón died February 21, 2026. He was 75. Born William Anthony Colón Román on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Colón rose from teenage bandleader to a defining figure in New York’s Fania Records era. He built his early reputation on trombone, then expanded his work as a singer,
- [Artist Profiles: Willie Colón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-willie-colon/) - Trombone player, composer, and bandleader Willie Colón was one of the pioneers of modern salsa and Latin jazz. Colón earned fifteen gold and five platinum records, and collaborated with celebrated artists such as Fania All-Stars, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, David Byrne, Celia Cruz, and Yomo Toro among others. His music, which powerfully influenced modern Latin
- [Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian Highlife And Afrobeat Pioneer, Dies At 90](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ebo-taylor-ghanaian-highlife-and-afrobeat-pioneer-dies-at-90/) - Ebo Taylor (born Deroy Taylor; Jan. 6, 1936) was a Ghanaian guitarist, composer, bandleader, record producer, and arranger known for highlife and afrobeat. Taylor died on February 7, 2026. He was 90. Taylor was born in Cape Coast, Ghana, and began piano at age six. He became a central figure in Ghana’s music scene for
- [Eabhal, a Celtic Band Rooted in the Outer Hebrides](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eabhal-a-celtic-band-rooted-in-the-outer-hebrides/) - (headline image: Eabhal - Photo by by Nicky Murray) Eabhal formed while based in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. They crafted a repertoire that incudes traditional songs, contemporary material, and self-penned tunes. Their approach threads Gaelic song with influences from world music, brought together through modern arrangements and original writing. The first lineup included Kaitlin Ross on
- [A Key Demographic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-key-demographic/) - Jamaica’s Minna LaFortune addresses “African Women” with empowering reggae riddim and spoken word. It’s a message well worth hearing, even if you’re not in that fold.
- [Nyckelharpa Wizard Thomas Roth Unmasks Maskenball For 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nyckelharpa-wizard-thomas-roth-unmasks-maskenball-for-2026/) - Thomas Roth - Maskenball (MIG, 2026) On Maskenball (Masquerade Ball), Thomas Roth steps into a candlelit hall of echoes. Roth, a German virtuoso on the nyckelharpa, (a Swedish instrument built for communal music-making) plays as if he’s carrying a map of the Baltic and the North Sea in his hands, tracing coastlines with every bow
- [Uccio Lives: Pizzica Meets Synths In [EM]’s New Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/uccio-lives-pizzica-meets-synths-in-ems-new-single/) - “Uccio Vive” is the first single from Tradisco, the upcoming album by [EM] Elettro Mascarimirì, due in spring 2026. The track reworks a pizzica by late Salento singer and percussionist Uccio Aloisi, with Claudio Cavallo (Elettro Mascarimirì) translating its rhythmic drive into an electronic structure. Cavallo aims to evoke the psychedelic, acid feel he associates
- [Greek Lyra Master Stelios Petrakis Presents Charming Album 'Lyric'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/greek-lyra-master-stelios-petrakis-presents-charming-album-lyric/) - Stelios Petrakis — Lyric (Buda, 2026) Cretan musician Stelios Petrakis presents his new album, Lyric. This is a timeless, masterfully crafted and exquisite chamber folk set that perfectly captures the essence of Crete and the wider music of the eastern Mediterranean. Petrakis shared about the project: “Music is a union. A union of the creator
- [Berlin's Sonic Pluriverse Festival 2026 Announces Global Echoes of Gnawa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/berlins-sonic-pluriverse-festival-2026-announces-global-echoes-of-gnawa/) - Sonic Pluriverse Festival has set its 2026 edition at Berlin’s Haus der Kulturen der Welt, with a program dedicated to Gnawa music culture. The festival points to Gnawa’s Sahelian roots as a lens for connections throughout North Africa, West Africa, Southern Europe, and the Afro-diasporic world. Curator Alaa Zouiten has scheduled five weekends that bring
- [Africa Axed](https://worldmusiccentral.org/africa-axed/) - A fusion of West African sounds with zesty rock and roll, “Maliba” by French guitarist Yeko moves swiftly and melodically to the point of absolutely soaring.
- [Elif Sanchez Shares New "Ayrılıq" Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elif-sanchez-shares-new-ayriliq-video/) - Madrid-based Turkish vocalist Elif Sanchez has released a new video for “Ayrılıq,” an Azerbaijani folk song she credits as a turning point in her shift from instrumentalist to singer. Elif shared: ‘“Ayrılıq” is a very special song for me. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that my singing career began with this song. When I
- [Silkroad Sets “Sanctuary” Tour For March 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/silkroad-sets-sanctuary-tour-for-march-2026/) - Silkroad will launch its next flagship touring program, Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual, on stages across the United States from March 10–28, 2026. The ensemble's new emphasis is on community, collaboration, and healing. Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens conceived Sanctuary as the second major initiative of her tenure. The program centers on how people
- [Belgian Channels Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/belgian-channels-brazil/) - Belgium’s Arnaldo Prete travels well beyond his borders on “Iroko,” a snappy acoustic piece that goes through several Brazilian mood swings of the best kind.
- [Mali Lolo!  Stars of Mali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mali-lolo-stars-of-mali/) - Washington, D.C., USA - This year's Smithsonian Folklife festival will be dedicated to Mali. To celebrate the event, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has released a compilation of music from Mali. Mali Lolo! Stars of Mali (Smithsonian Folkways 40508) showcases the preeminent musicians on the forefront of Mali's modern musical renaissance. It features the Super Rail Band
- [Second International Symposium on the Music of Africa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/second-international-symposium-on-the-music-of-africa/) - The Department of Music at Princeton University will host a Second International Symposium on the Music of Africa on December 9th and 10th, 2005 in McCormick Hall on the Princeton University campus. Leading and emerging scholars from Africa, Europe, and the United States will explore current issues in African music research with a particular focus
- [Sweet and Seck](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sweet-and-seck/) - Dieneba Seck - The Truth [Tigne] (Stern's Music STCD1099, 2005) In this year of 2005 Diénéba Seck releases her fourth solo album - nothing too strange there you might think, but, considering her first album was way back in 1991, it's been a mighty slow process. Worth the wait since her 1999 outing, though, as she's
- [Amy Henderson & Ewan MacPherson Search for Trad Gold](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amy-henderson-ewan-macpherson-search-for-trad-gold/) - “Searching for Gold” is the title track from accordionist Amy Henderson and multi-instrumentalist Ewan MacPherson's EP. The duo plays contemporary folk music deeply grounded in Scottish traditional music. Amy Henderson is a gifted Scottish folk musician recognized for her virtuosic accordion and movingvocals. Trained at Plockton and Newcastle, her music is intensely rooted in her
- [Edinburgh’s Harp Fest Returns in 2026 With “Hands” Theme](https://worldmusiccentral.org/edinburghs-harp-fest-returns-in-2026-with-hands-theme/) - (headline image: Catrin Finch (Wales) on harp and Aoife Ni Bhriain (Ireland) on fiddle - Photo by Jennie Caldwell) The Clarsach Society will present the 45th Edinburgh International Harp Festival from 10 to 14 April 2026 at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh. The multi-day program includes concerts, courses, and workshops that spotlights harp traditions and
- [Chachachá, the Alluring Cuban Rhythm](https://worldmusiccentral.org/chachacha-the-alluring-cuban-rhythm/) - Chachachá, a spirited dance style with Cuban roots, has captivated enthusiasts globally with its lively movements, syncopated steps, and infectious rhythm. The genre was born in the 1950s, influenced by mambo and other Cuban genres. Enrique Jorrín, a prominent Cuban violinist, conductor, and composer, is credited with creating chachachá in 1948. As he observed the
- [40 Years Of Luar Na Lubre: The “Lubre: 40 Aniversario” Tour in 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/40-years-of-luar-na-lubre-the-lubre-40-aniversario-tour-in-2026/) - Luar Na Lubre will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a special tour titled Lubre: 40 Aniversario. Founded in A Coruña, northwestern Spain, the Galician Celtic folk group continues under the leadership of Bieito Romero. The group also received the 2025 Castelao Prize, a major cultural honor in Galicia, in recognition of its career,
- [Where the Heart is](https://worldmusiccentral.org/where-the-heart-is/) - American pianist Jon S. Gold shows his love for Brazilian-flavored jazz while trodding “The Path Home.” Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and vocalist Shiri Zorn provide further guidance on the journey.
- [Throwdown Thursday Chases “Next Big Thing”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/throwdown-thursday-chases-next-big-thing/) - Bluegrass band Throwdown Thursday from Central Kentucky has released a new single, “Next Big Thing,” a song about the tension between ambition and doubt. The track focuses on a narrator drawn to late nights and city lights while wrestling with the feeling that success stays just out of reach. The lyric contrasts bright moments with
- [Spring Shakori Hills 2026 GrassRoots Festival Lineup Announced](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spring-shakori-hills-2026-grassroots-festival-lineup-announced/) - The 22nd Annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance will take place May 7–10, 2026, in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Festival founders Donna the Buffalo will appear multiple times throughout the weekend. Headline sets also include Asheville folk duo Rising Appalachia, with an additional performance scheduled from Leah Song. The bill lists Grammy-nominated
- [Road to Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/road-to-reggae/) - There’s nothing quite like a live reggae session, and French band Natural Mighty has a dandy of one with “A Road.” Real instruments, committed vocals and an encouraging message all contribute to the genuineness.
- [The Legacy of Marta Valdés Returns To Madrid: Two Nights Of Filin, Bolero, and Nueva Trova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-legacy-of-marta-valdes-returns-to-madrid-two-nights-of-filin-bolero-and-nueva-trova/) - Fundación SGAE will host Es Letra y Se Canta. Homenaje A Marta Valdés on March 10–11, 2026 at Sala Berlanga in Madrid. The program honors Cuban composer, guitarist, and singer Marta Valdés (1934–2024), who died in Havana at age 90, through concerts, documentary film, and a book presentation. Marta Valdés is a central figure in
- [Lucie Hendry Ashes, a Space Between Chaos and Anticipation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lucie-hendry-ashes-a-space-between-chaos-and-anticipation/) - Scottish lever harpist Lucie Hendry has released "Ashes," the first single from her forthcoming album. The track focuses on an unresolved emotional space between chaos and anticipation, with a gradual shift toward clarity. Ashes addresses that tension with a sense of hope and the suggestion of renewal. Hendry, known for a contemporary approach to folk,
- [Rafael Amador, Co-Founder Of Pata Negra and Key Figure in Nuevo Flamenco, Dies at 65](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rafael-amador-co-founder-of-pata-negra-and-key-figure-in-nuevo-flamenco-dies-at-65/) - (headline image: Rafael Amador - Photo by Mario Pacheco) Rafael Amador, the Seville-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the band Pata Negra with his brother Raimundo and helped define nuevo flamenco through flamenco’s mix with rock and blues, died Sunday, February 8. He was 65. His family announced his death on the musician’s official
- [Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell Roll Out “Wallbreaker”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/arthur-coates-kerran-cotterell-roll-out-wallbreaker/) - Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a powerhouse folk duo that combines spirited Scottish fiddle fire and English guitar with driving foot percussion and soulful vocal harmonies. “Wallbreaker” is the opening track from Arthur and Kerran's new album, Controlled Burn, scheduled for release in February 2026. Originally written by Benji Kirkpatrick, the song has been
- [Taking the Fifth](https://worldmusiccentral.org/taking-the-fifth/) - La Cumbia Chicharra - Quinto Mundo (Music Box Publishing, 2025) Two of the innumerable things I’m no good at are defining what exactly is meant by the term “World Music” and choosing favorites. So, I’m not going to attempt either one. Rather, let me spotlight one particular album from the year that recently ended. Quinto
- [Welcome to the Machine](https://worldmusiccentral.org/welcome-to-the-machine/) - Built around the dual droning sounds of bagpipes and hurdy gurdy, “Vous qui n'avez pas d’amants” by France’s La Machine combines tradition and a kind of melodic urgency to great effect.
- [Marjo Smolander’s Cosmologies, a Collaboratuon Between Finnish and African Cultures](https://worldmusiccentral.org/marjo-smolanders-cosmologies-a-collaboratuon-between-finnish-and-african-cultures/) - Marjo Smolander – Cosmologies (self-release, 2021) Marjo Smolander’s debut, Cosmologies (2021), is built on collaboration. Recorded in Finland, Senegal, Denmark, and Mali in both living rooms and conventional studios, the album tests how musical meaning travels between artists with different cultural frameworks. As a result, West African traditions take a seat prominently alongside Finno-Ugric folk
- [Origins of Gryphon: A Fusion of Early Music, Folk, and Rock](https://worldmusiccentral.org/origins-of-gryphon-a-fusion-of-early-music-folk-and-rock/) - Gryphon’s formation in early 1972 was the culmination of years of musical experimentation. Founding members Richard Harvey and Graeme Taylor first met at Tiffin Boys’ School in Kingston, England, in 1965, bonding over their shared appreciation of early European music. While Harvey leaned toward western classical influences like Ottorino Respighi, Taylor was drawn to pop,
- [“Meu Canto”: Brazilian Flavors by Frisina, Luzia Dvorek, and Toco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/meu-canto-brazilian-flavors-by-frisina-luzia-dvorek-and-toco/) - Gerardo Frisina (Italy) reunites with Brazilians Luzia Dvorek and Toco on the new track “Meu Canto,” released via Schema Records. The collaboration follows the trio’s 12" release “Deixa Passar / Ilê” from last year and places Dvorek’s voice at the center. “Meu Canto” began as an original Frisina composition. Dvorek later wrote the melody and
- [Alta Forma Returns With Trajectory: Big Ideas, Sharp Turns](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alta-forma-returns-with-trajectory-big-ideas-sharp-turns/) - Alta Forma - Trajectory (Timeless Momentum, 2025) Innovative British progressive rock band Alta Forma reunites songwriter-collaborators JK Harrison, Todd Sucherman, and Antoine Fafard. These new sessions on Trajectory renew the memorable co-writing partnership built on exchange and revision. Bassist, guitarist, composer, and producer Antoine Fafard shared that Alta Forma remains his only project centered on
- [“Conejito Malo”: Pablo Mayor Salutes Bad Bunny with Salsa Song](https://worldmusiccentral.org/conejito-malo-pablo-mayor-salutes-bad-bunny-with-salsa-song/) - Colombian pianist and bandleader Pablo Mayor and Folklore Urbano NYC have released “El Conejito Malo” (bad bunny in Spanish), a salsa tribute to Bad Bunny. The timing aligns with a major week for Bad Bunny, who won Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Debí Tirar Más Fotos and headlines the Super
- [Spirited Followers Come Back Around With Dream Folk Single “Returning”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spirited-followers-come-back-around-with-dream-folk-single-returning/) - Cardiff progressive folk group Spirited Followers have released “Returning,” their debut single on BWGiBWGAN and the first recorded release on the label. The track introduces a calmer, more meditative side of a band known in Wales for immersive, emotionally charged live shows. Spirited Followers craft their sound inspired by traditional song forms and contemporary experimentation,
- [Riqueni On Screen And On Stage: Madrid Gets Two Must-See Flamenco Nights](https://worldmusiccentral.org/riqueni-on-screen-and-on-stage-madrid-gets-two-must-see-flamenco-nights/) - Madrid’s Círculo Flamenco enters its 13th season with two fan-favorite events set for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and Thursday, February 12, 2026. On February 11, Cineteca at Matadero Madrid will host a screening of Riqueni, directed by Paco Bech, with a start time of 8:30 p.m. Bech joins the discussion alongside guitarist Rafael Riqueni and
- [Smithsonian Folkways Releases Impressive Clifton Chenier Zydeco Anthology](https://worldmusiccentral.org/smithsonian-folkways-releases-impressive-clifton-chenier-zydeco-anthology/) - Clifton Chenier - King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco (Smithsonian Folkways and Arhoolie Records, 2026) King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco is a comprehensive, dazzling and revelatory boxed set that celebrates the legacy of the dazzling work of Zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier, who influenced many rock musicians. The release comes in two formats, 4 CDs
- [BashElan’s Titkon Weaves Hungarian folk, Balkan rhythms, and Roma traditions](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bashelans-titkon-weaves-hungarian-folk-balkan-rhythms-and-roma-traditions/) - BashElan - Titkon (Fonó, 2025) BashElan, a stellar young ensemble led by founder Zsombor Herédi, crafts its cathartic sound from traditional sources. The group mixes spirited Hungarian folk, Balkan rhythms, and Roma traditions from Transylvania, then adds improvisation. In 2025, BashElan received the Fonó Discovery Award. The band’s second album, Titkon presents a wider stylistic
- [Kunbe Brings The Power of Afro-Rock Fusion to Fanga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kunbe-brings-the-power-of-afro-rock-fusion-to-fanga/) - Kunbe - Fanga (Adjololo Records, 2025) Fanga, the second album from Kunbe, continues the collaboration between Malian musicians and the Livenais brothers, longtime figures in the indie rock scene in western France. Titled with a Bambara word associated with strength, energy, unity, and power, Fanga introduces irresistible Afro-rock and Afrobeat-influenced arrangements that connect Manding rhythms
- [Dandy Parranda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dandy-parranda/) - Canada-based band La Parranda Venezolana absolutely soar with “Agua del mar que se va,” a lively sampling of Afro-Venezuelan music delightfully full of percussion, layered choral textures, cuatro, piano and brass.
- [The Way North Take The Battle Of The Folk Bands 2026 Crown](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-way-north-take-the-battle-of-the-folk-bands-2026-crown/) - Glasgow and Speyside folk group The Way North won Battle Of The Folk Bands 2026 at Celtic Connections on Saturday, January 31. The final took place at Drygate Brewery, where five finalists performed for an enthusiastic crowd. Judges awarded the title to The Way North after a set that paired traditional material with a contemporary,
- [Craig Taborn Unveils Dream Archives, a New Trio Album on ECM](https://worldmusiccentral.org/craig-taborn-unveils-dream-archives-a-new-trio-album-on-ecm/) - Dream Archives is the trio debut from pianist-composer and 2025 MacArthur Fellow Craig Taborn with cellist Tomeka Reid and drummer Ches Smith. The album was recorded in New Haven in 2024 and produced by Manfred Eicher. The album centers on four extended Taborn originals, with the group shifting between tightly organized interplay and open-ended passages.
- [Mundial Montréal 2026 Wants Your Sound: Artist Submissions Now Open](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mundial-montreal-2026-wants-your-sound-artist-submissions-now-open/) - Mundial Montréal has opened its 2026 call for artists. The 16th edition of the event runs November 17–21, 2026, in Montréal. The call welcomes both groups and individual artists who align with the world music/global music scene and seek consideration for the 2026 program. Submissions remain open until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on March 4, 2026.
- [Mick Abrahams’ Early ’70s Blues-Rock Returns On 2CD Set](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mick-abrahams-early-70s-blues-rock-returns-on-2cd-set/) - Mick Abrahams - Seasons – The Recordings 1971-1972 (Esoteric, 2026) Seasons – The Recordings 1971–1972 is a 2CD remastered collection that combines Mick Abrahams’ first two solo albums, Mick Abrahams (1971) and At Last (1972), originally released by Chrysalis Records. Abrahams co-founded Jethro Tull and left after the debut LP, This Was. He then formed
- [Rachel Groves Wins Young Traditional Musician 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rachel-groves-wins-young-traditional-musician-2026/) - (headline image: Rachel Groves - Photo by Alan Peebles) Rachel Groves, who plays lever harp, won BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026. BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA broadcast the final live on Sunday, 1 February, from Glasgow City Halls. Six young traditional musicians competed for the title. Groves grew up in Aberdeenshire and
- [Book Launch: "Pepe Habichuela: Now or Never" by José Manuel Gamboa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/book-launch-pepe-habichuela-now-or-never-by-jose-manuel-gamboa/) - This coming Saturday, February 7th, the Círculo Flamenco de Madrid will present the book "Pepe Habichuela: Now or Never." Flamenco guitarist Pepe Habichuela, José Manuel Gamboa (author), and Alberto Martínez de la Plaza (editor) will be participating in the book launch event. The event will begin at 1:00 PM at the Corral de la Morería,
- [Project Smok Reveal New Single Drop “Continuum”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/project-smok-reveal-new-single-drop-continuum/) - "Continuum" is the latest single from Scottish neo-trad trio Project Smok. The group features Ali Levack (pipes and whistles), Ewan Baird (bodhrán), and Pablo Lafuente (guitar). The trio formed in 2017 and has built a reputation for a progressive approach to Scottish traditional music. Scott Wood contributes keyboards and programming.
- [Harp Virtuosa Ailie Robertson Revives 1800s Torloisk Tunes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harp-virtuosa-ailie-robertson-revives-1800s-torloisk-tunes/) - Harp player Ailie Robertson has released Echoes From Torloisk: Music From The Maclean Clephane Manuscripts. The Maclean Clephane manuscripts were compiled by Anna-Jane and Margaret Maclean Clephane at Torloisk House on the Isle of Mull. The work dates from about 1808 to 1825. The manuscripts remained unpublished for more than 200 years. They offer a
- [Tangerine Dream Reconstructs 'Phaedra' 50 Years Later](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tangerine-dream-reconstructs-phaedra-50-years-later/) - Tangerine Dream - 50 Years Of Phaedra: At The Barbican (Kscope, 2026) The current version of Tangerine Dream has released 50 Years Of Phaedra: At The Barbican. The album documents the groundbreaking band’s London Barbican performance that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic, pioneering electronic music album Phaedra. Originally recorded in 1974 at Richard
- [Mallorca Updating](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mallorca-updating/) - The U.K.’s ever-inventive Periscopi Invertit has another winner in “L’amo de son carabassa,” a folk tune from the Mediterranean island of Mallorca that’s been seasoned with jazzy North African vibes.
- [Jazz Fusion Guitarist Ossi Maristo Impresses with Solo Debut, Arc](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jazz-fusion-guitarist-ossi-maristo-impresses-with-solo-debut-arc/) - Ossi Maristo - Arc (Eclipse Music, 2021) Finnish guitarist Ossi Maristo released a superb solo album in 2021 titled Arc. The album draws clear inspiration from the guitar style of progressive rock and fusion innovator Allan Holdsworth, especially his contemporary jazz-rock leaning side. This is exemplified by Maristo’s exhilarating, rapid-fire solos and progressive rock style
- [Teramo to Host 4th MoonJune Festival: International Festival of Eclectic Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/teramo-to-host-4th-moonjune-festival-international-festival-of-eclectic-music/) - MoonJune Music will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026 with the fourth edition of the MoonJune Festival. The three-day event is set for July 23–25 in Teramo, Italy, preceded by a July 22 welcome party. The program brings a genre-crossing lineup to Abruzzo under the banner “The 4th MoonJune Festival: International Festival of Eclectic Music.”
- [Artist Profiles: Maria Bethania](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-maria-bethania/) - Maria Bethânia Viana Telles Veloso, better known as Maria Bethânia, was born on June 18, 1946, in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, Brazil. Maria Bethânia started her career as a recording artist in 1965 and has been growing with each of her numerous albums. In the course of these years, Maria Bethânia wore off the
- [Artist Profiles: Caetano Veloso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-caetano-veloso/) - Caetano Veloso is one of the most influential and beloved artists to emerge from Brazil. He's been an acclaimed artist since the 1960s. Veloso has made more than thirty recordings to date and has developed a strong international following. Born in Santo Amaro, Bahia, in 1942, Caetano Veloso began his professional musical career in 1965 in
- [“A Matilde Coral” Introduces Flamenco De Cuartito Vol. 3](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-matilde-coral-introduces-flamenco-de-cuartito-vol-3/) - "A Matilde Coral" is a new single and a preview of Volume 3 in Flamenco De Cuartito Volumen 3, the ongoing project from flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer José Torres Vicente. The track reworks the main theme from the documentary Acariciando el aire, directed by Paco Ortiz, which focuses on Sevillian dancer Matilde Coral. Its
- [Grupo Um’s “Lost” 1977 Album Finally available](https://worldmusiccentral.org/grupo-ums-lost-1977-album-finally-available/) - São Paulo avant-gardists Grupo Um has released a previously unheard album titled Nineteen Seventy Seven (Far Out Recordings). The group recorded the project in 1977. At the time, the band viewed it as too left-field and confrontational to pass Brazil’s military-era censorship that constrained the arts scene. The release also marks 50 years of Grupo
- [Volker Lankow Presents New Album, Sustained System](https://worldmusiccentral.org/volker-lankow-presents-new-album-sustained-system/) - German electronic music artist Volker Lankow has just released Sustained System. Lankow shared: “It is Episode 8 of the Ambient Journal Series. Rather than movement, the focus is on persistence: tones held, stressed, and slowly reconfigured until they become something else. The sound remains restrained but dense, inviting deep listening and physical presence.” Volker Lankow
- [Dave Stryker Takes A Swing At “The Fool On The Hill” In New Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dave-stryker-takes-a-swing-at-the-fool-on-the-hill-in-new-video/) - Guitarist Dave Stryker has released a new video for “The Fool on the Hill” via Strikezone Records. The track appears on Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session. For the album, Stryker reunites his longtime trio, Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums, and brings the group into Rudy Van Gelder’s studio for its
- [Foundling’s Artemisia Brings Harp-Led Fantasy Ambient](https://worldmusiccentral.org/foundlings-artemisia-brings-harp-led-fantasy-ambient/) - Foundling - Artemisia (Shadow World SW021, 2026) Artemisia is the new album from Foundling, the project of Canadian-born, Berlin-based vocalist, bassist, and harpist Erin Lang. The record follows Foundling’s previous album, Equilibria. That release ends with the line “believe for a while,” and Artemisia opens from that same quiet mood. This time, Foundling shifts direction.
- [Artist Profiles: C. J. Chenier](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-c-j-chenier/) - Zydeco star C. J. Chenier was born on September 28, 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas, right next to the Louisiana state line. He has been called “The Crown Prince of Zydeco” by various music publications. According to Chenier, leader of the famous Red Hot Louisiana band, those titles are fine, but the truth lies in the
- [Super Charged Robert Randolph & The Family Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/super-charged-robert-randolph-the-family-band/) - Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Lickety Split (Blue Note, 2013) Looking for a cure for that mid-summer ennui, well, look no further than Robert Randolph & The Family Band’s Lickety Split. With previous recordings that include Live at the Wetlands, Unclassified, Colorblind, We Walk This Road and another 2013 release Robert Randolph Presents:
- [Artist Profiles: Buddy Guy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-buddy-guy/) - Buddy Guy is an internationally acclaimed blues guitarist, singer, and showman. He’s one of the finest examples of Chicago-style electric blues. Throughout his extensive musical career, Buddy Guy has received numerous Grammy Awards, Blues Foundation’s W.C. Handy Awards, a Billboard Century Award and in 2003, the United States President presented Buddy Guy with The Medal
- [Bluegrass Guitarist and Composer Billy Strings](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-billy-strings/) - Award-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter William Apostol, better known as Billy Strings, was born on October 3, 1992, in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in Morehead, Kentucky, and later in Muir, Michigan. Billy's stepfather, Terry Barber, is a bluegrass musician and introduced his stepson to traditional bluegrass at a young age. In addition to bluegrass,
- [I Second That](https://worldmusiccentral.org/i-second-that/) - Wesli – Makaya (WUP, 2025) As is often the case, I must agree wholeheartedly with my colleague/boss Angel Romero. His summing-up of the album Makaya by Haitian/Canadian artist Wesli was spot on, but I gotta throw in a few thoughts of my own. Anybody who knows anything about Haiti (I’m certainly no expert), knows that
- [Marina Paredes Offers Delightful 'Años Luz' Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/marina-paredes-offers-delightful-anos-luz-video/) - Spanish neofolk singer-songwriter and theater performer Marina Paredes has released "Años Luz," her fifth single, in January 2026. Paredes, born in Villajoyosa, in eastern Spain, in 1998, develops her work around everyday observation and emotional themes. She often uses vulnerability as a direct way to connect with listeners. Her background includes theater training, which influences
- [Wesli’s Impressive 'Makaya' and The Echo Of Revolt](https://worldmusiccentral.org/weslis-impressive-makaya-and-the-echo-of-revolt/) - Wesli - Makaya (WUP, 2025) Makaya, the expansive and awe-inspiring 24-track double album from Haitian-Canadian singer, guitarist, and folklorist Wesli stretches to nearly one hour and fifty minutes. Every track circles back to a single idea: Haiti’s musical memory walks, sings, and fights in the present tense. The title reaches in several directions at once.
- [Nancy Vieira, A Singer Deeply Grounded in Cape Verdean Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-nancy-vieira/) - (headline image: Nancy Vieira - Photo by Rita Carmo) Nancy Vieira was born in 1975 in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau to Cape Verdean parents. She later relocated to Cape Verde. Subsequently, Nancy's family migrated to Lisbon, Portugal when she was 14 years old. The young vocalist leapt to prominence in Portugal as a winner of a TV
- [Moussa T Delivers “Halas Halas” Sahara Blues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/moussa-t-delivers-halas-halas-sahara-blues/) - Desert blues guitarist and vocalist Moussa T has released a new single, “Halas Halas” ( Mixto Records). The track is the first of three singles scheduled ahead of a full-length album titled Tartite. Moussa T comes from the Tuareg community. He was born in Chirozerine, about 45 km from Agadez, Niger, in the Sahara. He
- [Nancy Vieira And Fred Martins Lead February 2026 World Music Charts Europe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nancy-vieira-and-fred-martins-lead-february-2026-world-music-charts-europe/) - Esperança (Hope) by Nancy Vieira and Fred Martins sits at No. 1 on World Music Charts Europe for February 2026. The duo connect Cape Verde and Brazil through a shared Portuguese-language history and long-standing cultural ties. Martins connects Cape Verdean morna to Brazilian bossa nova through a common sense of saudade. Vieira and Martins first
- [Keyboardist Robeone Shares New Video Winter Dream](https://worldmusiccentral.org/keyboardist-robeone-shares-new-video-winter-dream/) - Progressive rock keyboardist Robeone has released a new instrumental single and music video, “Winter Dream.” The clip combines snowy scenery with A.I.-style snowflake effects and studio performance footage. Video producer Blake Carpenter previously collaborated with Robeone on “Optimistica,” “Broken Days,” and “Peace A Dream.” Robeone said the track aims for calm during stressful times and
- [Emerging Galician Folk Band Breo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/emerging-galician-folk-band-breo/) - Breo, the emerging folk group from Galicia, Spain, released their debut album Máis Alá on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The album features ten tracks inspired by Galician mysticism, traditions, and legends, serving as the foundation for each song. Recorded at Estudios Bruar, the album includes collaborations with various artists, such as singer Sabu l’Aviseu on
- [Benju Virtuoso Ustad Noor Bakhsh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/benju-virtuoso-ustad-noor-bakhsh/) - (headline image: Ustad Noor Bakhsh - Photo by Jan-Eric Wendt) Ustad Noor Bakhsh is a renowned musician from Pakistan’s Balochistan Province. Bakhsh is particularly well known for his mastery of the benju, a keyed zither played with a plectrum. Although Bakhsh is well-trained in classical raga (or raag), an art form better known to the
- [Instrumental Tone Poems From The Black Mountains of Wales](https://worldmusiccentral.org/instrumental-tone-poems-from-the-black-mountains-of-wales/) - Peiriant - Plant (Recordiau NAWR Records, 2026) Welsh avant-folk duo Peiriant, Rose Linn-Pearl on violin, Dan Linn-Pearl on electric guitar, return with Plant. They present eight instrumental “tone poems.” According to the band, Plant takes its title from the Welsh word for “children” and focuses on both uncertainty about the future and the pull of
- [Shane Shanahan Weaves Global, Jazz, Rock, and Minimalist Traditions on Audacity](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shane-shanahan-weaves-global-jazz-rock-and-minimalist-traditions-on-audacity/) - Shane Shanahan - Audacity (Live) (Bright Shiny Things, 2025) With Audacity (Live), virtuoso percussionist Shane Shanahan presents a striking document of global musical dialogue recorded live. The album seamlessly combines Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, jazz, rock, and minimalist influences into a cohesive musical statement on unity, resilience, and creativity across cultures. A longtime member of
- [Italian Accordionist Alessandro D'Alessandro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/italian-accordionist-alessandro-dalessandro/) - Alessandro D'Alessandro was born in Coreno Ausonio, a small town in southern Lazio. He grew up playing the organetto, a traditional Italian diatonic button accordion. As he got older, D'Alessandro began to explore new musical practices and experiment with the instrument, eventually incorporating electronics into his performances. He also reinterpreted well-known songs, including Italian pop
- [Out to Sea](https://worldmusiccentral.org/out-to-sea/) - Folksy but hard-rocking, “Le Pêcheur & Le Dôme De Verre” by Hélianthème, a French band that started out as renowned buskers, blends surging rhythms and harmonies with the storytelling airs of a sea shanty. The results are dramatic while still retaining a certain intimacy that draws the listener deep within.
- [Fela Kuti Grammy Tribute Hits Los Angeles This Saturday Night](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fela-kuti-grammy-tribute-hits-los-angeles-this-saturday-night/) - Los Angeles will host a live band event that honors Fela Kuti’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, January 31, at The Paramount. The show will follow The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony. Sierra Leone-born, Los Angeles-based performer Duain Richmond will appear with The Neighborhood Orchestra. Richmond starred as Fela in the Broadway production
- [Peiriant Tease New Album Plant With Single ‘Song In Parts’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/peiriant-tease-new-album-plant-with-single-song-in-parts/) - Peiriant will release their new single “Song In Parts” on Friday 30 January via Recordiau Nawr, ahead of their third studio album Plant. The Hay-on-Wye duo includes Rose Linn-Pearl on violin and Dan Linn-Pearl on electric guitar. “Song In Parts” appears on Plant and was produced by Sam Grant at Blank Studios in Newcastle upon
- [Rudolstadt Gets A Fresh Spin For 2026: New Stages, Same Big Folk Energy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rudolstadt-gets-a-fresh-spin-for-2026-new-stages-same-big-folk-energy/) - Rudolstadt Festival will return July 2–5, 2026. The event is set to bring world music concerts, workshops, discussions, and a large children’s program to venues throughout the city of Rudolstadt in Thuringia. Organizers are planning around 300 events for the festival’s 34th edition, with artists expected from more than 30 countries. Austria will be the
- [Bernhard Wöstheinrich and Rainer Frey Unveil Polyphony Performance Series 019 20251118](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bernhard-wostheinrich-and-rainer-frey-unveil-polyphony-performance-series-019-20251118/) - Electronic musicians Bernhard Wöstheinrich and Rainer Frey have released Polyphony Performance Series 019 20251118. The album documents the 19th concert in their ongoing Polyphony series. The recording captures their November 18, 2025 performance at BAIZ in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district. The set features guest artist Holger Tretzack, a guitarist, composer, and producer known for combining
- [Clamores Turns 45 And Gets “Al Compás” With Flamenco Fire](https://worldmusiccentral.org/clamores-turns-45-and-gets-al-compas-with-flamenco-fire/) - Madrid’s Sala Clamores (Calle Alburquerque) will mark its 45th anniversary with Clamores Al Compás, a flamenco-focused concert series. The shows will run throughput February, March, and April 2026. The three-date cycle is presented with promoter Arte Por Derecho and brings together established names with an eclectic approach. Sunday, February 8: Recordando A Paco De LucíaThe
- [Gail Swanson Salutes Rebel Mom In New Single “My Mama Marched”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gail-swanson-salutes-rebel-mom-in-new-single-my-mama-marched/) - (headline image: Gail Swanson - Photo by Bruce Forrester) Maui, Hawaii-based singer-songwriter Gail Swanson has released a new single, “My Mama Marched,” a tribute to her mother’s rebellious spirit. The track was produced by musician and multidisciplinary artist Micah Nelson (Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, Particle Kid) and is accompanied by an official music
- [Rural Music Saved from Extinction](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rural-music-saved-from-extinction/) - British writer and musician John Phillpott examines the work of ‘the collectors’ who helped to ensure the survival of a rural tradition… The main reason why the varied folk music of America has enjoyed a healthy transition from front porch to concert hall and beyond is arguably down to its enduring and universal appeal. Standing
- [Walters Brings Warm Island Pulse On Ti Love](https://worldmusiccentral.org/walters-brings-warm-island-pulse-on-ti-love/) - David Walters is set to release his new album Ti Love on January 30, 2026, through Heavenly Sweetness. The project is his first full-length in nearly two decades, and finds the Martinique-born artist working closely with a team of collaborators to build a record rooted in community and memory. The title means “brotherly love” in
- [Bassist Jon von Boehm Says “Not Today” With A Five-Minute Jam Starter](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bassist-jon-von-boehm-says-not-today-with-a-five-minute-jam-starter/) - Jon von Boehm has released “Not Today,” the first single from his upcoming fourth album, Reflections, due in March 2026. The five-minute instrumental features musicians von Boehm connected with through his session work, including drummers Marcus Finnie, Cory Ponder, Kyle Edmonston, and Michael Green, plus guitarists Jake Patterson, Cole Clark, and John Gallo. “Not Today”
- [APAP & globalFEST 2026:  Renewal, Resilience, Resistance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/apap-globalfest-2026-renewal-resilience-resistance/) - The performing arts have endured crisis, change, and upheaval—and we’re still here. But here's the shift: we're done being humble. We're done asking for permission. It's time to claim our space. And our power. In this video message, APAP President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney reflects on what we’ve fought through together and why this
- [Sonic Nocturne](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sonic-nocturne/) - Their membership spans a few countries and their sound is real time-tested lover’s rock reggae with a heavy dash of roots. Sonic Alley’s “Rock the Night” rocks, be it night or day.
- [Folk Stars And Changemakers Lead 2026 International Folk Music Awards](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folk-stars-and-changemakers-lead-2026-international-folk-music-awards/) - The International Folk Music Awards for the 2025 cycle were presented on January 21, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the Folk Alliance International Conference. Artist Of The Year resulted in a tie, with Carsie Blanton and trio I’m With Her sharing the honor. Crys Matthews took Song Of The Year for “Sleeves Up,” which
- [Rudy Adrian Introduces New Video "Castle Rocks"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rudy-adrian-introduces-new-video-castle-rocks/) - Electronic music artist Rudy Adrian has released a new video titled "Castle Rocks" from his new album, Along The Coppermine Ridge (Spotted Peccary Music).
- [Sweet Addis Goodbye: A Lost Ethiopian Classic Returns](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sweet-addis-goodbye-a-lost-ethiopian-classic-returns/) - Mulukèn Mellèssè - Mulukèn Mellèssè with The Dahlak Band (Heavenly Sweetness, 2025) This is a long-awaited reissue of Mulukèn Mellèssè with The Dahlak Band, one of the final vinyl LPs pressed in Ethiopia before the country’s independent music scene was abruptly dismantled in the late 1970s. Originally released in 1976, the album is widely regarded
- [The Bagpipe, a Popular Solo and Marching Band Instrument](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bagpipe-a-popular-solo-and-marching-band-instrument/) - The bagpipe is a reed instrument, typically featuring either a single or double reed, with an air reservoir housed in a bag. A standard set of bagpipes consists of four key components: an air supply, a bag, a chanter (the melody pipe), and at least one drone (a pipe that produces a continuous note). Traditional
- [Solas Celebrates 30 Years of Celtic Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/solas-celebrates-30-years-of-celtic-innovation/) - Solas is set to perform at Sony Hall on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Founded in 1995, the trailblazing Celtic music ensemble reunites to mark three decades of boundary-pushing music that fuses Irish tradition with bluegrass and contemporary influences. Original members Séamus Egan, Winifred Horan, and John Williams join guest artists Nuala Kennedy and Alan Murray
- [Tribute to Sabicas Ties Flamenco Festival NY](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tribute-to-sabicas-ties-flamenco-festival-ny/) - Gerardo Núñez, Antonio Rey, Álvaro Martinete, and Olga Pericet are set to perform at The Town Hall on Saturday, March 14, 2026. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Flamenco Festival NY, this tribute honors flamenco guitar legend Sabicas, who brought the art form to global prominence and called New York home for decades. Featuring
- [Americana and Bluegrass Drive Della Mae’s Magic Accident](https://worldmusiccentral.org/americana-and-bluegrass-drive-della-maes-magic-accident/) - Della Mae – Magic Accident (Compass Records, 2026) Della Mae returns with Magic Accident, the band’s first full-length album since 2021’s Family Reunion. The release highlights the group’s alluring and masterfully crafted vocals, tight ensemble work, and songwriting focus with a set of mostly original material. Stylistically, the band amalgamates Americana-rooted songs, hard-driving bluegrass pieces,
- [Harp Spells & Synth Charms: Inside Tragic Magic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harp-spells-synth-charms-inside-tragic-magic/) - Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore - Tragic Magic (Infiné, 2026) Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore have announced Tragic Magic, a collaborative ambient album recorded at the Philharmonie de Paris – Musée de la musique and set for release on Infiné in 2026. The project is the first full-length collaboration between the two artists, weaving centuries-old
- [Johan Tobias Bergstrom Returns With Jazz-Folk Crossover Album Stella](https://worldmusiccentral.org/johan-tobias-bergstrom-returns-with-jazz-folk-crossover-album-stella/) - Johan Tobias Bergstrom - Stella (Losen Records, 2026) Norwegian guitarist Johan Tobias Bergstrom presents his second album, Stella. Bergstrom is known for a delightful Django Reinhardt–influenced swing style and a jazz foundation. According to Bergstrom, Stella expands his musical range with brighter harmonic choices than his 2024 debut, Nova. Indeed, he leans more often into
- [Kora Meets Cello: Diabaté, Schiavone and Martella Trio Unveils Crossing](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kora-meets-cello-diabate-schiavone-and-martella-trio-unveils-crossing/) - Crossing (Diabaté, Schiavone, Martella) - The Path Before Us (Circular Music Records, 2026) The Path Before Us brings together Burkinan and Italian artists Petit Solo Diabaté, Nino Martella, and Marco Schiavone under the name Crossing. The trio braids West African traditions with European contemporary chamber music, focusing on open-hearted dialogue and an enjoyable balance of
- [Pipa Power Meets Orchestra: Gao Hong’s Symphony Of Self](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pipa-power-meets-orchestra-gao-hongs-symphony-of-self/) - Gao Hong - Symphony Of Self (Naxos World, 2026) Pipa performer and composer Gao Hong's Symphony Of Self is a symphonic project featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. The program includes four pipa concertos Gao composed and orchestrated. She performs these lovely, breathtaking and beautifully executed compositions with
- [Pizzica Legends Celebrate 50 Years With Il Mito](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pizzica-legends-celebrate-50-years-with-il-mito/) - Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino - Il Mito (Ponderosa Music Records, 2026) Italian ensemble Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino has just released Il Mito (The Myth). For sure, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino is an iconic act in Italy. They are celebrating their 50th anniversary with new scintillating recordings of material from throughout its history. The band, founded in 1975 by
- [Kazayak Dört Köseli Documents Gagauz Village Songs](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kazayak-dort-koseli-documents-gagauz-village-songs/) - Sevda Ensemble of Cazaclia Village - Kazayak Dört Köseli: Gagauz Songs from Moldova (Antonovka Records, 2025) Antonovka Records released Kazayak Dört Köseli: Gagauz Songs From Moldova in 2025. The album features the charming Sevda Ensemble from the village of Cazaclia in the autonomous region of Gagauzia. The group presents traditional a cappella repertoire, accompanied by
- [Juan Diego Mateos: Eclectic Flamenco Guitarist From Jerez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/juan-diego-mateos-eclectic-flamenco-guitarist-from-jerez/) - Juan Diego Mateos Reina (Jerez de la Frontera, 1969) is a Spanish flamenco guitarist. He began studying guitar at the age of thirteen with José Luis Balao and Manuel Lozano “El Carbonero”. Over his career he has worked with leading flamenco and world music artists, including Jorge Pardo, Carlos Benavent, Remedios Amaya, La Macanita, Joaquín
- [Juan Antonio Moya: Flamenco Guitar With A Bold Modern Kick](https://worldmusiccentral.org/juan-antonio-moya-flamenco-guitar-with-a-bold-modern-kick/) - Spanish guitarist Juan Antonio Moya graduated from the Escola Superior de Música de Cataluña (ESMUC) in 2015 with the highest honors. In February 2017 he appeared as a solo guitarist at the Auditorio de Barcelona (Sala Pau Casals), accompanied by a cobla ensemble, a jazz trio, and pianist-composer Joan Díaz. The program featured works by
- [EH3 Returns With New Jazz-Rock Set, Close To Nothing](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eh3-returns-with-new-jazz-rock-set-close-to-nothing/) - EH3 / Erland Helbø Trio - Close To Nothing (Losen Records, 2025) Close To Nothing is the second release from EH3 / Erland Helbø Trio, one of Scandinavia's finest jazz-rock bands. Close To Nothing provides a feast of progressive jazz-rock rooted in blues with elements of soul and funk. Within a Norwegian context, the album
- [Daydream Believer](https://worldmusiccentral.org/daydream-believer/) - Belgian saxophonist Manuel Hermia is joined by guitarist Julien Tassin and Chris Joris on the Brazilian berimbau for “Reverie,” a piece of music that’s hard to classify but easy to immensely enjoy.
- [Eight Flamenco Finalists Head To Sevilla Showdown](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eight-flamenco-finalists-head-to-sevilla-showdown/) - The SGAE Foundation has announced the eight finalists for the III Paco de Lucía Flamenco SGAE Award 2025. The final will take place on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Manuel Llanes Hall at Teatro Central in Sevilla, with support from the Andalusian Agency for Cultural Institutions, the Andalusian Flamenco Institute, and the
- [The Rise Of Flamenco Guitarist Antonio González](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-rise-of-flamenco-guitarist-antonio-gonzalez/) - (headline image: Antonio González - photo by Celia Carmona) Antonio González Reyes was born on 24 May 1999 in Chipiona, a coastal town in the province of Cádiz, Spain. His interest in music, and the flamenco guitar in particular, appeared around the age of eleven. At that time he began formal studies with his first
- [The Remarkable Journey Of Flamenco Guitarist Chico Gallardo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-remarkable-journey-of-flamenco-guitarist-chico-gallardo/) - Francisco “Chico” Gallardo was born on April 16, 1982, in Almonte (Huelva), Spain. He began playing guitar at the age of eight, showing early musical curiosity and discipline. At fifteen, he started formal training with Cádiz guitarist Antonio Márquez, studying with him until around the age of eighteen and acquiring a solid grounding in flamenco
- [Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest Roll Out "Recurrent" Music Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/snarky-puppy-metropole-orkest-roll-out-recurrent-music-video/) - Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest (conducted by Jules Buckley) have released a video for "Recurrent." This is a piece from its new album Somni (GroundUP Music, 2025).
- [Eskorzo and Muerdo Turn “La Tumba” Into a Vintage Son Cubano Delight](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eskorzo-and-muerdo-turn-la-tumba-into-a-vintage-son-cubano-delight/) - Eskorzo and Muerdo have released a new version of “La Tumba,” recasting the track as a classic son cubano. It's a preview of Eskorzo’s 30th-anniversary album Amistades Caníbales. The Granada band will revisit 14 songs from their catalogue on the record, each reworked in collaboration with 14 guest artists they consider both friends and musical
- [Artist profiles: Shooglenifty](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-shooglenifty/) - Shooglenifty is one of Scotland's unique exports. This six-piece band is credited for being the originators of 'acid-croft,' a fiery and infectious blend of Celtic traditional music and dance grooves that band members describe as "hypno-folkadelic ambient trad.” While their mainly instrumental sound is difficult to put into words, audiences from around the world have
- [Two Festivals Share Top Prize At 2025 Transglobal World Music Awards](https://worldmusiccentral.org/two-festivals-share-top-prize-at-2025-transglobal-world-music-awards/) - The Transglobal World Music Chart has announced the winners of its 2025 Festival Awards, confirming a tie for the Best Festival Award. Best Festival Award (Tie) URÀ Mercado Cultural de la Música (Costa Rica) World Music Festival Bratislava (Slovakia) The Festival Awards, launched in late 2017, were created to highlight festivals that foster appreciation of
- [Suonno D’Ajere Go Electric On Live In Quartet EP](https://worldmusiccentral.org/suonno-dajere-go-electric-on-live-in-quartet-ep/) - Suonno D’Ajere - Live In Quartet (Agualoca Records, 2026) Neapolitan trio Suonno D’Ajere has released a new seven-track live EP, Live In Quartet. The project documents a concert of deeply passionate songs recorded and mixed by Daniele Chessa at Teatro Trianon-Viviani in Naples on March 21, 2025. The group expanded its usual trio format for
- [Bellanöva Reimagines Italy’s Four Provinces Sound Through Chamber Folk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bellanova-reimagines-italys-four-provinces-sound-through-chamber-folk/) - Bellanöva - Bellanöva (Felmay Records, 2020) Italian label Felmay Records released Bellanöva in 2020, a collaboration that brings together the traditional piffero-and-accordion duo of Stefano Valla and Daniele Scurati with western classical musicians Nicola Segatta (cello) and Marcello Fera (violin, composition). The project centers on the music of the Apennine “Four Provinces” area, where Alessandria,
- [Balafon Goes Chromatic: Aly Keïta's Balafon Evolution](https://worldmusiccentral.org/balafon-goes-chromatic-aly-keitas-balafon-evolution/) - Aly Keïta - Balafon Evolution (One World Records, 2026) Ivorian balafon player Aly Keïta presents Balafon Evolution with his Berlin-based trio. The set connects West African traditions with contemporary improvised music and jazz. The album places the balafon at the center of the ensemble, highlighting expanded harmonic possibilities and chromatic tuning that allow the instrument
- [Pedro Ricardo Connects Brazil and Portugal on New Double 7-Inch](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pedro-ricardo-connects-brazil-and-portugal-on-new-double-7-inch/) - Pedro Ricardo returns with a new double 7" release that extends the ideas of his 2023 debut album Soprem Bons Ventos (Soundway Records), this time accentuating fully developed songwriting and guest vocals from Portuguese singers António Zambujo and Ana Margarida Prado. The project combines Brazilian singer-songwriter traditions, Portuguese poetry and electronic production, and will roll
- [Remedy Tree Lean Into Heart-On-Sleeve Bluegrass On “Let Her Know”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/remedy-tree-lean-into-heart-on-sleeve-bluegrass-on-let-her-know/) - Remedy Tree has named “Let Her Know” as the focus track from their album Beyond What I Can See. The song is a stripped-down bluegrass song built around a direct message: say what you feel before it is too late. Written in a quick burst of inspiration, the track centers on the moment when unspoken
- [Garden Of Silence Returns With Debut Album Neither You Nor I](https://worldmusiccentral.org/garden-of-silence-returns-with-debut-album-neither-you-nor-i/) - Garden of Silence - Neither You Nor I (Bazaarpool, 2025) Swiss-based ensemble Garden Of Silence released its debut album Neither You Nor I on Bazaarpool in 2025, reviving a project that began more than a decade ago with the late Iranian singer, harpist, and composer Asita Hamidi. The delightful music on this recording is exquisite,
- [Samba Gone Beyond](https://worldmusiccentral.org/samba-gone-beyond/) - A dual Brazil and UK band, Soma Soma bridges the gaps between samba past, present, and future on “Laranjeiras.” And they do it very well.
- [Mariachi El Bronx Are Back With Mariachi El Bronx IV And “Forgive Or Forget”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mariachi-el-bronx-are-back-with-mariachi-el-bronx-iv-and-forgive-or-forget/) - Los Angeles band Mariachi El Bronx will end a decade-long recording break with the release of their new album Mariachi El Bronx IV on February 13 via ATO Records. The project is the mariachi-focused alter ego of punk group The Bronx and continues the band’s focus on stretching their sound while nodding to the Hispanic
- [Rumba Legend Syran Mbenza Returns With Rumba Africa After 16-Year Pause](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rumba-legend-syran-mbenza-returns-with-rumba-africa-after-16-year-pause/) - Syran Mbenza - Rumba Africa (Hysa Productions HYSADIG1133, 2025) Congolese guitarist Syran Mbenza celebrated his 75th year in 2025 with the release of Rumba Africa, a superb new album distributed through Sterns Music in association with his own Hysa Productions. Rumba Africa ends a 16-year gap since Mbenza’s last full album. The new release features
- [Oumou Sangaré’s Ko Sira Brought Wassulu Power To The World Stage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oumou-sangares-ko-sira-brought-wassulu-power-to-the-world-stage/) - Oumou Sangare - Ko Sira (World Circuit/Rounder, 1993) Malian singer Oumou Sangaré cemented her international profile with Ko Sira, her second widely distributed release, delivered in 1993 by World Circuit/Rounder. First released independently in Mali as Bi Furu, the album introduced broader audiences to Sangaré’s Wassulu style, her magnetic vocals, and her outspoken focus on
- [Montreux Jazz Festival Miami Adds Miles Davis Tribute As Five-Night Lineup Grows](https://worldmusiccentral.org/montreux-jazz-festival-miami-adds-miles-davis-tribute-as-five-night-lineup-grows/) - Montreux Jazz Festival Miami has expanded to five nights. The event will run February 25–March 1, 2026, and announced several new additions to its lineup. A Miles Davis Centennial Celebration on February 25 will open the festival, featuring the Miles Electric Band and the Kind of Blue Acoustic Band, joined by guests Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Sammy
- [Fiddler Irish Millie Maps Growing Up On New Single “Wasted”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fiddler-irish-millie-maps-growing-up-on-new-single-wasted/) - Canadian fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie has released her new single “Wasted,” a key track from her EP Between Then And Now. The project reflects the transition between adolescence and adulthood and the changes that come with leaving home. The 19-year-old artist enters this release cycle as a seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee.
- [“Bernadette” Brings Electric Edge To Bluegrass Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bernadette-brings-electric-edge-to-bluegrass-tradition/) - Lonesome River Band has released “Bernadette” via Mountain Home Music Company, introducing its self-described “Telegrass” approach to a classic bluegrass theme of dark storytelling over upbeat instrumentation. The track pairs chicken pickin’ electric guitar with traditional acoustic bluegrass instruments. National Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame member Mike Hartgrove opens the song on fiddle, while guitarist
- [The Timple, the Small Guitar of the Canary Islands](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-timple-the-small-guitar-of-the-canary-islands/) - (headline image: Beselch Rodríguez holding a timple) The timple, a small guitar with five nylon strings originating from the Canary Islands, Spain, is a quintessential instrument in Canarian traditional music artists. Variants with four strings exist, particularly in certain regions of Tenerife. Similar instruments can be found in the Spanish mainland and Spanish-speaking America, as
- [Brazil For Two](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazil-for-two/) - California-based Duet Paty & Leo breeze their way through “Acaso,” a silky Brazilian-flavored piece in which voice, acoustic guitar and percussion are the foundation for pure listening bliss.
- [Donna The Buffalo, Rising Appalachia Headline 2026 Shakori Hills Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/donna-the-buffalo-rising-appalachia-headline-2026-shakori-hills-festival/) - The 22nd Annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance will return to Pittsboro, North Carolina, from May 7–10, 2026. Festival founders and Americana mainstays Donna The Buffalo will perform multiple sets throughout the weekend. The lineup also features Asheville folk duo Rising Appalachia, Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae artist Lila Iké, Puerto Rican tropical
- [Artist Profiles: Eliane Elias](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-eliane-elias/) - Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Eliane Elias learned the piano at age 7, and was already transcribing heaping solo portions of her parents' jazz records by the age of 12. After studying for 6 years (and teaching by age 15) at Brazil's prestigious Free Center of Music Apprenticeship, where she learned to hone her incredible
- [Artist Profiles: Sergio Mendes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-sergio-mendes/) - Sergio Santos Mendes was born in Niteroi, Brazil, February 11th, 1941. His father was a medical doctor. Mendes attended the local conservatory with hopes of becoming a classical pianist. As his interest in jazz grew, he started playing in nightclubs in the late-1950s just as bossa nova, a jazz-inflected derivative of samba, was taking off.
- [Artist Profiles: Yamandu Costa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-yamandu-costa/) - Yamandu Costa was born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 1980. There, he began his guitar studies with his father Algacir Costa, band leader of "Os Fronteiriços", when he was 7 years old. Later, he perfected his technique with Lucio Yanel, an Argentine virtuoso who was then living in Brazil. Until the
- [A Few Reminders](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-few-reminders/) - Every once in a while I endeavor to break myself of one of many bad habits. Not the least of these is a tendency to occasionally (okay, all too often) let music sent to me for review slip by unheard due to distractions, preconceived notions or pure idleness. The foursome reviewed here remind me of
- [Pedro Rosa's Flavorful Midnight Alvorada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pedro-rosas-flavorful-midnight-alvorada/) - Pedro Rosa - Midnight Alvorada (ajabu!, 2023) Pedro Rosa, a Spain-based Brazilian composer, guitarist, and singer, released his debut album titled Midnight Alvorada on May 12th. The album is a culmination of Rosa's lifelong relationship with music and presents a diverse range of irresistible rhythms including samba, baião, ijexá, bossa nova, and waltz. Collaborating with
- [Guitarist Yamandu Costa to Perform in the USA in September 2023](https://worldmusiccentral.org/guitarist-yamandu-costa-to-perform-in-the-usa-in-september-2023/) - Award-winning Brazilian guitarist Yamandu Costa is set to perform two concerts in the United States in September 2023. Widely celebrated as one of the preeminent guitar virtuosos on the global stage, this maestro of the seven-string guitar has consistently captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable skill. Yamandu's is one of the artists that has rekindled
- [Ivan Lins Revives Timeless Classics in My Heart Speaks](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ivan-lins-revives-timeless-classics-in-my-heart-speaks/) - Ivan Lins - My Heart Speaks (Resonance Records, 2023) My Heart Speaks is a splendid new recording by the great Brazilian composer and singer Ivan Lins. This inviting album presents the composer in a unique collaboration with the 91-piece symphony orchestra from Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia. On this occasion, Lins combines
- [Alexandre Elias Presents a Familiar Yet Adventure-Seeking Bossa Nova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alexandre-elias-presents-a-familiar-yet-adventure-seeking-bossa-nova/) - “Wave” is at once familiar and adventure-seeking bossa nova by Alexandre Elias, a Brazilian who knows how it should go.
- ['Friends or Lovers' by Brazil’s Magical Island Brings a Fresh Pop Twist to Bossa Nova"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/friends-or-lovers-by-brazils-magical-island-brings-a-fresh-pop-twist-to-bossa-nova/) - “Friends or Lovers” by Brazil’s Magical Island takes a fairly pop-oriented approach to bossa nova. The results are lovely.
- [Sony Pictures Classics to Release Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal’s Animated Film 'They Shot the Piano Player'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sony-pictures-classics-to-release-fernando-trueba-and-javier-mariscals-animated-film-they-shot-the-piano-player/) - Sony Pictures Classics has announced that they will release Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal’s bossa nova-themed animated film, They Shot the Piano Player. The film will be screened in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on February 23, 2024, before expanding to the rest of the United States in the following weeks. The movie
- [Josemi Carmona to Lead Flamenco Jam at Sala Villanos in Madrid](https://worldmusiccentral.org/josemi-carmona-to-lead-flamenco-jam-at-sala-villanos-in-madrid/) - One of the most restless flamenco guitarists in recent years is Josemi Carmona, who will be leading the Flamenco Latin Jam next Thursday, January 11 at Villanos club in Madrid. Estrella Morente, Sandra Carrasco, Israel Suarez "El Piraña", Yelsy Heredia, Luis Guerra and Enriquito, will be the guests at this encounter between Flamenco and Latin
- [Sarah McKenzie Releases Stirring Brazilian Music Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sarah-mckenzie-releases-stirring-brazilian-music-album/) - Sarah McKenzie - Without you (Normandy Lane, 2023) Gifted Australian jazz pianist, composer and singer, Sarah McKenzie, recently released her superb sixth album, Without You. This is a splendid and elegant Brazilian jazz project that conveys her love for bossa nova and Brazilian music and culture in general. Without You includes a generous amount of
- [Accordion and Cello Magic From Tales from the Box](https://worldmusiccentral.org/accordion-and-cello-magic-from-tales-from-the-box/) - Tales from the Box — Ciel (Artway-Technotropon, 2023) Tales from the Box's Ciel (Sky) is a captivating and sophisticated album that celebrates the profound versatility inherent in the cello and accordion. This delightful instrumental album, skillfully crafted by accordion virtuoso Thanos Stavridis and accomplished cellist Stella Tempreli, transcends musical boundaries. The duo and their colleagues
- [Adriana Calcanhotto’s Joyous and Spontaneous Songs grounded in Brazilian Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/adriana-calcanhottos-joyous-and-spontaneous-songs-grounded-in-brazilian-tradition/) - Adriana Calcanhotto – Errante (Modern Recordings, 2023) Adriana Calcanhotto's 13th studio album, Errante, present a wide range of styles. From bossa nova to samba-canção, xote, maxixe, samba-de-roda, rock, pop, and funk carioca, she covers it all. The topics are just as diverse, touching on love, its end, flirting, loss, mourning, and self-reflection. Having faced the
- [Brazilian Match Reveals the Songcraft Mastery of Luiz Millan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazilian-match-reveals-the-songcraft-mastery-of-luiz-millan/) - Luiz Millan - Brazilian Match (Jazz Station Records, 2024) Luiz Millan's latest endeavor, Brazilian Match, represents a significant milestone in his career, signaling a deliberate shift towards a broader international audience. Guided by the seasoned producer Arnaldo DeSouteiro for Jazz Station Records (JSR) and tastefully arranged by Michel Freidenson, this album gathers a constellation of
- [Latin Jazz: A Thrilling Fusion of Rhythms and Styles](https://worldmusiccentral.org/latin-jazz-a-thrilling-fusion-of-rhythms-and-styles/) - Latin jazz is an enthralling genre of music that combines primarily the rhythms and percussion instruments of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and a few other nations, with jazz. It is a joyful and dynamic style that has gained popularity and critical acclaim over the years, becoming one of the most diverse components of
- [Bianca Rastafiore's Swinging Bossa Nova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bianca-rastafiores-swinging-bossa-nova/) - A name like Bianca Rastafiore suggests a reggae connection, but the Cape Verdean singer going by that name is instead behind “Elle Fait Les Courses Avec Papa,” a swaying concoction of bossa nova with a harder than usual edge and committed call-and-response vocals.
- [Eric Wink Reimagines Bossa Nova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eric-wink-reimagines-bossa-nova/) - American multi-instrumentalist Eric Wink does a bright and engaging take on the classic bossa nova style with “Inconsolable,” a swinging piece featuring perfectly suited vocals courtesy of Caitlin McGrath and zesty saxophone interjections to boot.
- [Enduring Bossa Nova by Ingrid León and Bob James](https://worldmusiccentral.org/enduring-bossa-nova-by-ingrid-leon-and-bob-james/) - Hailing from Mexico and the United States respectively, veteran musicians Ingrid León and Bob James give the classic bossa nova style their own stamp with “Para Mi.” The lead vocals are a silky delight, and an intricate guitar solo helps bring it all together sweetly.
- [Swinging Bossa Nova by Thalerg](https://worldmusiccentral.org/swinging-bossa-nova-by-thalerg/) - Bossa Nova has long had worldwide recognizability, and that is as it should be. Parisian pianist and composer Thalerg has his own authentic take called “Quien Podera Concertar,” and it’s got exactly the right sort of swing and sway.
- [Delia Fischer Releases Delightful Single "Intimo" Featuring Tico de Moraes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/delia-fischer-releases-delightful-single-intimo-featuring-tico-de-moraes/) - Delia Fischer has released her new single "Intimo," a collaboration with acclaimed Brazilian guitarist, singer, and composer Tico de Moraes. The song, performed in Portuguese and English, features delicate and emotional renditions from both artists. Their vocal timbres complement each other, enhanced by Brazilian-style jazz instrumentation, particularly in the interplay between Tico's 7-string guitar and
- [Brazilian Icon Marcos Valle Returns with Samba Funk  Album 'Túnel Acústico'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazilian-icon-marcos-valle-returns-with-samba-funk-album-tunel-acustico/) - Marcos Valle - Túnel Acústico (Far Out Recordings, 2024) Marcos Valle is a multifaceted Brazilian composer, arranger, singer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans over six decades. Known for his diverse musical style, Valle's work ranges from bossa nova and samba to disco pop, psychedelic rock, and orchestral music. His twenty-third studio album, Túnel Acústico, aims
- [Vinicius Cantuária to Perform at City Winery Chicago](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vinicius-cantuaria-to-perform-at-city-winery-chicago/) - Vinicius Cantuária, a prominent figure in Brazilian music for over four decades, is set to perform on Tuesday, September 17, at City Winery in Chicago. Cantuária is renowned for his compositions "Lua e Estrela" and "Só Você," which became MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) classics, each selling over 3 million copies in the 1980s and 1990s.
- [Bossa Nova Innovator Sergio Mendes Dies at 83](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bossa-nova-innovator-sergio-mendes-dies-at-83/) - (headline image: Sergio Mendes in 2020. Photo by Mizo) Extraordinary Brazilian composer, pianist, and songwriter Sergio Mendes died on September 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, USA. Mendes introduced his groundbreaking form of bossa nova to American audiences in the 1960s when he migrated to the USA. With his band Brasil ’66, Mendes elegantly combined Brazilian
- [Joyful Brazilian Baião by Cirio](https://worldmusiccentral.org/joyful-brazilian-baiao-by-cirio/) - Amidst the flood of samba and bossa nova that’s been released over the decades, Brazilian baião music is sometimes overlooked. Whether or not a singer by the name of Cirio is looking to remedy that, his song “O Amor Mais Sincero da Vida” (which celebrates the joys of fatherhood) is a lively delight.
- [Brasil Calling: Volume 14 - A Vibrant Fusion of Traditional and Modern Sounds](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brasil-calling-volume-14-a-vibrant-fusion-of-traditional-and-modern-sounds/) - Brasil Calling is a series of compilations designed to introduce new Brazilian talent to international media. In this case, the majority of the artists fall within the broad category of world music, ranging from samba and bossa nova to Afro-Brazilian and lesser known Brazilian rhythms and genres. Volume 14 presents another batch of highly talented
- [Miramar Celebrates Transnational Bolero in "En Mis Sueños"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/miramar-celebrates-transnational-bolero-in-en-mis-suenos/) - Richmond-based Bolero Beat ensemble Miramar has announced their upcoming album, Entre Tus Flores, set for release on January 10 via Ansonia Records. The album promises a seamless combination of tradition and innovation, drawing from the band members' diverse cultural roots: Puerto Rican vocalist Rei Álvarez, Chilean-American keyboardist Marlysse Simmons, and vocalist Laura Ann Singh, who
- [Peixe e Limão Dives Deep with Salta!](https://worldmusiccentral.org/peixe-e-limao-dives-deep-with-salta/) - Peixe e Limão - Salta! (Muziekpublique, 2024) Peixe e Limão (fish and lemon in Portuguese), a trio formed by two Italians and a Belgian in Brussels, channels their shared experiences and vulnerabilities into a striking debut album, Salta! ("Jump!"). The city, a cultural crossroads, provides the backdrop where they amalgamate their native and adopted languages,
- [Mafalda Minnozzi’s Riofonic: A Global Jazz Fusion Rooted in Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mafalda-minnozzis-riofonic-a-global-jazz-fusion-rooted-in-brazil/) - Mafalda Minnozzi - Riofonic (Musica Populare Italiana MPI 2321, 2025) Riofonic is Mafalda Minnozzi's fourth jazz album for the U.S. market, a heartfelt tribute to the soul of Rio de Janeiro. Produced by her longtime collaborator, New York guitarist and arranger Paul Ricci, the album captures the pulse of Brazilian music with an authenticity that
- [Timeless as ever Bossa Nova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/timeless-as-ever-bossa-nova/) - U.K. pianist Michael Eastwood leads the way as a global cast of a dozen players glide through “Bo-sete-nova,” a bossa nova tune with a time signature reflected in the title and a classically tantalizing feel throughout.
- [Magnificent Seven](https://worldmusiccentral.org/magnificent-seven/) - “Butterflies,” by a band called Intercontinen7al, may well be the first of its kind: a bossa nova song comprised of parts recorded on all seven continents. And yes, that includes Antarctica. It’s a delicate, lovely piece of work, and all streaming proceeds go to a most worthy charity, Oxfam.
- [La Santa Cecilia preserves vital Mexican musical heritage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/la-santa-cecilia-preserves-vital-mexican-musical-heritage/) - (headline image: La Santa Cecilia - Photo by Humberto Howard) Formed in Los Angeles in 2007, La Santa Cecilia is a Mexican American band known for combining Latin American musical traditions with U.S. pop, rock, and jazz influences. The group is named after the patron saint of music. The original sextet, Gloria Estrada, Pepe Carlos,
- [Going South in a Good Way](https://worldmusiccentral.org/going-south-in-a-good-way/) - American singer Carrie Marshall combines the sway of a bossa nova rhythm with silky smooth vocals and the added sweetening of Appalachian-style fiddle on "Southern Shade of Blue,” a breezily enjoyable original tune.
- [Hidden Truths, Revealed Grace](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hidden-truths-revealed-grace/) - Bruna Black and John Finbury – Vã Revelação (Green Flash Music, 2024) The first time I heard Vã Revelação, Bruna Black’s voice curved around the corners of the house like sunlight through slatted blinds. It stopped me. And then it pulled me in. Vã Revelação feels like an intimate gathering of Brazil’s rhythmic heritage, filtered
- [High Quality Bossa Nova Import](https://worldmusiccentral.org/high-quality-bossa-nova-import/) - French guitarist Christophe Duflos brings the familiar feel of bossa nova to new horizons through “Bossarena,” a piece flavored not only by some fine trumpeting but surprisingly rockish electric guitar as well.
- [Partial Culpability](https://worldmusiccentral.org/partial-culpability/) - An American singer by the name of Mckey brings a touch of bossa nova, both vocally and in the arrangement, to “Most of the Blame,” a sweet, unpretentious song that sounds vulnerable yet quietly assertive.
- [Confortini & Mackenzie to Unveil Brazilian Mosaico on March 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/confortini-mackenzie-to-unveil-brazilian-mosaico-on-march-2026/) - Vocalist Francesca Confortini and arranger Ryan Mackenzie are set to release Mosaico (Tessera Records) on March 20, 2026. The album is a Brazilian-focused project that places classic repertoire in a contemporary, chamber-style setting. The album combines samba, bossa nova, baião and MPB through new orchestral and jazz-leaning arrangements. The recording centers on three ensembles: a
- [Aaron Burdett Honors A Local Legend On Arthur’s Last Dance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aaron-burdett-honors-a-local-legend-on-arthurs-last-dance/) - Aaron Burdett opens the new year with Arthur’s Last Dance, an uptempo bluegrass single drawn from a true story rooted in his western North Carolina upbringing and echoing the autobiographical vein of his 2022 release, “Denver Plane.” The track moves at rapid speed, driven by Burdett’s rhythm guitar and a seasoned ensemble that has anchored
- [Patoranking And Fulu Miziki Lead First Wave For 2026 Africa Oyé In Liverpool](https://worldmusiccentral.org/patoranking-and-fulu-miziki-lead-first-wave-for-2026-africa-oye-in-liverpool/) - Africa Oyé has announced its first two international acts for the 2026 edition of the festival, returning as a ticketed event in Liverpool’s Sefton Park on 20–21 June. Nigerian artist Patoranking will make his Liverpool debut at this year’s festival. A prominent figure in the African music industry and a noted Afrobeats ambassador, he combines
- [Eliza Marshall's Debut, Eternal Birth, Inspired by Thomas Hardy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eliza-marshalls-debut-eternal-birth-inspired-by-thomas-hardy/) - Eliza Marshall - Eternal Birth (One World Records, 2026) Award-winning flutist and composer Eliza Marshall will release her splendid debut solo album, Eternal Birth, on 16 January 2026 via One World Records. Recorded between Real World Studios in the UK and Dakar, Senegal, the world fusion project presents the result of Marshall’s two decades of
- [Klezmer Legends The Klezmatics Launch 40th Anniversary Tour With New Album Preview](https://worldmusiccentral.org/klezmer-legends-the-klezmatics-launch-40th-anniversary-tour-with-new-album-preview/) - Grammy-winning klezmer band The Klezmatics has launched its 40th Anniversary World Tour with a live preview of new music from We Were Made for These Times, a forthcoming album rooted in Yiddish tradition and world music collaboration. The tour opened on January 9, 2026, at Sony Hall in New York City. The January tour leg
- [Mike Mitchell Unveils New Heartbreak Single “Bridge I Can’t Burn”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mike-mitchell-unveils-new-heartbreak-single-bridge-i-cant-burn/) - Mike Mitchell has released his new single “Bridge I Can’t Burn” via Mountain Fever Records. The track delivers a candid look at the painful turning point in a toxic relationship, focusing on emotional fallout rather than melodrama. Co-written by Mitchell and Jeff Walter, the single highlights Mitchell’s distinctive vocal delivery and fiddle work, supported by
- [Folk Showdown In Glasgow – Meet The 2026 Finalists](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folk-showdown-in-glasgow-meet-the-2026-finalists/) - Organizers have confirmed the five finalists for the Battle of the Folk Bands 2026, held during Celtic Connections in Glasgow. The shortlisted acts are: Àirdan, Evie Waddell Band, Ketu, Raivelt, and The Way North. A panel of musicians selected the bands from submissions received from across Scotland, highlighting the current strength of the traditional Scottish
- [Congolese French Connection](https://worldmusiccentral.org/congolese-french-connection/) - Spearheaded by singer-songwriter Patrick Mundélé, Paris Kinshasa Express delightfully achieves the express purpose of saluting the classic Congolese sound that bridges rumba and soukous with “Que Danse Le Monde.”
- [Early Music Trailblazer Gregorio Paniagua, Founder Of Atrium Musicae, Dies At 81](https://worldmusiccentral.org/early-music-trailblazer-gregorio-paniagua-founder-of-atrium-musicae-dies-at-81/) - (headline image: Gregorio Paniagua - photo by Carlos Paniagua, 1961) Gregorio Paniagua, Spanish early music director, composer, and founder of the Madrid ensemble Atrium Musicae, died on 10 January 2026 at the age of 81. He was widely known for his work in reviving medieval, Renaissance, and ancient repertoires and for rebuilding historical instruments from
- [Alfredo Lagos' Guitar to Light Up Madrid](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alfredo-lagos-guitar-to-light-up-madrid/) - The Círculo Flamenco de Madrid continues its thirteenth season on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a guitar concert by Alfredo Lagos. The event begins at 22:30 at Teatro Flamenco Madrid, located at Calle del Pez 10. Rafael Manjavacas will introduce the performance. The accompanying poster was designed by María Artigas. Tickets for the public are
- [Artist Profiles: Derya Turkan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-derya-turkan/) - Derya Türkan was born in 1973 in Istanbul. He graduated from the Turkish State Conservatory of Istanbul, in 1994. By the age of 17, his accomplishment on the kemenche brought an invitation to join the Necdet Yasar Ensemble, with whom he performed and toured for eight years. In 1991, Türkan met Kudsi Ergüner with whom
- [Amy Grant, Sandy Kelly Lead Belfast’s Your Roots Are Showing 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amy-grant-sandy-kelly-lead-belfasts-your-roots-are-showing-2026/) - Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS), billed as Ireland’s only dedicated folk, roots and traditional music conference, has announced full details for its 2026 edition in Belfast. The conference runs 14–18 January 2026 at ICC Belfast, with a FOLK iN FUSION kickoff concert on 13 January at Waterfront Hall. Country veteran Sandy Kelly will emcee the
- [Hirundo Maris: A Fusion of European and Ottoman Early Music Traditions](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hirundo-maris-a-fusion-of-european-and-ottoman-early-music-traditions/) - Hirundo Maris – Looking for New Horizons, Book I (Seyir Müzik, 2025) Looking for New Horizons is the lovely debut album by Hirundu Maris, a pan-European ensemble led by Spanish soprano vocalist and harpist Arianna Savall, Norwegian tenor and multi-instrumentalist Petter Udland Johansen, and Turkish kamancha (kemençe) virtuoso Derya Türkan. The ensemble connects the music
- [Romanian Riddim](https://worldmusiccentral.org/romanian-riddim/) - The timeless sound of sax-sweetened lovers rock style reggae is captured skillfully by Romanian producer Marius-Alexandru Ionescu, aka Bass & Riddim Workshop. With assistance from American vocalist Shaynari, "What We Have” is well worth having.
- [Sangjaru Saddles Up For Fire Horse Lunar New Year Tour](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sangjaru-saddles-up-for-fire-horse-lunar-new-year-tour/) - Sangjaru will return to North America in 2026 with a Lunar New Year celebration tour marking the Year of the Fire Horse. The Korean group will bring its folk fusion sound back to U.S. stages as part of the run. The band is known for mixing Korean traditional music with gypsy swing, funk, rock, and
- [Artist Profiles: Frank London](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-frank-london/) - Trumpeter and composer Frank London is a member of the Klezmatics, Hasidic New Wave, has performed with John Zorn, LL Cool J, Mel Torme, Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy, LaMonte Young, They Might Be Giants, David Byrne, Jane Siberry, Ben Folds 5, Mark Ribot, Maurice El Medioni and Gal Costa, and is featured on over 100
- [Artist Profiles: África Negra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-africa-negra/) - Conjunto África Negra was conceived in the early 1970s, when a butcher from the town of São Tomé (the capital city of the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe) named Horacio, and his guitarist friend Emilio Pontes wrote songs, played guitar, and relaxed after work. After brief periods under various names, Conjunto África Negra
- [Korean Mask Dance Rock: Insun Park & Generals Begin first U.S. Tour](https://worldmusiccentral.org/korean-mask-dance-rock-insun-park-generals-begin-first-u-s-tour/) - South Korean ensemble Insun Park & Generals will launch their first United States tour in Spring 2026, opening with a debut appearance at globalFEST 2026 before additional dates around the country. Led by Insun Park, a master of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance (recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Korea), the group combines rock,
- [Della Mae Grow Their “Family Tree”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/della-mae-grow-their-family-tree/) - Della Mae has released “Family Tree,” the second single from their upcoming album Magic Accident, due January 23. Band founder and fiddler Kimber Ludiker leans into a modal Appalachian fiddle style on the track, co-written with Della Mae guitarist Avril Smith and singer-songwriter Becky Warren. Driven by Ludiker’s energetic fiddle and Alison Brown’s banjo, “Family
- [Vopli Vidopliassova Marks 40 Years With High-Energy Tour](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vopli-vidopliassova-marks-40-years-with-high-energy-tour/) - Vopli Vidopliassova begin their 40th anniversary tour this weekend at GlobalFest in New York City. Strong demand led organizers to add a second New York City date on January 12. The Ukrainian veterans rank among the country’s most recognizable rock acts, known for outspoken anti-war messaging and vigorous concerts. Their latest outing brings the band
- [Utterly Evocative and Imaginative Anne Hytta](https://worldmusiccentral.org/utterly-evocative-and-imaginative-anne-hytta/) - Anne Hytta - Draumsyn (Carpe Diem Records, 2014) Stepping off the well-worn path of world music, I don't often come across solo hardanger fiddle (a Norwegian fiddle) recordings, but that is what Carpe Diem Records has provided with composer and musician Anne Hytta's Draumsyn. Now, if you're looking for happy little folk tunes this probably
- [Artist Profiles: Agricantus](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-agricantus/) - Agricantus is a band from Sicily. Its early releases Gnanzù and Viaggiari were fine examples of its ability to mix ethnic music, mainly from the Mediterranean, with ambient and trance rhythms, and were followed by Tuareg, with which they achieved success in Italy and Europe. This album was recorded in the desert of Mali with
- [Artist Profiles: Al Bilali Soudan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-al-bilali-soudan/) - Al Bilali Soudan is a Tuareg band from Mali that plays acoustic music rooted in tradition. The family members of Al Bilali Soudan from Timbuktu are sought after musicians and griots (traveling musicians and storytellers). Led by Abellow Yattara, the band is a leading Tamashek (Tuareg) music act, characterized by a continuous exchange between the
- [Artist Profiles: Alfio Antico](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-alfio-antico/) - Alfio Antico was born on November 22, 1956, in Lentini, on the island of Sicily, Italy. Alfio lived as a shepherd until the age of 18 surrounded by a rustic environment, deeply connected to nature. He listened to his grandmother’s tales and came in to contact with a wide range of local traditions. He played
- [Artist Profiles: Ana Carla Maza](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-ana-carla-maza/) - Cellist Ana Carla Maza Sierra was born in Havana, Cuba in a musical family. Her father is acclaimed Chilean pianist Carlos Maza and her mother is Cuban guitarist Mirza Sierra. Ana Carla started her cello classes at 8 and appeared on stage for the first time in Havana when she was barely ten. At 13,
- [Artist Profiles: Cheikh Lô](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-cheikh-lo/) - Cheikh Lô is one of the great trailblazers of African music. A superb singer and songwriter as well as a distinctive guitarist, percussionist and drummer he has personalized a variety of influences from West and Central Africa, to create a style that is uniquely his own. Lô dedicates both his life and music to Baye
- [Cane Bagpipe Comeback: Xavier Blanco Revives A Lost Galician Sound](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cane-bagpipe-comeback-xavier-blanco-revives-a-lost-galician-sound/) - Xavier Blanco — A Gaita de Cana de Moaña (Several Records, 2001) Xavier Blanco Nogueira, a Galician piper from Moaña in the Morrazo region of Spain, released A Gaita de Cana de Moaña on Several Records in 2001. His goal was to introduce the traditional gaita de caña, often described as the oldest type of
- [Ali Farka Touré’s Niafunké Brought Desert Blues Back Home](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ali-farka-toures-niafunke-brought-desert-blues-back-home/) - Ali Farka Touré - Niafunké (World Circuit Music, 1999) Malian guitarist and singer Ali Farka Touré released Niafunké on World Circuit Music in 1999, a delightful album named after the village on the Niger River where it was recorded. The project highlight Touré's diverse, nuanced and virtuosic guitar techniques. It leans heavily on traditional Malian
- [Hami Hamoo Announce Debut Album Siya On Accords Croisés](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hami-hamoo-announce-debut-album-siya-on-accords-croises/) - Hami Hamoo will release their debut album Siya on January 16, 2026, via Accords Croisés / Pias. The trio grew out of a long-running collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Michael Havard and percussionist Habib Meftah, who built their careers performing diverse forms of world music. After working together as sidemen in a short-lived project, they chose to
- [Accordionist Teija Niku Unveils Reflective New Album Tovi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/accordionist-teija-niku-unveils-reflective-new-album-tovi/) - Finnish accordionist and composer Teija Niku has released her fourth solo album Tovi in 2026, a self-produced project that continues the artistic direction of her 2019 album Hetkessä. Niku composed, arranged, and recorded all the music on Tovi. The repertoire draws heavily on Nordic folk dance traditions, while also featuring the Balkan influences that have
- [Altın Gün Revives A Turkish Folk Classic With “Neredesin Sen”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/altin-gun-revives-a-turkish-folk-classic-with-neredesin-sen/) - Altın Gün has released the single “Neredesin Sen”, a motorik-leaning reinterpretation of a Turkish folk standard. The track will appear on Garip, the Dutch group’s sixth album, due February 20 via ATO Records. Garip translates to “strange” in English and is envisioned as a tribute to Neşet Ertaş, a major figure in Anatolian music associated
- [A Triumph of the Kanun Sound and Nuance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-triumph-of-the-kanun-sound-and-nuance/) - Firas Zreik - Salute (Levantine Music, 2023) Salute is the first full-length album by Firas Zreik, a remarkable composer, kanun virtuoso, and educator. The album highlights the versatility of the kanun with an extraordinary set of solo kanun and dazzling ensemble pieces. Notably, the kanun elegantly interacts with modern and traditional musical instruments in an
- [Christine Zayed Bridges Arabic Tradition and Modernity with Kama Kuntu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/christine-zayed-bridges-arabic-tradition-and-modernity-with-kama-kuntu/) - Christine Zayed - Kama Kuntu (T-Rec., 2024) Christine Zayed, a Palestinian-born singer, composer, arranger, and kanun (qanun) master, has captivated audiences with her innovative approach to classical Arabic music. Raised between Jerusalem and Ramallah in a music-loving family, Zayed was immersed from an early age in Arabic classical and contemporary music, as well as the
- [Turkish Folk Music Presented with Modern Digital Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/turkish-folk-music-presented-with-modern-digital-innovation/) - Turkish label Kalan Music has rolled out a music video that integrates the rich heritage of Turkish folk music with modern digital innovations. In their latest project, the classic folk song "Ela Gözlerini Sevdiği Dilber" has been reimagined in an instrumental interpretation by renowned musicians Muhlis Berberoğlu (divan baglama, cura), Burakhan Nur (clarinet), and Erdem
- [Deerly Beloved: Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek Reimagine 'Ceylan'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/deerly-beloved-derya-yildirim-grup-simsek-reimagine-ceylan/) - Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek’s latest single, “Ceylan”, released via Big Crown Records, offers a fresh interpretation of the Neşet Ertaş classic, originally written by his father, Muharrem Ertaş. The band infuses the song with psychedelic synths, rhythmic percussion, and expressive bağlama melodies, while Yıldırım’s reverberating vocals amplify its themes of hunting and loss—deeply rooted
- [How Rembetika music unites the people of troubled Cyprus](https://worldmusiccentral.org/how-rembetika-music-unites-the-people-of-troubled-cyprus/) - (headline photo: Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay) Writer and musician John Phillpott travels to Cyprus and discovers a music that has played a crucial part in healing the ethnic divides of that troubled eastern Mediterranean island. For those of us who firmly believe that music is the glue that binds people in this troubled
- [Ozan Baysal Recreates Şelpe in Tel ve Ten](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ozan-baysal-recreates-selpe-in-tel-ve-ten/) - Ozan Baysal - Tel ve Ten (ARC Music EUCD2976, 2025) Ozan Baysal’s debut album, Tel ve Ten (String and Skin), spotlights the ancient Anatolian baglama (or bağlama) technique of şelpe: a plectrum-free style relying solely on hand techniques. This album presents a fusion of tradition and innovation, positioning Baysal as a key figure in the
- [José de los Camarones Mixes Flamenco, Psychedelia, and Mysticism in Aventuremos la Vida](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jose-de-los-camarones-mixes-flamenco-psychedelia-and-mysticism-in-aventuremos-la-vida/) - José de los Camarones - Aventuremos la vida (LB Discos, 2025) Following the release of the single of the same name, Aventuremos la Vida marks a bold new chapter for flamenco singer José de los Camarones. The groundbreaking Spanish flamenco singer presents a recording where mysticism and psychedelia meet. Fur sure, this recording weaves the
- [A Mountain of Cuban Roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-mountain-of-cuban-roots/) - A band hailing from exactly where their name suggests, Montuno Cubano tear through the violin-seasoned “Frágil de Cristal (radio mix)” with all the deep-cutting edges that have always made traditional Cuban music a towering force.
- [Fairport Convention Hits The Road Again: Uk Spring Tour Starts March 17](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fairport-convention-hits-the-road-again-uk-spring-tour-starts-march-17/) - Fairport Convention will tour the UK this spring, launching a 24-date run on March 17, 2026, at The Stables in Milton Keynes and concluding on April 12 in Leamington Spa. The shows follow a busy 2025 that included two tours and a sold-out Cropredy Convention. The group is set to reunite with drummer Dave Mattacks
- [Milap Unveils Indo-Jazz Highlights For Spring 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/milap-unveils-indo-jazz-highlights-for-spring-2026/) - Milap has announced its Spring 2026 program. The series will present leading UK Indo-Jazz artists and South Asian performance throughouts Liverpool, Merseyside, and the North West. The season opens through Milap’s ongoing partnership with Liverpool International Jazz Festival on Saturday 28 February. The festival date features pianist Zoe Rahman and clarinetist Arun Ghosh, two award-winning
- [Family Tunes Resurface: Garry Walsh's Debut Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/family-tunes-resurface-garry-walshs-debut-album/) - Garry Walsh - Uncovered (Ossian, 2004), Irish flute player Garry Walsh released his debut album Uncovered on Ossian (2004). The grand material here draws on family repertoire from Counties Cork and Louth. Raised in Manchester by Irish parents, Walsh comes from a lineage of traditional players that includes his great-grandfathers, grandfathers, and father. He learned
- [Devon Allman Rallies a Blues Dream Team for Star-Studded Album and Tour](https://worldmusiccentral.org/devon-allman-rallies-a-blues-dream-team-for-star-studded-album-and-tour/) - Devon Allman - The Blues Summit (Ruf Records, 2025) Devon Allman put together The Blues Summit, a collaborative studio album featuring a roster of guest artists representing various generations of blues masters, including Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, and Sierra Green. The result s a fantastic mix of timeless, audacious and
- [Artist Profiles: Ballake Sissoko](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-ballake-sissoko/) - The sound of Ballake Sissoko's 21-string kora identifies him, along with Toumani Diabate, as one of the best kora players of a new generation of musicians in Mali. His concerts with Taj Mahal's Kulanjan project brought him international attention. Ballake Sissoko is the son of Jelimady Sissoko, grand master of the Manding kora, a harp
- [6hunesseq: Ancient Estonian Songs, New Energy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/6hunesseq-ancient-estonian-songs-new-energy/) - (headline image: 6hunnesseq - photo by Ekvilibrist) 6hunesseq is a four-piece Estonian ensemble focused on traditional folk chorales and older song forms. The group formed in 2021 after its members met at a gathering of Estonian folk music students. Pipe organist Kaisa Kuslapuu has described being struck by the voices of two singers at that
- [World Music Central Unveils Top 2025 World Music Albums](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-central-unveils-top-2025-world-music-albums/) - World Music Central announces the list of top 20 world music album for 2025, listed in random order. Best of 2025 Gao Hong and Zhou Xiaoxia - Prelude to the Divine Realm - Naxos World Trio da Kali - Bagola - One World Records Flook - Sanju - Flatfish Records Frigg - Dreamscapes - Bafe's
- [Yilian Cañizares Powers Up 2026 With New Album Vitamina Y](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yilian-canizares-powers-up-2026-with-new-album-vitamina-y/) - Yilian Cañizares - Vitamina Y (2026) Cuban-born violinist, singer, and composer Yilian Cañizares will release her new delectable album Vitamina Y on February 6, 2026. The project presents music as a source of energy and renewal, which she defines as a “vitamin for the soul.” “Vitamina Y is my way of giving back what has
- [Júlia Kozáková’s Manuša II Hits No. 1 On World Music Charts Europe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/julia-kozakovas-manusa-ii-hits-no-1-on-world-music-charts-europe/) - Manuša II by Slovak singer Júlia Kozáková has topped the World Music Charts Europe for January 2026. The album's guiding theme is joy. Manuša means “people” in the Romani language, and the Manuša project draws on her long-standing interest in Romani music, with the goal of bringing these traditions to wider audiences. Kozáková is backed
- [Indonesian Grooves Go No. 1: Nusantara Beat Tops January Transglobal World Music Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/indonesian-grooves-go-no-1-nusantara-beat-tops-january-transglobal-world-music-chart/) - Amsterdam-based Indonesian psych-folk collective Nusantara Beat has reached the top of the Transglobal World Music Chart for January 2026 with its self-titled debut album, Nusantara Beat. The name Nusantara refers to the Indonesian archipelago and its many cultures unified as one. That concept underpins the group’s approach, which mixes Sundanese traditions, vintage Indo-pop influences, psychedelia,
- [Artist Profiles: Moh Alileche](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-moh-alileche/) - Mohand Alileche, known as Moh in the United States of America, was born in Kabylia, a mountainous region of Algeria, in 1959. At that time the Algerian war of independence against France was still being fought. The colonial government executed Alileche’s father so he grew up as an orphan. The first instrument that Moh used
- [Charming Traditional Songs of Gatagara, Rwanda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/charming-traditional-songs-of-gatagara-rwanda/) - Ababeramuco Ensemble - Made in Gatagara: Music from Rwanda (Antonovka Records, 2022) Made in Gatagara: Music from Rwanda presents field recordings of traditional Rwandan music band Ababeramuco (The Traditionalists. The band members live in the southwest region of Rwanda in the village of Gatagara and neighboring settlements. They get together to play joyful folk music.
- [Divine Interventions: Juanjo López Channels Faith and Migration in 'Above, Beyond, Within'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/divine-interventions-juanjo-lopez-channels-faith-and-migration-in-above-beyond-within/) - Juanjo López - Above, Beyond, Within (Desafío Candente Records, 2025) Mexican guitarist and composer Juanjo López's Above, Beyond, Within is a three-part suite of original compositions influenced by geographic displacement, spiritual questioning, and personal renewal. This is López’s second solo effort and his most introspective to date. Now based in Chicago, López draws from more
- [Jefferson Ross Goes Full DIY On Backstage Balladeer](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jefferson-ross-goes-full-diy-on-backstage-balladeer/) - Jefferson Ross - Backstage Balladeer (2025) Jefferson Ross' fascinating Backstage Balladeer is a self-contained project he laudably wrote, performed, produced, recorded, and mixed on his own. He also shot the album’s imaginative cover photos. The songs revisit Ross’s familiar terrain: life, death, faith, doubt, and the modern American South, through a tighter, solo lens. Religion
- [Timo Alakotila, Influential Finnish Folk Pianist and Composer](https://worldmusiccentral.org/timo-alakotila-influential-finnish-folk-pianist-and-composer/) - Timo Alakotila (born July 15, 1959) holds a position as one of Finland’s busiest, most versatile, and most in-demand musicians. He works primarily in the thriving contemporary folk music scene, but also steadily expanding into other areas such as jazz and western classical music. His musical history dates back to 1982 in the small Ostrobothnian
- [A Lins Through Time: Keberle Honors a Brazilian Icon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-lins-through-time-keberle-honors-a-brazilian-icon/) - Ryan Keberle & Collectiv do Brasil – Choro das Águas (Alternate Side Records, 2025) On Choro das Águas, trombonist Ryan Keberle and his São Paulo-based quartet pay tribute to Brazilian songwriting legend Ivan Lins. The album, released on Alternate Side Records, features eight Lins compositions and two original works by Keberle. Notably, this is the
- [Yueqin: The Ancient Chinese Moon Lute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yueqin-the-ancient-chinese-moon-lute/) - The yueqin, or moon lute, is a traditional Chinese string instrument distinguished by its round, hollow soundboard, short fretted neck, and typically four strings. Known for its role as the main melodic instrument in Peking opera, the yueqin is both versatile and integral to Chinese musical heritage. The yueqin traces its origins to the ruan,
- [All in the Sabar Family: Aba Diop Recasts a Tradition for New Ears](https://worldmusiccentral.org/all-in-the-sabar-family-aba-diop-recasts-a-tradition-for-new-ears/) - Aba Diop - Family (2025) Family is a courageous step forward for Senegalese percussionist Aba Diop, who repositions the wonderful sabar drum set at the center of a contemporary, transcontinental sound. The sabar is part of the ancient drumming traditions of the Wolof people. On this album, the sabar participates in an international collaboration. Diop,
- [Ravi Shankar Ensemble Celebrates the Master’s Legacy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ravi-shankar-ensemble-celebrates-the-masters-legacy/) - The Ravi Shankar Ensemble is set to perform at The Town Hall on Friday, March 20, 2026. Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the ensemble presents music by the late sitar virtuoso alongside rare archival visuals. Led by sitarist Shubhendra Rao, the group includes master musicians on sarod, violin, flute, tabla, and mridangam, offering an
- [Throat-Singing Duo Oduchu Brings Healing Tuvan Sounds To the World](https://worldmusiccentral.org/throat-singing-duo-oduchu-brings-healing-tuvan-sounds-to-the-world/) - Oduchu - Nostalgia 图瓦乡愁 (Stallion Era, 2025) Oduchu, a Tuvan duo whose name means “healer,” its third album Nostalgia, the group’s official entry into the Chinese music market. The project unites two musicians born in the 1990s: producer, arranger, and guitarist Chingis Sorju and throat singer and multi-instrumentalist Mengi Mongush. The duo focuses on reimagining
- [Jesse Smathers Chases The Light On New Single “Dark Clouds”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jesse-smathers-chases-the-light-on-new-single-dark-clouds/) - Jesse Smathers, singer and guitarist with Lonesome River Band, has released a new single, “Dark Clouds,” on Mountain Home Music Company. “Dark Clouds” comes from early country and Grand Ole Opry figure Kirk McGee, whose original recording remains little known. Smathers describes the song as “a prayer for finding one’s way in life; a desperate
- [Casapalma Tops the Iberian Roots Music Chart for 4th Quarter of 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/casapalma-tops-the-iberian-roots-music-chart-for-4th-quarter-of-2025/) - The album Jotas by Spanish mountain folk innovators Casapalma topped LIMúR, the Iberian Roots Music Chart during the fourth quarter of 2025. Jotas encourages music fans to listen and dance. At the same, the intention is to understand folklore not as an object of the past, but as a living language in constant transformation. Jotas
- [Gio Chamba Cranks Up Psychedelic Cumbia On Tropidelicos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gio-chamba-cranks-up-psychedelic-cumbia-on-tropidelicos/) - Gio Chamba – Tropidelicos (Mixto Records, 2025) Houston duo Gio Chamba released their new album Tropidelicos not long ago. The eight-track set is characterized by the group’s hip-swaying psychedelic-electronic cumbia sound, led by guitars inspired by 1970s Peruvian tropical cumbia. The project grew out of demos Gio Alejandro began in 2020 as a chicha-focused, guitar-forward
- [Flamenco Guitar Ace, José Fermín Fernández, to Perform at Joe’s Pub](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-guitar-ace-jose-fermin-fernandez-to-perform-at-joes-pub/) - José Fermín Fernández is set to perform on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Joe’s Pub as part of Flamenco Festival NY. Born in Granada, Fernández trained in the city’s traditional tablaos and has emerged among a new generation of flamenco guitarists inspired by classic forms while developing an individual style. In 2019,
- [La Tremendita to Bring Tránsito To Joe’s Pub](https://worldmusiccentral.org/la-tremendita-to-bring-transito-to-joes-pub/) - Rosario La Tremendita is set to present Tránsito on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Joe’s Pub as part of Flamenco Festival NY. The project features La Tremendita with acclaimed guitarist Dani de Morón in an intimate format focused on traditional flamenco song forms. Conceived as a return to the genre’s foundations, Tránsito
- [Rebekka Bakken Makes the Ancient Thrilling Again On New Album 'Nord'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rebekka-bakken-makes-the-ancient-thrilling-again-on-new-album-nord/) - Rebekka Bakken - Nord (Supreme Music Group, 2025) Norwegian singer and songwriter Rebekka Bakken has released a mesmerizing new album titled Nord. The breathtaking record focuses on Norwegian folk material and original songs that she has preciously preserved since childhood. The album features eleven tracks sung primarily in Norwegian, with English and Arabic lyrics appearing
- [Marco Grancelli Hits The Road With Camino Trunco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/marco-grancelli-hits-the-road-with-camino-trunco/) - Marco Grancelli - Camino Trunco (self-released, 2025) Argentine musician and composer Marco Grancelli recorded Camino Trunco, his first solo album, in various studios throughout 2024 and 2025. Grancelli, who was born in Argentina and is based in France, has spent recent years traveling through South America, absorbing multiple folklore traditions. His background includes research, arranging,
- [Canto Con Vos: Guillaume Lopez Hits The Road With A Mobile Studio](https://worldmusiccentral.org/canto-con-vos-guillaume-lopez-hits-the-road-with-a-mobile-studio/) - Guillaume Lopez - Canto con Vos (Irfan le Label, 2025) Singer and multi-instrumentalist Guillaume Lopez released Canto Con Vos (I Sing with You) in late 2025. The album documents six trips across Argentina and features 20 guest artists recorded on location. Lopez crafted the project with a mobile setup in informal and public spaces, including
- [Yule Log Polka: Karen Marshalsay's Festive Harp Tune](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yule-log-polka-karen-marshalsays-festive-harp-tune/) - Scottish harp musician and composer Karen Marshalsay has released “Yule Log Polka,” a new tune rooted in winter-season imagery and traditional repertoire. Marshalsay wrote the piece during lockdown for a Winter Solstice concert streamed from her kitchen. She has described the yule log as a symbol of light and laughter through winter’s darkest nights, while
- [Norwegian Fiddler and Composer Benedicte Maurseth](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-fiddler-and-composer-benedicte-maurseth/) - (headline image: Benedicte Maurseth - Photo by Simen Skari) Benedicte Maurseth, a renowned traditional folk musician and singer from Norway, was born on February 7th, 1983 in Eidfjord, Hardanger. Since her early childhood, music has been an integral part of her life, as she began playing the fiddle at the tender age of seven. Knut
- [Scottish Singer Sylvia Barnes, One of the Finest Balladeers of her Generation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/scottish-singer-sylvia-barnes-one-of-the-finest-balladeers-of-her-generation/) - Sylvia Barnes' pedigree in traditional music is a long and distinguished one. Together with her late husband Jim, she formed the vocal nucleus of the influential Glasgow band Kentiern and was one of the elite group of female vocalists to sing with The Battlefield Band before moving to England in the 1980s. Sylvia fronted several
- [Kathleen MacInnes Wants A Lift North On New Christmas Single “Santa Take Me Home”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kathleen-macinnes-wants-a-lift-north-on-new-christmas-single-santa-take-me-home/) - Scottish Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes has released a new Christmas single, “Santa Take Me Home,” inspired by a travel disruption on Christmas Eve. The song was written after MacInnes finished a performance in Max Webster’s London West End production of Macbeth in December 2023, which starred David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. With the show ending
- [Mulatu Astatke, the Father of Ethio-jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mulatu-astatke-the-father-of-ethio-jazz/) - Mulatu Astatke (b. 19 December 1943) is an Ethiopian musician, composer, and arranger widely regarded as the originator of Ethio-jazz, a genre that fuses Ethiopian traditional music with elements of American jazz, Latin rhythms, and African popular styles. Born in Jimma, southwestern Ethiopia, Astatke received his early education in the United Kingdom, where his family
- [Got It Together](https://worldmusiccentral.org/got-it-together/) - Blending Arabic instrumentation with longing vocals and the surprising but welcome presence of a vibraphone, “Together Forever” by Moroccan singer Catalus captures both the ears and the heart.
- [NTU Futurism And A Cosmic Spin On Afro-Futurism](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ntu-futurism-and-a-cosmic-spin-on-afro-futurism/) - L8 Antique - NTU Futurism (2025) South African ensemble L8 Antique has released its debut album, NTU Futurism, a project rooted in African spirituality and science. The band grounds the album in the Bantu concept of NTU, described in their materials as a universal life force connecting people, nature, and all forms of existence. Within
- [Clifton Chenier’s essential Arhoolie Albums Go Digital](https://worldmusiccentral.org/clifton-cheniers-essential-arhoolie-albums-go-digital/) - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has released new standard- and hi-resolution digital editions of Clifton Chenier’s complete full-length Arhoolie Records album catalog. This is the first time the label’s full set of Chenier LPs has been made available digitally in these formats. The set spans from Chenier’s 1965 debut, Louisiana Blues And Zydeco, to 1982’s Live At
- [Serendipity Arts Festival showcases Indian music heritage and performances](https://worldmusiccentral.org/serendipity-arts-festival-showcases-indian-music-heritage-and-performances/) - (headline image: Bombay Lights) The aptly-named Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) is a multidisciplinary celebration of creativity held every December in Goa. The compelling lineup spans music, dance, visual arts, craft, photography, film, theater, and culinary arts. The eight-day festival from December 15-22 is a flagship initiative of Serendipity Arts, the cultural development foundation of automotive
- [Sitarist Roopa Panesar seamlessly intertwines Indian Classical and Western Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sitarist-roopa-panesar-seamlessly-intertwines-indian-classical-and-western-music/) - Roopa Panesar - Atma (2023) Roopa Panesar, a British-Asian musician, is set to release a new album in spring 2023 titled "Atma," which translates to 'The Soul'. She is part of a growing community of female sitarists, and her success is attributed to her exceptional skill, determination, and magnificent compositions. "Atma" was recorded at Peter
- [EP Release by Jasdeep Singh Degun: A Masterful Fusion of Indian Tradition and Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ep-release-by-jasdeep-singh-degun-a-masterful-fusion-of-indian-tradition-and-innovation/) - Jasdeep Singh Degun, a virtuoso sitar player and composer, is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour in support of his groundbreaking debut album, Anomaly. In anticipation of this tour, Degun has recently unveiled an EP titled Jasdeep Singh Degun - Live at Real World, recorded at the prestigious Real World Studios, renowned for
- [Masterful Sitarist Anoushka Shankar Unveils 'Chapter I: Forever, For Now'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/masterful-sitarist-anoushka-shankar-unveils-chapter-i-forever-for-now/) - Anoushka Shankar - Chapter I: Forever, For Now (Leiter Verlag, 2023) Anoushka Shankar, the highly acclaimed musician renowned for her mastery of the sitar, firmly believes this instrument has untapped potential. Her new recording, Chapter I: Forever, For Now, is a testimony to that belief. When I hear the four compositions on her new release,
- [Indian-American Sitar Virtuoso Arjun Verma](https://worldmusiccentral.org/indian-american-sitar-virtuoso-arjun-verma/) - Arjun Verma, an accomplished Indian-American sitarist and composer, has enjoyed a prolific career spanning over three decades. His musical journey has taken him to top venues worldwide, such as the United Nations in Geneva, the Fillmore in San Francisco, Fox Theater in Oakland, and Prague Castle in Prague, to name a few. Through these performances,
- [Cross-Cultural Marvel: Alam Khan, Arjun Verma, and Del Sol Quartet Join Forces with Jack Perla](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cross-cultural-marvel-alam-khan-arjun-verma-and-del-sol-quartet-join-forces-with-jack-perla/) - Alam Khan, Arjun Verma, Jack Perla & Del Sol Quartet - The Resonance Between (Six Degrees & AMMP, 2023) The Resonance Between is a groundbreaking collaboration among artists Alam Khan (sarod), Arjun K. Verma (sitar), and the Del Sol Quartet. This project fuses Indian and European classical music along with modern western influences in a
- [Indika Festival 2023 to Celebrate Indian Music and Culture](https://worldmusiccentral.org/indika-festival-2023-to-celebrate-indian-music-and-culture/) - The Indika Festival, scheduled for this upcoming Autumn from the 1st to the 12th of November 2023, promises a splendid 12-day extravaganza celebrating the diverse facets of Indian music, dance, arts, and culture. The festival's stellar headliner is percussionist, producer, and composer, Talvin Singh. His remarkable career, spanning several decades, has witnessed collaborations with artists
- [Anoushka Shankar Releases 'Daydreaming' Music Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/anoushka-shankar-releases-daydreaming-music-video/) - Renowned sitar player, producer, and composer Anoushka Shankar has released a new single titled “Daydreaming” featuring Nils Frahm. The track is the second single from Shankar's upcoming mini-album Chapter I: Forever, For Now, which will be released on Nils Frahm's Leiter label on October 6th, 2023. Anoushka Shankar says about the piece: “'Daydreaming' is inspired
- [Milap Unveils Spring 2024 program of Indian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/milap-unveils-spring-2024-program-of-indian-music/) - While Autumn saw the return of the renowned Indika Festival to Liverpool (UK), a New Year offers an opportunity to embrace fresh starts with Milap's thoughtfully curated Spring 2024 season. Milap is set to present favorites, innovative East-meets-West compositions, and a headline performance by one of India's finest sitar players appearing for the first time
- [Shahid Parvez to Perform at Roulette in New York City](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shahid-parvez-to-perform-at-roulette-in-new-york-city/) - Shahid Parvez is set to perform on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 8:00pm at Roulette in New York City The world-renowned Shahid Parvez, one of India's leading sitar players, belongs to an illustrious musical family and has achieved success in not only preserving the tradition, but in pushing its boundaries to greater heights. He is
- [The Bansuri a Beautiful Indian Flute with a Rich History](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-bansuri-a-beautiful-indian-flute-with-a-rich-history/) - The bansuri, also known as the Indian flute, is a musical instrument that has a long and rich history in Indian classical music. The bansuri is a type of transverse flute that is made from bamboo and has six or seven finger holes, depending on the design. The instrument is played by blowing air into
- [Maxton Hunter’s Stirring Sitar Fusion](https://worldmusiccentral.org/maxton-hunters-stirring-sitar-fusion/) - I’m not familiar with many sitar masters from the United States (which is no one’s fault but my own), but Maxton Hunter certainly comes across as one. His “Dhara / Jaya” impressively juxtaposes a pair of atmospheric pieces- one incorporating other instruments -in a way that recalls both classical and fusion applications of the sitar.
- [Anoushka Shankar Releases "Hiraeth" Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/anoushka-shankar-releases-hiraeth-single/) - Composer and sitar player Anoushka Shankar has shared a video of her new single, "Hiraeth." This recording will appear in Chapter III: We Return to Light, scheduled for release March 14, 2025. The album will complete a triptych inspired by where she was raised: London, Southern California, and now finally, India.
- [Sitar and Synergy: Anoushka Shankar Celebrates 30 Years on Stage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sitar-and-synergy-anoushka-shankar-celebrates-30-years-on-stage/) - (headline image: Anoushka Shankar - Photo by Carly Hildebrant) On Friday, March 28, 2025, Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar marks 30 years of performing with a special concert at The Town Hall, Manhattan. With a newly assembled ensemble, Shankar will present music from her three recently released mini-albums, alongside reimagined favorites from her extensive discography.
- [Kamini Natarajan Unveils "Meera" - A Tribute to Hindu Mystic Poet Meera Bai](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kamini-natarajan-unveils-meera-a-tribute-to-hindu-mystic-poet-meera-bai/) - Kamini Natarajan - Meera (self-release, 2023) Renowned Indian classical vocalist Kamini Natarajan celebrates the enduring legacy of the 16th-century Indian saint and mystic poet, Meera Bai, with the release of Meera. This collection comprises eight enchanting bhajans, or devotional songs, written by the revered poet. Kamini's rendition beautifully delves into a spectrum of emotions, encompassing
- [Vision String Quartet Go Off-Road On 'In The Fields'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vision-string-quartet-go-off-road-on-in-the-fields/) - Vision String Quartet - In The Fields (ACT, 2025) Berlin’s vision string quartet returns in 2026 with In The Fields, its first album in five years and debut for the ACT label. The delightful release pushes beyond jazz, generating bonds between western classical music, contemporary composition, improvisation and world music. The quartet includes Florian Willeitner
- [Spellbinding Shadow Folk: Antinoë Bends Darkness On 'The Fold'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spellbinding-shadow-folk-antinoe-bends-darkness-on-the-fold/) - Antinoë - The Fold (Dark Essence Records, 2025) Antinoë presents The Fold, a hauntingly beautiful chamber-like convergence of neoclassical folk, melancholy pop, progressive rock-style arrangements and a metal attitude that aligns closely with contemporary dark jazz aesthetics. The remarkable one-woman project of Madrid-based pianist and vocalist Teresa Marraco, Antinoë focuses on sparse, piano-centered arrangements and
- [Afrobeat Icon Gets Lifetime Achievement Grammy Honor](https://worldmusiccentral.org/afrobeat-icon-gets-lifetime-achievement-grammy-honor/) - The Recording Academy has named Fela Kuti a recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the late Nigerian artist’s enduring cultural and musical impact. The honor was announced alongside fellow recipients Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston. The award will be presented during Grammy Week at a Special Merit Awards
- [Artist Profiles: Fela Kuti](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-fela-kuti/) - Fela Kuti biography and discography
- [Zemog El Gallo Bueno Playful Return With New Album ¡Ya Tú Sabes!](https://worldmusiccentral.org/zemog-el-gallo-bueno-playful-return-with-new-album-ya-tu-sabes/) - Zemog El Gallo Bueno - ¡Ya Tú Sabes! U All Reddy Noe (Pinch Records, 2025) ¡Ya Tú Sabes! (You Already Know) is the latest album by Zemog El Gallo Bueno. The New York–based Pan-Latin experimental ensemble again revolves around the work of unconventional bandleader, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Abraham Gómez-Delgado. The album features a mix of
- [Cory Henry Releases Soulful and Funk-Fueled 'A Wonderful Holiday'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cory-henry-releases-soulful-and-funk-fueled-a-wonderful-holiday/) - Cory Henry — A Wonderful Holiday (2025) Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Cory Henry has released A Wonderful Holiday, a six-song collection of original Christmas and holiday music written and recorded during off-days while on Stevie Wonder’s 2024 tour. Henry put together the project over roughly four months, booking sessions in multiple cities, including Minneapolis,
- [Cellist Ana Carla Maza Returns to Cuban Roots on Caribe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cellist-ana-carla-maza-returns-to-cuban-roots-on-caribe/) - Ana Carla Maza - Caribe (Persona Editorial, 2023) Cuban composer, virtuoso cello player and vocalist Ana Carla Maza presents her latest musical endeavor Caribe (Caribbean in Spanish). Notably, on this recording, Ana Carla embarks on a soul-stirring journey that reconnects her with the vibrant music scene of her Havana heritage and the rich Latin American
- [Nostalgic Melodies Merge with Timeless Osul: Ziya Tabassian's Latest Musical Journey](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nostalgic-melodies-merge-with-timeless-osul-ziya-tabassians-latest-musical-journey/) - Ziya Tabassian - Remembrances (Bostan, 2023) In Ziya Tabassian's Remembrances album, the foundational elements are deeply rooted in rhythmic cycles, or Osul, meticulously gathered from a manuscript scribed by Amir Khan Gorgi for the King of Iran during the Safavid era in 1696. These rhythmic cycles, while commonplace in their time, served as a creative
- [Charming Harp and Cello by Lily Neill & Vesa Norilo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/charming-harp-and-cello-by-lily-neill-vesa-norilo/) - Lily Neill & Vesa Norilo – Tales and Golden Histories (2023) Harp player Lily Neill and Cellist Vesa Norilo skillfully craft a beautiful set of newly composed melodies on Tales and Golden Histories. Notably, they draw inspiration from the rich traditions of Finland, Sweden, and the Celtic music of Ireland and Brittany. With only a
- [Arifa Navigates the Sounds of the Danubian Region](https://worldmusiccentral.org/arifa-navigates-the-sounds-of-the-danubian-region/) - Arifa - Danubian Voyage (O-Tone Music, 2022) At its core, Danubian Voyage encapsulates the essence of the Danube, Europe's second-longest river, meandering over three thousand kilometers from its source in southern Germany to its majestic convergence with the Black Sea. Across millennia, this iconic waterway has served as a conduit for diverse civilizations, including the
- ['By Now' Highlights Maturity and Wisdom by Influential Songwriter Heather Little](https://worldmusiccentral.org/by-now-highlights-maturity-and-wisdom-by-influential-songwriter-heather-little/) - Heather Little - By Now (Need To Know Music, 2024) Heather Little, known for her profound songwriting skill, challenges the stereotype of an obscure yet talented songwriter, potentially becoming a favorite among even renowned songwriters. Little's career, spanning from the early 2000s, has flourished in relative obscurity despite her songs being embraced by country music
- [Elana Sasson & Golestan Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elana-sasson-golestan-ensemble/) - Elana Sasson & Golestan Ensemble - Golestan (Elana Sasson, 2024) Elana Sasson & Golestan Ensemble's album Golestan presents an alluring fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Notably, the group is spearheaded by the remarkable vocalist and saz player, Elana Sasson. Grounded in the traditional music of Iran and Mesopotamia, the ensemble's sound is an elegant,
- [Loose Ends Tied](https://worldmusiccentral.org/loose-ends-tied/) - The new year isn’t new anymore, so there goes that angle of my tying into a kind of transition point with which to frame these reviews. So simply regard them as a few streams of music I’ve enjoyably floated down lately. Dependable bringers of healing sounds, The Afro-Semitic Experience seek the breaking down of barriers
- [Argentine Cellist and Vocalist Lucrecia Carrizo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/argentine-cellist-and-vocalist-lucrecia-carrizo/) - Lucrecia Carrizo, an Argentine singer-songwriter and cellist, has been living in Barcelona, Spain, for a year. Her music, characterized by acoustic simplicity, invites listeners to embrace tranquility and tenderness. Drawing from Argentine folklore and global musical influences, her distinctive style emphasizes the interplay of voice and cello. Commencing her musical journey at age 4 at
- [Scott Sean White Excelling, Especially on Rough Days](https://worldmusiccentral.org/scott-sean-white-excelling-especially-on-rough-days/) - Scott Sean White - Even Better On the Bad Days (self-release, 2023) Scott Sean White steered clear of mainstream conventions on his album, Even on the Bad Days, produced by Dave Brainard. Each track resonates with poignant reflections on life's trials and triumphs. Highlighted songs include "Pulling Weeds," offering a metaphor for abandoning fruitless pursuits,
- [Lucrecia Carrizo Exudes Sweetness and Simplicity with Voice and Cello](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lucrecia-carrizo-exudes-sweetness-and-simplicity-with-voice-and-cello/) - Lucrecia Carrizo's latest single, "Corazón de Luna," released by LaLabelWeb in 2024, marks her debut in the original cello and voice format, introducing a fresh acoustic dimension to her repertoire. The music exudes a blend of sweetness and simplicity, resonating with poetic verses that explore the cyclic nature of love; its capacity to mend and
- [Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silvola Super-size Folk Music with Chamber Orchestra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sarah-jane-summers-juhani-silvola-super-size-folk-music-with-chamber-orchestra/) - Sarah-Jane Summers, Juhani Silvola & Sølvstrøk - Sølvstrøk (Heilo, 2023) Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silvola released their album Sølvstrøk on April 21, 2023. The album features an exquisite mix of dazzling, soulful and beautiful music deeply steeped in northern European folk traditions, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The duo established their chamber orchestra, Sølvstrøk, comprising
- [Exemplary Modern Kurdish Music by Aynur](https://worldmusiccentral.org/exemplary-modern-kurdish-music-by-aynur/) - Aynur – Rabe (Dreyer- Gaido, 2024) Aynur, the internationally renowned Kurdish singer, composer and instrumentalist, unveiled her 8th studio album, Rabe, on March 1st, 2024. Rabe represents a triumphant culmination of over two decades of artistic evolution. Recorded with the collaboration of nearly 20 musicians in Germany and Spain, the album features a diverse sound
- [Rachel Newton’s 'Sealladh': A Splendid Album Inspired by Scottish Art](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rachel-newtons-sealladh-a-splendid-album-inspired-by-scottish-art/) - Rachel Newton - Sealladh (Hudson Records, 2024) Sealladh (pronounced ‘shall-ugh’), the latest album from singer, harpist, and composer Rachel Newton, originated as a commission for the National Galleries of Scotland. This project celebrated over eighty years of live music programming at the Gallery and coincided with the opening of the new Scottish Galleries, which house
- [Children of Abraham, Brilliant Concert by Rose of the Compass](https://worldmusiccentral.org/children-of-abraham-brilliant-concert-by-rose-of-the-compass/) - On April ninth, 2024, St. John The Divine, the magnificent cathedral in New York City, presented a program titled Children of Abraham. Rose of the Compass joined The Cathedral Coir of St. John the Divine in the nave of the cathedral performing music — traditional and contemporary — in the Christian, Judaic and Islamic traditions.
- [ZRI’s 'Café Danube' Adeptly Combines Historical Authenticity with Modern Creativity](https://worldmusiccentral.org/zris-cafe-danube-adeptly-combines-historical-authenticity-with-modern-creativity/) - ZRI - Café Danube (Naxos World, 2024) Café Danube by ZRI brings forth Vienna’s deep musical ties to the Danube River. Vienna celebrated the Danube as a symbol of its cultural and commercial life in the 19th century as an international waterway, connecting nine countries. The largest river shipping company before 1900, based in Vienna,
- [Moira Smiley's The Rhizome Project, an Enchanting Mix of American Roots and Chamber Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/moira-smileys-the-rhizome-project-an-enchanting-mix-of-american-roots-and-chamber-music/) - Moira Smiley – The Rhizome Project (self released, 2024) The Rhizome Project is a multifaceted work that includes a superb album with thoughtful lyrics and an accompanying book, “The Rhizome Song Stories.” This remarkable project centers around the concept of interconnectedness, likening the creative process to a rhizome; an underground root system that spreads and
- [Nesrine Unveils "Kan Ya Makan": A Deeply Personal Fusion of Arabic and European Cultures](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nesrine-unveils-kan-ya-makan-a-deeply-personal-fusion-of-arabic-and-european-cultures/) - Nesrine - Kan Ya Makan - Once Upon a Time (ACT, 2024) Franco-Algerian singer and cellist Nesrine will release her latest album, Kan Ya Makan - Once Upon a Time, on November 1, 2024, via ACT. Known for her skillful mixing of languages and musical influences, Nesrine shifts focus with this project, centering on personal
- [Rémi Geffroy’s Carrefour des Anges Embraces Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/remi-geffroys-carrefour-des-anges-embraces-innovation/) - Rémi Geffroy - Carrefour des Anges (CVE Prod, 2025) Rémi Geffroy’s Carrefour des Anges is the sixth offering from the virtuoso diatonic accordionist and composer. Geffroy’s work is rooted in the folk tradition, yet he refuses to be confined by it. The album’s title, translating to Crossroads of Angels, hints at transition, discovery, and reflection.
- [Ryan David Green: Masterful American Roots Guitarist](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ryan-david-green-masterful-american-roots-guitarist/) - Ryan David Green - Off and Running (self-release, 2024) Ryan David Green, a Berklee College of Music graduate, is known for his intricate yet accessible acoustic guitar work. He is a virtuoso guitarist with a rapid fingerpicking style. The songs on Off and Running feature delightful, elegant, and memorable melodies rooted in American folk traditions.
- [Wandress, Debut Single by Dazzling Fiddler Ari Urban](https://worldmusiccentral.org/wandress-debut-single-by-dazzling-fiddler-ari-urban/) - "Wandress" is Ari Urban's debut single as a solo artist. Urban is a classically trained violinist who has transcended musical genres through collaborating with musicians, producers, and creators around the globe. Ari Urban is a Miami native, passionate musician, and Winner of the Knight Foundation New Work 2020 Grant. "Wandress" is an exquisite 3/4 time
- [Robert Plant Drops New Everybody's Song Video With Saving Grace](https://worldmusiccentral.org/robert-plant-drops-new-everybodys-song-video-with-saving-grace/) - Robert Plant has released the official music video for “Everybody’s Song,” performed with his band Saving Grace. The track, written by Mimi Parker, Zak Micheletti, and Alan Sparhawk, appears on the group’s album Saving Grace, out on Nonesuch Records. The video, directed by Robert Edridge-Waks, shows the ensemble’s live performance setup. The recording features Robert
- [Guy Buttery's "Orchestrations": A 12-Year Project of Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/guy-butterys-orchestrations-a-12-year-project-of-innovation/) - Guy Buttery — Orchestrations (Guy Buttery Music, 2025) South African guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Guy Buttery is set to release Orchestrations on February 21, 2025. This project marks the culmination of a 12-year journey into orchestral music, originating from a groundbreaking 2012 collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, where Buttery debuted three of his compositions arranged
- [Lissa Schneckenburger: A Multifaceted Voice in Contemporary Acoustic Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lissa-schneckenburger-a-multifaceted-voice-in-contemporary-acoustic-music/) - Lissa Schneckenburger, a Vermont-based fiddle player, composer, and songwriter, has been a prominent figure in the American acoustic music scene for over two decades. Born on May 11, 1979, in rural Maine, she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music. Her 2019 album, Thunder
- [Kiangardarup: Robert Zielinski’s Cinematic Voyage Through Music and Nature](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kiangardarup-robert-zielinskis-cinematic-voyage-through-music-and-nature/) - Robert Zielinski - Kiangardarup (self-released, 2024) Kiangardarup, a mesmerizing album by Robert Zielinski, is an hour-long suite for violin, wooden flute, cello, and bouzouki. The title, Kiangardarup, derives from an indigenous Minang name for the Torbay Inlet region in Western Australia’s Great Southern area. This deeply personal composition, born of craft and nature, embodies Zielinski’s
- [Kairos Collective Delivers Striking Interplay of Eastern Mediterranean Modal Music and Western Elements](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kairos-collective-delivers-striking-interplay-of-eastern-mediterranean-modal-music-and-western-elements/) - Kairos Collective - Ariadne (Kairos Collective, 2024) The Ariadne EP by contemporary modal ensemble Kairos Collective, released in 2024, is a captivating selection of live tracks recorded at the influential Labyrinth Musical Workshop in Houdétsi, Crete. Named after the mythological labyrinth of King Minos, where the Minotaur resided, the album reclaims the narrative of Ariadne,
- [A Perfectly Fitting Tribute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-perfectly-fitting-tribute/) - Although she’s an American-based artist, Maritzaida’s tribute to legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, “Noche de Ronda,” brims with authenticity. Deep-hearted vocals, acoustic guitar and cello combine to create a piece that’s simple in its presentation but beautiful in a most profound way.
- [Ana Carla Maza Brings Her Genre-Defying Sound to the U.S.](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ana-carla-maza-brings-her-genre-defying-sound-to-the-u-s/) - Cuban jazz singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Ana Carla Maza will make her U.S. debut tour this April, performing in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Miami. Maza, a cello virtuoso, has been touring Europe with her five-piece ensemble, earning widespread acclaim for Caribe Deluxe, an album that combines Afro-Cuban rhythms, salsa, bossa nova, and
- [Elana Sasson’s “Laye Laye”: a Reimagining of a Traditional Kurdish Lullaby](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elana-sassons-laye-laye-a-reimagining-of-a-traditional-kurdish-lullaby/) - Elana Sasson’s latest single, "Laye Laye," featuring French cellist Matthieu Saglio, is a reimagining of a traditional Kurdish lullaby. Released on March 21, 2025, it serves as the final preview of her debut album, In Between, arriving April 18. Sung in Kurdish, "Laye Laye" conveys themes of love, devotion, and resilience, with poetic lyrics evoking
- [Rooted, Yet Restless: Mehmet Polat Unveils 'Curious' Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rooted-yet-restless-mehmet-polat-unveils-curious-single/) - Mehmet Polat introduces "Curious," the first single from his upcoming album Roots in Motion, a project that reflects his journey as both a musician and an immigrant. The album combines traditional Turkish influences with contemporary jazz sounds. Roots in Motion presents 12 original compositions that embody resilience, adaptation, and transformation. Through these pieces, Polat navigates
- [Elana Sasson Elegantly Bridges Traditional Folk and Jazz on In Between](https://worldmusiccentral.org/elana-sasson-elegantly-bridges-traditional-folk-and-jazz-on-in-between/) - Elana Sasson - In Between (PKMusik, 2025) With her beautifully crafted debut album In Between (PKMusik, 2025), Persian-Kurdish-American vocalist and composer Elana Sasson unveils an autobiography of musical experiences. Drawing from Persian poetry, Kurdish lullabies, jazz improvisation, and modal traditions across the Mediterranean, Sasson presents a stirring and delightful album that is a deeply felt
- [Wind Songs and Sea Strings: Anemara Debuts with “Atlantic Schottis”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/wind-songs-and-sea-strings-anemara-debuts-with-atlantic-schottis/) - Anemara is a newly formed transatlantic quartet uniting traditional music influences from Scandinavia, the Celtic world, and North America. The ensemble features Kristina Leesik (fiddle, vocals), Jocelyn Pettit (fiddle, step dance, vocals), Justyna Krzyżanowska (harp, vocals), and Ellen Gira (cello, vocals). The group’s name combines Anemoi, the Greek gods of wind, and mara, a Gaelic
- [Fiddling Around the World: Pettit & Gira Make Themselves at Home](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fiddling-around-the-world-pettit-gira-make-themselves-at-home/) - Here to Stay is the latest release from Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira, an 11-track collection that reflects themes of home, travel, and musical kinship. The duo first met in Scotland, yet have since returned to North America, a migratory path echoed in the album artwork, which features the Common Loon (also known as the
- [Sibling Synergy: Matthieu and Camille Saglio Top Iberian Roots Chart on 2nd Quarter of 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sibling-synergy-matthieu-and-camille-saglio-top-iberian-roots-chart-on-2nd-quarter-of-2025/) - Al Alba (at dawn in Spanish), the latest collaboration between France-born cellist Matthieu Saglio and his brother, vocalist Camille Saglio, has reached number one on LIMúR, the Iberian Roots Music Chart, for the second quarter of 2025. The album brings together two lifelong musical companions. Matthieu, classically trained in Rennes and now based in Valencia
- [Dionysian Rites and Rhythmic Spells: The Voodoo Drummer Duo Casts a HELLaS of a Trance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dionysian-rites-and-rhythmic-spells-the-voodoo-drummer-duo-casts-a-hellas-of-a-trance/) - The Voodoo Drummer Duo - HELLaS SPELLS (2025) At first glance, HELLaS SPELLS might appear to be an experiment born of whimsy, a cello, a balafon, and a curious nickname like “The Voodoo Drummer Duo” might suggest a sideshow more than a serious musical statement. Yet from the opening moments, it becomes clear that this
- [At Dawn with the Saglios](https://worldmusiccentral.org/at-dawn-with-the-saglios/) - Matthieu & Camille Saglio - Al Alba (ACT Music, 2025) Al Alba (at dawn in Spanish) presents an exquisite, lovely, and intimate collaboration between two brothers. Versatile and virtuoso cellist Matthieu Saglio brings the discipline of western classical study from Rennes (France) and the curiosity for jazz, flamenco and world music he has developed in
- [Young Flowers Reclaims Kazakh Roots in Russia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/young-flowers-reclaims-kazakh-roots-in-russia/) - Various Artists - Young Flowers: Music of Kazakhs from Orenburg Region (Antonovka Records, 2024) On Young Flowers, a field recording compilation from the Adamovsky district of southwestern Russia’s Orenburg region, the voices of Kazakh villagers drift like wind across the steppe, melodic, proud, and poignantly rooted in place. There are roughly 600,000 Kazakhs living in
- [Noura Mint Seymali’s Yenbett Hits No. 1 On Transglobal Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/noura-mint-seymalis-yenbett-hits-no-1-on-transglobal-chart/) - Noura Mint Seymali’s Yenbett has climbed to the top of the Transglobal World Music Chart for December 2025t. The album’s sound features ardin-driven tradition and amplified desert rock. The ensemble surrounding Seymali includes guitarist Jeich Ould Chighaly, bassist Ousmane Touré, and drummer Matthew Tinari, who co-produced the record with Mikey Coltun of Mdou Moctar. TWMC
- [Transglobal World Music Hall of Fame Reveals 2025 Inductees](https://worldmusiccentral.org/transglobal-world-music-hall-of-fame-reveals-2025-inductees/) - Transglobal World Music Hall of Fame has announced the 2025 inductees in its three categories: Artists, In Memoriam and Professional Excellence. Artists The inductees in the Artist category are Mari Boine; Elena Ledda; Wu Man; Gao Hong; and Hariprasad Chaurasia. The Artists category celebrate solo and ensemble living artists who have achieved lifelong artistic and
- [Artist Profiles: Blay Ambolley](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-blay-ambolley/) - Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, affectionately known as the "Simigwa Do Man," was born in 1947 in the port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. This versatile multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer exploded on the music scene in 1964 with a jazzy highlife sound called Simigwa-do. Ambolley's early years of musical interest date back to
- [Artist Profiles: Santrofi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-santrofi/) - Santrofi is a modern highlife band from Accra, Ghana. It was founded by bassist and producer Emmanuel Ofori. Ofori became a band leader after playing will well-known Ghanaian artists such as Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Kwashibu Area Band. The Santrofi band includes eight musicians who perform music with roots in vintage Ghanaian highlife music.
- [Azuka Moweta and his Anioma Brothers Band present an enticing Mix of Ekobe music and Igbo Highlife](https://worldmusiccentral.org/azuka-moweta-and-his-anioma-brothers-band-present-an-enticing-mix-of-ekobe-music-and-igbo-highlife/) - Azuka Moweta and his Anioma Brothers Band - Nwanne Bu Ife (Palenque Records, 2023) Azuka Anthony Moweta, a Nigerian vocalist from Asaba in Delta state, has released a laudable new album titled Nwanne Bu Ife. Moweta has distinguished himself as a composer, frontman, and backing vocalist for many years, with impressive stagecraft. His music is
- [Santrofi's Dazzling Highlife Live Performance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/santrofis-dazzling-highlife-live-performance/) - Santrofi – Deep into Highlife (live) (Outhere Records OH 038, 2023) Santrofi's Deep into Highlife (live) album, released under Outhere Records in 2023, captures the electrifying live performance of this vibrant seven-piece band from Ghana. Their passionate mission to revive the highlife genre shines through on this record, with a remarkable twist. They are joined
- [Rising Gabonese Artist Pamela Badjogo, Releases Yieh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rising-gabonese-artist-pamela-badjogo-releases-yieh/) - Pamela Badjogo - Yieh (2024) Pamela Badjogo's third album, Yieh, marks a pivotal moment in her career. After the warm reception of her first two albums, she solidified her musical identity and championed feminist and ecological ideals worldwide. Now, with this more intimate offering, Pamela reaffirms her dedication to the empowerment of African women and
- [Jembaa Groove's Irresistible Ghanaian Highlife and Positive Vibes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jembaa-grooves-irresistible-ghanaian-highlife-and-positive-vibes/) - Jembaa Groove - Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves (Agogo Records, 2024) Jembaa Groove is a Berlin-based collective that presents engaging and colorful music deeply grounded in Ghanaian highlife. Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves features timeless songs that incorporate highlife flavors, irresistible grooves, warm soulful vocals, alluring horn riffs, exquisite guitar lines, mesmerizing electric piano, and
- [Ghana Special 2 Presents Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ghana-special-2-presents-electronic-highlife-afro-sounds-in-the-diaspora/) - Various Artists - Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora, 1980-93 (Soundway, 2024) The album Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora, 1980-93 presents an overview of the unique mix of musical genres that emerged during a transformative period in Ghana. Musicians combined drum machines, synthesizers, and
- ['Amina', the new single from Ghanaian Highlife Powerhouse Santrofi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amina-the-new-single-from-ghanaian-highlife-powerhouse-santrofi/) - Ghanaian Highlife collective Santrofi returns with "Amina," the first single from their new album Making Moves. This eight-piece ensemble, which gained international recognition with their 2019 debut Alewa, continues to innovate by blending traditional Highlife rhythms with modern funk influences. "Amina" draws inspiration from a Ghanaian childhood game, fusing past traditions with contemporary sounds. The
- [A Legendary Return: The Oriental Brothers and Their Effect on Afro-Colombian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-legendary-return-the-oriental-brothers-and-their-effect-on-afro-colombian-music/) - Oriental Brothers International Band - Onye Rie Ibe Ya Erie (Palenque Records, 2024) Palenque Records is celebrating 50 Years of Igbo Highlife icons, Oriental Brothers International Band. The legendary ensemble from Nigeria is known for their pioneering role in Igbo highlife music. However, the band's influence extends far beyond Africa. Specifically, it left a lasting
- [Santrofi Rises to the Top of World Music Charts Europe for March 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/santrofi-rises-to-the-top-of-world-music-charts-europe-for-march-2024/) - Making Moves by Ghanaian Highlife band Santrofi has reached the number one spot of World Music Charts Europe for the month of March 2025. Co-produced and mixed by four-time Grammy winner Jerry Boys (Buena Vista Social Club, Ali Farka Touré), the album combines traditional Highlife with elements of funk and soul. Tracks like "Amina" highlight
- [Highlife in Disguise: Okwy Osadebe Honors Igbo Masquerade Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/highlife-in-disguise-okwy-osadebe-honors-igbo-masquerade-tradition/) - Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers - Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025) Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers' latest album, Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025), expertly pays tribute to the colorful masquerade traditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria. Infused with magnetic traditional chants, unexpected whistles, intricate
- [Taylor-Made for the Soul: Ebo’s Farewell Grooves](https://worldmusiccentral.org/taylor-made-for-the-soul-ebos-farewell-grooves/) - Ebo Taylor, Adrian Younge + Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Ebo Taylor JID022 (Jazz Is Dead, 2025) There’s a moment when music stops being just sound and transforms into memory; something deeper, something eternal. That’s the space Ebo Taylor JID022 occupies. Released in celebration of his 90th birthday, this album honors a life spent shaping the
- [Agbadja King Reigns Again: Gnonnas Pedro’s Legacy Restored](https://worldmusiccentral.org/agbadja-king-reigns-again-gnonnas-pedros-legacy-restored/) - Gnonnas Pedro & His Dadjes Band – Roi De L'Agbadja Moderne 1974-1983 (Analog Africa, 2025) Gnonnas Pedro, the Beninese icon who modernized Agbadja (a percussive genre from Benin) while mixing Cuban son (son cubano), highlife, jerk, and various West African styles, finally receives a dedicated retrospective. After his inclusion in Legends of Benin (2009), Analog
- [Highlife in Motion: Santrofi’s "Making Moves" Charts a Bold New Journey](https://worldmusiccentral.org/highlife-in-motion-santrofis-making-moves-charts-a-bold-new-journey/) - Santrofi - Making Moves (Outhere Records, 2025) Some albums arrive like old friends returning home, carrying new stories yet familiar scents of the past. Making Moves, the much-anticipated second album from Ghana’s Santrofi, feels precisely like that. Almost five years after their vigorous debut Alewa sent shockwaves through global folk and world music circles, this
- [Afrobeat: The Nigerian Music that Defies Conventions](https://worldmusiccentral.org/afrobeat-the-nigerian-music-that-defies-conventions/) - When it comes to Nigerian music, few genres are as influential and beloved as Afrobeat. This fusion of highlife, jazz, and traditional African percussion has been captivating audiences since the 1970s, with its distinctive sound characterized by rich brass instrumentation, infectious rhythms, and spontaneous jams. However, Afrobeat is not just a musical genre, it's a
- [KC + The Sunshine Band = World Music?](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kc-the-sunshine-band-world-music/) - Okay, the answer to the title question is no. But even if KC and his crew don’t fit the admittedly subjective “world music” label, they are most certainly a band that sparked my interest in music beyond the mainstream parameters of younger days. After all, KC (born Harry Wayne Casey) hails from the Miami metropolitan
- [Effervescent Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/effervescent-reggae/) - Veteran Jamaican singer Winston McAnuff always comes up with ways to keep reggae music fresh. His song “Bubble” (referring to the kind we all need to stop living in) is the latest example.
- [Chicago Songwriter Dana Maragos Goes National With Unimaginable Things](https://worldmusiccentral.org/chicago-songwriter-dana-maragos-goes-national-with-unimaginable-things/) - Dana Maragos - Unimaginable Things (Dana Maragos, 2025) Dana Maragos released Unimaginable Things nationwide on December 12, 2025. The album first came out as a local Chicago release in late 2024. Unimaginable Things is Maragos’s fourth studio album and contains eight classy new songs. The project is dedicated to the memory of her brother, Danny
- [Junior Delgado’s Classic Album Stranger Returns](https://worldmusiccentral.org/junior-delgados-stranger-returns-roots-gems-hit-streaming/) - Junior Delgado - Stranger (VP Records, 2025 reissue) VP Records has reissued Stranger, the Junior Delgado (aka Jux) album, originally released in 2986, as a digital release. Produced by Kenneth “Skengdon” Black, the classic nd iconic set reveals his raw style, with Delgado’s anguished vocal pushed to the fore in a mix by engineer Bunny
- [Joy In Motion: Júlia Kozáková’s Manuša II Celebrates Romani Roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/joy-in-motion-julia-kozakovas-manusa-ii-celebrates-romani-roots/) - Júlia Kozáková - Manuša II (CPL-Music, 2025) With Manuša II, Slovak singer Júlia Kozáková extends her Manuša project that centers on Romani (Gypsy) music from Slovakia and Central Europe. Described by Kozáková as an exploration of joy in its “simple, everyday, quiet, and wild” forms, the album shifts focus from the equality theme of her
- [Love In Bloom – Double Tiger Grows New “Love Garden” Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/love-in-bloom-double-tiger-grows-new-love-garden-single/) - Jay Spaker, known as Double Tiger, returns with a new single, “Love Garden,” out November 21 via Easy Star Records. The track includes an official video. The song reunites Spaker with longtime John Brown’s Body collaborator Lee Hamilton for a horn-driven piece focused on simplicity, community, and compassion. Craig Welsch (aka Dub Fader of 10
- [Cool Ruler Meets Keyboard King On 'Love Without Intermission'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cool-ruler-meets-keyboard-king-on-love-without-intermission/) - Gregory Isaacs’ single "Love Without Intermission" from the Skengdon archives is now available as a digital release. The song features Isaacs with keyboardist Jackie Mittoo. The track delivers a Lovers Rock, Jamaica-style production that highlights two of the island’s most influential artists. Isaacs’ relaxed, understated vocal leads the recording, while Mittoo contributes an extended organ
- [Galaxia Tropical Puts Ranil Back In Orbit](https://worldmusiccentral.org/galaxia-tropical-puts-ranil-back-in-orbit/) - Ranil y Su Conjunto Tropical - Galaxia Tropical - Analog Africa no. 43 (Analog Africa, 2026) Analog Africa will release Galaxia Tropical, a new compilation of Ranil y Su Conjunto Tropical, on February 6, 2026. For sure, the record is the label’s second deep dive into the world of Peruvian Cumbia Amazónica. The album gathers
- [Amir Nojan & Pejman Hadadi Present Persian Classical Music At Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amir-nojan-pejman-hadadi-present-persian-classical-music-at-roulette/) - (headline image: Amir Nojan & Pejman Hadadi - Photo by Mehdi Rostami) Amir Nojan & Pejman Hadadi are set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The program, titled Persian Classical Music: “Whispers of the Dastgah”, features improvised performances rooted in the Persian classical modal system of dastgahs. Setar player Amir Nojan draws
- [Syrian Music Preservation Initiative Honors Muhammed Qadri Dalal At Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/syrian-music-preservation-initiative-honors-muhammed-qadri-dalal-at-roulette/) - The Syrian Music Preservation Initiative is set to perform at Roulette on Friday, May 8, 2026. The concert is dedicated to the music of Muhammed Qadri Dalal, the Aleppo-based oud virtuoso, composer, and scholar whose work has shaped Syrian and Arab classical music since the 1970s. The program focuses on Dalal’s original compositions, highlighting his
- [Vasilis Kostas Presents Contemporary And Traditional Music Of Epirus, Greece](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vasilis-kostas-presents-contemporary-and-traditional-music-of-epirus-greece/) - (headline image: Vasilis Kostas - Photo by Yannis Psathas) Vasilis Kostas is set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The lauto player and composer will present a program centered on contemporary and traditional music from Epirus, Greece, including the world premiere of material from his new recording Léna. The concert features original
- [Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers Return To Roulette With Sufi Songs Of Pakistan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hamza-akram-qawwal-brothers-return-to-roulette-with-sufi-songs-of-pakistan/) - Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers are set to perform at Roulette on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Pakistan-based ensemble will present qawwali, the improvisational Sufi vocal tradition rooted in devotional poetry and collective musical expression. Led by Hamza Akram Qawwal, the group represents the 26th generation of the Qawwal Bachon ka Gharana of Delhi, a
- [Brian Prunka & Ayman Asfour to Bring Explorations In Arabic Maqam To Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brian-prunka-ayman-asfour-to-bring-explorations-in-arabic-maqam-to-roulette/) - (Headline image: Brian Prunka - Photo by Aidan Grant) Brian Prunka & Ayman Asfour are set to perform at Roulette on Friday, March 13, 2026. The program centers on new music rooted in the Arabic maqam tradition, written for Arabic takht (chamber ensemble). Oud player Brian Prunka will share compositions from a forthcoming album that
- [Ángeles Toledano to Bring Flamenco Festival Program To Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/angeles-toledano-to-bring-flamenco-festival-program-to-roulette/) - (headline image: Ángeles Toledano - Photo by Marina Rodriguez) Spanish vocalist Ángeles Toledano is set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The flamenco singer will present a program that combines traditional repertoire with newer material, performed in a duo format. The concert features guitarist Benito Bernal, a longtime collaborator who has performed
- [Spring 2026 World Music Picks: Flamenco, Qawwali, And More In NYC](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spring-2026-world-music-picks-flamenco-qawwali-and-more-in-nyc/) - Robert Browning Associates has announced its March–May 2026 preview at Roulette, marking 49 years of presenting world music and dance events in New York City. The series opens March 7 with vocalist Ángeles Toledano, scheduled to appear as part of the 25th anniversary New York Flamenco Festival. On March 13, composer-musicians Brian Prunka and Ayman
- [Jamaica Meets Irie-Land](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jamaica-meets-irie-land/) - Celtic reggae? Yup. Owen Casey hails from Ireland, and his track “Easy Enough” is a real charmer with traditional touches from his home country. But fret not, the requisite Jamaican roots are there as well.
- [The Legacy of Blues Icon Lead Belly](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-legacy-of-blues-icon-lead-belly/) - British writer and musician John Phillpott looks at the life and times of Huddie Ledbetter – the legendary Lead Belly – examining his legacy and the wealth of music he bequeathed to future generations of musicians. IF you were one of the countless post-war ‘baby boomers’ who had acquired a cheap guitar during the mid-1950s,
- [Artist Profiles: Habib Koité](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-habib-koite/) - Habib Koité comes from a great line of Malian Khassonké jalis. He studied music for four years at the National Institute of Arts (NIA) in Bamako, where he continued to teach guitar after his graduation in 1982. Koité's association with the NIA provided the opportunity to work and play with a line-up of notable Malian
- [Jérémy Rollando Sets Sail With New Album Zef In 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jeremy-rollando-sets-sail-with-new-album-zef-in-2026/) - Jérémy Rollando - Zef (Label Montgolfière / Sphère France, 2026) French guitarist and composer Jérémy Rollando will release his second album, Zef, on January 9, 2026, via Label Montgolfière / Sphère France. A launch concert is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Café de la Danse in Paris. The first single, “Ben Armor,” arrived
- [Babel Music XP 2026 Reveals Official Selection](https://worldmusiccentral.org/babel-music-xp-2026-reveals-official-selection/) - World music showcase and conference Babel Music XP has revealed the lineup for the 2026 edition. The event will take place from March 19 to 21, 2026, in Marseilles, France at various cultural venues. For this new edition, 31 bands from 25 countries, are set to present 111 artists that reflect the richness and diversity
- [Persian Setar, Ambient Drama: Danial HM Teases New Single “Breath Of Eternity”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/persian-setar-ambient-drama-danial-hm-teases-new-single-breath-of-eternity/) - Austrian-based composer and instrumental artist Danial HM has released his instrumental single “Breath of Eternity.” The piece combines ambient minimalism, Middle Eastern influences, world music, and cinematic atmosphere. The work centers on the nuanced sound of the Persian setar, presenting the instrument as the main narrative voice. The track traces a progression from shadow toward
- [Kings of Congolese Rumba Zaïko Langa Langa Unveil New EP, Makinu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kings-of-congolese-rumba-zaiko-langa-langa-unveil-new-ep-makinu/) - Zaïko Langa Langa - Makinu (2025) Zaïko Langa Langa, a true legend of African music, celebrates fifty years of their career with their new maxi EP, Makinu. Considered one of the founders of Congolese rumba, Zaïko Langa Langa has popularized their dances worldwide, particularly among young people seeking liberation. Zaïko Langa Langa is a true
- [Matt B's Remarkable Intercontinental collaboration on New Single “They Know”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/matt-bs-remarkable-intercontinental-collaboration-on-new-single-they-know/) - Grammy Award winner Matt B recently appeared in a cross-continental collaboration titled “They Know”. This new single brings together Rocky Dawuni (Ghana), Wouter Kellerman (South Africa), and Tony Succar (Peru/US). The result is a dazzling mix of Afrobeats, salsa, reggae, jazz, and R&B. A chorus in West African Pidgin English adds a shared language of
- [Karmento Turns Envy Into A Party In New ‘Me dio pelusa’ Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/karmento-turns-envy-into-a-party-in-new-me-dio-pelusa-video/) - Spanish singer-songwriter Karmento has released the video for “Me dio pelusa,” a contemporary zarzuela presented as a short film that extends the visual world of her album La Serrana. The piece once again draws on Manchegan folklore while focusing on a universal theme: envy. Directed by Aroha Morales, the work is somewhere between music video
- [Fairport’s Cropredy 2026: Folk Legends and Rock Royalty](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fairports-cropredy-2026-folk-legends-and-rock-royalty/) - Fairport’s Cropredy Convention has announced the full line-up for its 2026 edition and opened ticket sales following a sold-out year in 2025. The three-day festival will return to the Oxfordshire village of Cropredy from August 13 to 15, 2026. The 2026 bill features long-running folk and rock names along with rising UK artists. Soft Machine,
- [Africa Oyé Returns In 2026 With First Ticketed Sefton Park Weekender](https://worldmusiccentral.org/africa-oye-returns-in-2026-with-first-ticketed-sefton-park-weekender/) - Africa Oyé, widely regarded as the UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, will return to Liverpool’s Sefton Park on 20 and 21 June 2026 after a planned fallow year in 2025. Organizers have confirmed that the 2026 edition will be the first ticketed Africa Oyé in the festival’s history, citing rising
- [Back to the Bronx: Brian Conway Honors His Roots on Wallace Avenue](https://worldmusiccentral.org/back-to-the-bronx-brian-conway-honors-his-roots-on-wallace-avenue/) - Brian Conway - Wallace Avenue (self-release, 2025) Irish-American fiddler Brian Conway released his grand third solo album, Wallace Avenue, last summer. Named for the Bronx street where he was raised, the album reflects Conway’s deep connection to his Irish musical upbringing and his role in sustaining the New York–Sligo fiddle tradition. Conway, a leading exponent
- [Malutempu Pushes Calabrian Roots Into New Currents](https://worldmusiccentral.org/malutempu-pushes-calabrian-roots-into-new-currents/) - Malutempu - Farchinoria (Skené Cultura, 2025) Calabrian multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer Antonio Olivo launched Malutempu, a fantastic project that reconnects more than twenty years of international activity with his roots in southern Italy. The group’s fearlessly original music combines traditional instruments, Mediterranean influences and contemporary arrangements into an accessible style. A new phase of
- [Butterfly-menco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/butterfly-menco/) - Giving the timeless tones of flamenco just the right amount of modern flourish, Spanish artist Carmel infuses “Mariposa Al Fuego” with a cool fire all its own.
- [Disobedience Required: A Review of Cristina Branco’s Mulheres de Abril ](https://worldmusiccentral.org/disobedience-required-a-review-of-cristina-brancos-mulheres-de-abril/) - 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 international audience. With the October 24, 2025, release of her eighteenth studio album Mulheres de Abril, during the fifty-year commemoration of the popular overthrow of the Salazar dictatorship, she has
- [Artist Profiles: Cristina Branco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-cristina-branco/) - Cristina Branco was born on December 28, 1972, in the village of Almeirim, Portugal. Her grandfather had fled the dictatorship of Salazar, and she was raised in Almeirim, in the Ribatejo countryside north of Lisbon, away from the traditional Bairro Alto fado houses of the Portuguese capital. As each and every young Portuguese person of
- [Cumbia Chicharra Blasts Off With Quinto Mundo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cumbia-chicharra-blasts-off-with-quinto-mundo/) - La Cumbia Chicharra - Quinto Mundo (Music Box Publishing / L’Autre Distribution, 2025 La Cumbia Chicharra, a France-based band deeply influenced by Colombian cumbia, recently released Quinto Mundo (Fifth World). The band will showcase the album on January 9, 2026, at Studio de L’Ermitage in Paris for an official launch concert. This multinational ensemble features
- [Magoo Spins Jazz-Lit Newgrass on 'What a Life'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/magoo-spins-jazz-lit-newgrass-on-what-a-life/) - Denver-based progressive bluegrass quartet Magoo will release their debut album What a Life on February 27, 2026. The ten-track set was mastered by two-time Grammy-winning engineer David Glasser, known for his work with Grateful Dead, at Airshow Mastering. The album will arrive in the middle of a Western and Southern U.S. tour that began November
- [Bryan Sutton Taps Sierra Hull For Playful “Grandfather’s Clock” Guitar Duet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bryan-sutton-taps-sierra-hull-for-playful-grandfathers-clock-guitar-duet/) - Bryan Sutton has released the third entry in his From Roots to Branches duet series for Mountain Home Music Company. This song features the great Sierra Hull on a new version of “Grandfather’s Clock.” The recording brings together Sutton with Hull on guitars, spotlighting a side of Hull often overshadowed by her award-winning mandolin work.
- [Mediterranean Update](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mediterranean-update/) - Rooted in Mallorca folk tradition and funked up to just the right degree, “Sa Ximbomba” is the latest gem from U.K. band Periscopi Invertit.
- [Trad Triumphs In Aberdeen At MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/trad-triumphs-in-aberdeen-at-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2025/) - The 23rd annual MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards took place at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on December 6. The event honored leading figures in Scottish traditional music before a sell-out crowd. The ceremony highlighted artists, projects, and organizations credited with preserving and developing Scotland’s musical heritage. Organizers reported tens of thousands of public votes helping
- [Sessa Leans Into “Crooked Funk” On New Album Pequena Vertigem De Amor](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sessa-leans-into-crooked-funk-on-new-album-pequena-vertigem-de-amor/) - Sessa - Pequena Vertigem de Amor (Mexican Summer, 2025) Brazilian songwriter and guitarist Sessa recently released Pequena Vertigem De Amor (A Little Vertigo of Love). The São Paulo artist, born Sergio Sayeg, frames Pequena Vertigem De Amor as a response to personal change and a shift in priorities brought on by becoming a father. He
- [Flamenco Talent: Marina Heredia Closes New Territories 2025 Season In Madrid](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-talent-marina-heredia-closes-new-territories-2025-season-in-madrid/) - Fundación SGAE closes its 2025 Nuevos Territorios series with a two-night program curated by flamenco singer Marina Heredia at Sala Berlanga in Madrid on 12 and 13 December 2025. The cycle, titled “Nuevos Territorios por Marina Heredia,” highlights emerging voices in contemporary flamenco that balance deep roots with forward-looking ideas. Both concerts start at 20:00
- [Echoes Of Earth 2025: Bengaluru Festival Tunes Into Nature’s ‘Sixth Sense’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/echoes-of-earth-2025-bengaluru-festival-tunes-into-natures-sixth-sense/) - Echoes Of Earth, billed as India’s greenest circular music festival, returns for its 8th edition on December 13–14, 2025, in Bengaluru with a new theme: The Sixth Sense: Celebrating Nature’s Intelligence. The 2025 edition focuses on the idea of nature’s “hidden intelligence” and how animals and ecosystems perceive, adapt, and survive beyond the traditional five
- [Artist Profiles: Bryan Sutton](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-bryan-sutton/) - Born near Asheville, North Carolina in 1973, Bryan Sutton started playing the guitar at the age of 8. Sutton first came to prominence as part of Ricky Skaggs' bluegrass band Kentucky Thunder. At the beginning of 1999, Bryan followed his heart and retired from Kentucky Thunder to devote himself to the recording work he finds
- [Artist Profiles: Wesli](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-wesli/) - Wesley Louissaint, better known as Wesli, was born on September 6, 1980, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Canada-based award-winning Haitian guitarist and singer aims to give a new mainstream life to rhythms and instruments that he says have been neglected as Haiti faces an increasing amount of global commercial music and culture. He weaves contemporary messages
- [Drums Across Senegal: Raphaël Pannier’s Jazz Meets Sabar On Live In Saint Louis, Senegal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/drums-across-senegal-raphael-panniers-jazz-meets-sabar-on-live-in-saint-louis-senegal/) - Raphaël Pannier - Live In Saint Louis, Senegal (Miel Music, 2025) French drummer-composer Raphaël Pannier released Live In Saint Louis, Senegal on November 7, 2025 via Miguel Zenón’s Miel Music. The album documents a May 19, 2024, concert at the Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival and pairs Pannier’s quartet with an eight-piece sabar drum ensemble led
- [Djékady’s Innovative 'Benkan' Intersects Malian Heritage and American Roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/djekadys-innovative-benkan-intersects-malian-heritage-and-american-roots/) - Djékady - Benkan (Bright Shiny Things, 2025) Benkan introduces Djékady, a superb six-piece ensemble co-led by Malian balafon maestro and singer Balla Kouyaté and American cellist and vocalist Mike Block. The title means “agreement” in Mandinka and reflects the project’s focus on musical exchange by fusing West African tradition with contemporary jazz and western classical
- [Artist Profiles: Balla Kouyate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-balla-kouyate/) - Nicknamed Balafon Mania, Balla Kouyaté is considered to be among the greatest bala (balaphone or balafon) players in the world today. A virtuoso, he plays two instruments to get a chromatic scale, allowing him to play any genre of music in any key. His speed is astonishing as he moves effortlessly between the two balas,
- [Carolyn Trowbridge Unveils Hypnotic “Duchess Of Sheba”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/carolyn-trowbridge-unveils-hypnotic-duchess-of-sheba/) - Austin Music Award–nominated musician and composer Carolyn Trowbridge has released “Duchess Of Sheba,” the lead single from her debut album Found Memories. The piece presents elements of Ethio-jazz and Exotica with a hypnotic pulse. The arrangement sets modal lines for vibraphone and flute against an acoustic rhythm section of guitar, bass, and drums. The recording
- [Tasty Menu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tasty-menu/) - An array of Latin American music styles are seamlessly fused on “Latin Café 2.0,” a cool/warm/hot piece of work by Malamañoso out of Italy.
- [Tuvan Duo ODUCHU Tops 2025 Russian World Music Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tuvan-duo-oduchu-tops-2025-russian-world-music-chart/) - The Russian World Music Chart (RWMC) has announced its Top 10 Russian world music albums of 2025. Nostalgia by ODUCHU took the No. 1 spot. The duo from the Siberian Tuva Republic released the album on China-based label Stallion Era. This year’s chart featured 52 releases from 23 labels across world, ethnic, and folk music,
- [Celtic Connections Brings Surprise Coffee-Shop Gigs — And A Golden Ticket For Under-26s](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celtic-connections-brings-surprise-coffee-shop-gigs-and-a-golden-ticket-for-under-26s/) - Celtic Connections turned three Glasgow coffee shops into pop-up gig venues on Saturday morning, aiming to connect young audiences with emerging artists and promote the festival’s Under 26 ticket scheme. Mairi Sutherland performed at Black Pine in the West End, Grayling played Patricias x SLB in the Southside, and Fell Line appeared at Through the
- [Tamburreddhu Beats Bring Festival Energy Back To Salento](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tamburreddhu-beats-bring-festival-energy-back-to-salento/) - The Tam Tam Tamburreddhu Festival returns to Salento, Puglia, from 4 to 8 December 2025 for its tenth edition, dedicated to the region’s emblematic percussion instrument, “lu tamburreddhu.” The event is promoted by Arra Produzioni Mediterranee under the artistic direction of Claudio “Cavallo” Giagnotti. Teatro Astragali supports the festival, with partnership from Associazione Core de
- [Noura Mint Seymali’s Yenbett Tops Europe’s World Music Charts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/noura-mint-seymalis-yenbett-tops-europes-world-music-charts/) - Mauritanian griot Noura Mint Seymali has reached No. 1 on the World Music Charts Europe for December 2025 with her new album Yenbett. The record opens with two versions of “Lehjibb,” featuring her ardin and commanding vocals inside an electrified band sound that draws on Moorish griot traditions a well as harder-edged Saharan rock feel.
- [Tuuletar feat. Joanna Słowińska Reveals Heponi mun (Mój koń nieborak) Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tuuletar-feat-joanna-slowinska-reveals-heponi-mun-moj-kon-nieborak-single/) - Finnish ensemble Tuuletar has released a new single titled Heponi mun (Mój koń nieborak) featuring Joanna Słowińska. This is a Polish traditional song with arrangements by Tuuletar. Vocals: Venla Ilona Blom, Sini Koskelainen, Johanna Kyykoski, Piia Säilynoja plus guest lead vocalist Joanna Słowińska. Cover art by Christian Pirskanen.
- [From Ballparks To “Love Shack”: Antonio Andrade Drops Here We Go!](https://worldmusiccentral.org/from-ballparks-to-love-shack-antonio-andrade-drops-here-we-go/) - Antonio Andrade - Here We Go! (Life Shakes Records, 2025) Antonio Andrade's, Here We Go!, presents a covers collection developed during the shutdown months of August 2020 after live shows disappeared. The emotive folk music set draws on staples from his stage book. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (1908) is the oldest selection,
- [Yalla Miku Bend Borders On 2](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yalla-miku-bend-borders-on-2/) - Yalla Miku – 2 (Bongo Joe Records, 2025) Geneva-based collective Yalla Miku released their second album, aptly titled 2 on Bongo Joe Records. They continue to deliver a tantalizing mix that intertwines postpunk, Afrofunk, disco, dub, krautrock and East African influences. Moreover, the group persists to operate as an outlet for Geneva’s musical underground. At
- [Charming Cross-Cultural Teamwork, Chicago Immigrant Orchestra's 'Sanctuary'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/charming-cross-cultural-teamwork-chicago-immigrant-orchestras-sanctuary/) - Chicago Immigrant Orchestra - Sanctuary (Wahdude Music, 2025) Chicago Immigrant Orchestra has released Sanctuary, an eclectic, boundary-blurring album focused on preserving folk songs rooted in multiple global traditions. At the same, the twenty-piece ensemble contributes new arrangements and dazzling interplay. Artistic directors Fareed Haque and Wanees Zarour lead a remarkable lineup drawn from Chicago’s immigrant
- [Celtic Woman Unwrap Nollaig – A Christmas Journey For 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celtic-woman-unwrap-nollaig-a-christmas-journey-for-2025/) - Celtic Woman Nollaig – A Christmas Journey (Celtic Collections, 2025) Celtic Woman's Nollaig – A Christmas Journey presents a 13-track Christmas studio album that brings together joyful Irish tradition with seasonal standards. The terrific, timeless and highly engaging set includes Yuletide classics such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Silver Bells,” and
- [Ashby Frank Rolls Out A Bluesy Waltz: “Mr. Engineer” Gets A Fresh Trackside Stop](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ashby-frank-rolls-out-a-bluesy-waltz-mr-engineer-gets-a-fresh-trackside-stop/) - Ashby Frank has released a new contemporary bluegrass version of “Mr. Engineer,” the Jimmy Martin and Paul Williams classic, via Mountain Home Music Company. The cut arrives after the chart-topping single “Everybody’s Got Their Nine Pound Hammer,” and shifts to a slower waltz feel. The arrangement features Seth Taylor (guitar), Matt Menefee (banjo), Travis Anderson
- [Strings In Flight As Cuerdas Trio Debuts Gentile](https://worldmusiccentral.org/strings-in-flight-as-cuerdas-trio-debuts-gentile/) - Cuerdas Trio - Gentile (Visage Music, 2025) Cuerdas Trio introduces Gentile, a 2025 release that reflects the group’s cross-cultural identity and its commitment to dialogue through music. The ensemble formed in 2024 when Mario Cardona, David Beltrán, and Giorgio Scarano discovered a shared interest in weaving academic training with influences rooted in Latin American traditions
- [An Earful of Joy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/an-earful-of-joy/) - Colombia’s La Capi smiles her way through the video for her pan-Caribbean track “Cantar,” and rightly so. It’s all about singing joyously no matter what, and the message is entirely infectious.
- [Dawn Beats Darkness: Murmurosi Reimagines Ukrainian Folk On Svitanok](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dawn-beats-darkness-murmurosi-reimagines-ukrainian-folk-on-svitanok/) - Murmurosi - Svitanok (Ukrainian Folk Reinvented) (Self-released, 2025) Murmurosi released the passionate Svitanok (Ukrainian Folk Reinvented) independently. The title means “dawn” in Ukrainian and draws on the phrase “life will overcome death, and light will overcome darkness.” The album presents traditional and newly imagined songs that move between grief, ritual, and playful energy. Svitanok evolves
- [Raia’s Uádi Pours Desert Rains Over The Viola Campaniça](https://worldmusiccentral.org/raias-uadi-pours-desert-rains-over-the-viola-campanica/) - Raia - Uádi (Lusitanian LUS058, 2025) Portuguese musician António “Tó-Zé” Bexiga recently released Uádi, the new album from his solo project Raia. The record highlights a graceful traditional Portuguese guitar called viola campaniça. The title refers to the wadi, a dry riverbed that briefly turns fertile when rain returns, a metaphor Raia channels into music
- [From Hallingdal To Homs: Spove’s Folk Flight](https://worldmusiccentral.org/from-hallingdal-to-homs-spoves-folk-flight/) - Spove, Nawara Alnaddaf, Silje Risdal Liahagen, Inger Hannisdal, Adrian Myhr - Spove (Fiol, 2025) Norwegian-Syrian quartet Spove has released its debut album, Spove. The exquisite set presents a meeting point between Norwegian and Arabic folk traditions. The group features vocalists Nawara Alnaddaf and Silje Risdal Liahagen, violinist Inger Hannisdal, and double bassist Adrian Myhr. The
- [Fiddle Meets Vivaldi In Isla Ratcliff’s Playful Autumn Leaves](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fiddle-meets-vivaldi-in-isla-ratcliffs-playful-autumn-leaves/) - Scottish fiddle player, singer, and composer Isla Ratcliff has rolled out the piece "Autumn Leaves (Autumn 1)," the first single from her forthcoming album The Scottish Four Seasons. The track reimagines the first movement of Antonio Vivaldi’s Autumn Concerto from The Four Seasons, first published in 1725, and features newly written poetry by Ratcliff. Ratcliff,
- [Staran Launch New Album Gold From Ruins](https://worldmusiccentral.org/staran-launch-new-album-gold-from-ruins/) - Scottish ensemble Staran return with Gold From Ruins, a new release built around original compositions and reimagined fragments of Gaelic song. The group focuses on instrumental themes that evolve from small melodic ideas into full band pieces, reflecting the members’ shared interest in exploratory arrangements and contemporary folk-rooted music. The cover design is new artwork
- [Celtic Folk Star Michael McGoldrick Unveils 50-Tune Collection For Session Players](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celtic-folk-star-michael-mcgoldrick-unveils-50-tune-collection-for-session-players/) - Renowned flutist and composer Michael McGoldrick has published a new tune book, 50 Original Tunes & Chords: Volume 1. The collection gathers fifty original melodies with accompanying chord suggestions, arranged for players at a range of levels. The material reflects McGoldrick’s mix of traditional roots and contemporary writing, offering reels, jigs, and other dance forms
- [Dàna Set Sights On Debut Album After Celtic Connections Breakthrough](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dana-set-sights-on-debut-album-after-celtic-connections-breakthrough/) - Glasgow-based trad quartet Dàna is preparing a debut album following a successful year on the live and recording circuit. The all-female group features Anna Robertson on fiddle, Laura Penman on clarsach (harp), Eleanor Tout on whistle, and Alex Wotherspoon on piano. The band formed in 2024 while studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and
- [Astro Bloc Ignite Glasgow Folk Scene With Debut Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/astro-bloc-ignite-glasgow-folk-scene-with-debut-album/) - Glasgow-based folk band Astro Bloc has released its debut album, introducing a new four-piece to the Scottish scene. The group features Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín and Eryn Rae on fiddle, Paul Jennings on drums and percussion, and Gillie O' Flaherty on guitar and keys. In a statement, the band described the record as a defining starting
- [Gnoss Mark Eight-Year Milestone With New Track Bennybeg](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gnoss-mark-eight-year-milestone-with-new-track-bennybeg/) - Scottish quartet Gnoss have released "Bennybeg," a new track built around the band’s trademark mix of acoustic and electric sounds. The tune was written by band members Graham Rorie (fiddle, electric guitar) and Connor Sinclair (flute, whistles, synthesizers). The release also marks eight years since the four-piece first began gigging and writing together.
- [Wave Of The Flood Raises A Glass With New Single ‘Merlot’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/wave-of-the-flood-raises-a-glass-with-new-single-merlot/) - Contemporary folk artist Wave Of The Flood has released new single “Merlot,” a track that reflects on love, compromise, and everyday relationships. Produced by folk musician Kris Drever (Lau), the song features Dylan Cairns on fiddle and John McDonald on double bass, pairing acoustic arrangements with narrative-focused lyrics. The track explores how small quirks and
- [Kyrgyzstan Jaw Harp Sessions Leap Across Time Zones](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kyrgyzstan-jaw-harp-sessions-leap-across-time-zones/) - 11 Hours - Kyrgyzstan Sessions (self-released, 2025) Jaw harp collective 11 Hours gathers virtuoso players from Russia, the United States, Kyrgyzstan, and Sakha (Yakutia) for a rare cross-continental encounter recorded on Kyrgyz soil. Kyrgyzstan Session features jaw harps in dialogue and solo, with only occasional bird calls and light percussion. The album places the jaw
- [Artist Profiles: JPP](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-jpp/) - In the early eighties, a group of young fiddlers from the tiny village of Järvelä began making some noise in local folk music circles. Järvelän Pikkupelimannit ("Little Folk Musicians of Järvelä") descended from a line of folk musicians going back to the late 1800s. Performing folk tunes from those villages, they attracted attention with their
- [Artist Profiles: Michael McGoldrick](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-michael-mcgoldrick/) - Inspired by Irish parents and encouraged by the thriving traditional music scene in his hometown of Manchester, England, multi-instrumentalist Michael McGoldrick began playing Irish music at the age of 8. By the age of 15 he had already won numerous All-Ireland Championship and became well-known as a member of influential Manchester-based Celtic rock band Toss
- [Amy Grant To Kick Off Belfast’s Folk In Fusion 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/amy-grant-to-kick-off-belfasts-folk-in-fusion-2026/) - Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS), Ireland’s folk and roots music conference, has named American singer-songwriter Amy Grant as the 2026 headliner for Folk In Fusion. The public concert takes place Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Waterfront Hall in Belfast, with doors at 6:00 PM and music starting at 7:00 PM. The YRAS conference follows at
- [Troubadour Blue Dusts Off A “Snow In The Holler” Holiday Sparkler](https://worldmusiccentral.org/troubadour-blue-dusts-off-a-snow-in-the-holler-holiday-sparkler/) - Neograss band Troubadour Blue has released a new original holiday single, “Snow in the Holler.” The track combines country and Americana with progressive bluegrass. This is the band’s first holiday release. Co-writer Daniel Kim Ethridge said the song was written with Emily Earle and Lonnie Lee Fowler as a tribute to small-town Tennessee life, inspired
- [Lô And Behold: Maame, a DYI Effort](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lo-and-behold-maame-lands-september-26/) - Cheikh Lô - Maame (World Circuit, 2025) A decade has passed since Cheikh Lô last offered a studio album, and Maame feels like a homecoming with dust on its sandals and prayer on its breath. The sessions took place during and after the 2021 lockdowns, so the songs carry the hush of closed streets and
- [In a Jam and Loving it ](https://worldmusiccentral.org/in-a-jam-and-loving-it/) - My very rudimentary knowledge of Spanish is at least enough to grasp that a descarga is a musical jam session with distinct Cuban roots. Drummer and band leader Evan Luna, an American, has a beauty of one called “Descarga Valenciana,” and it soars for seven-plus glorious minutes on a foundation from Cuba and well beyond.
- [Artist Profiles: Tenzin Choegyal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-tenzin-choegyal/) - Tenzin was born in the remote Himalayas, as his parents were fleeing Tibet in the early 1970s. He grew up in the Tibetan refugee community in Dharamsala, northern India where the Dalai Lama actively encouraged his people to preserve their culture through language religion and arts. As a child Tenzin would listen to his mother
- [Be The Sky: Interview with Tibetan Artist Tenzin Choegyal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/be-the-sky-interview-with-tibetan-artist-tenzin-choegyal/) - Australian-based Tibetan artist, Tenzin Choegyal has enjoyed many highlights across his decades-long career. The latest is a collaboration with his friend Philip Glass and a special ensemble. Their album, Be The Sky, honors His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his 90th birthday. Tenzin says, “One of my Tibetan friends said it’s almost like a
- [Roger Glenn Returns With My Latin Heart with Vibes, Flute, And Fire](https://worldmusiccentral.org/roger-glenn-returns-with-my-latin-heart-with-vibes-flute-and-fire/) - Roger Glenn - My Latin Heart (Patois Records, 2025) Veteran multi-instrumentalist and composer Roger Glenn released My Latin Heart in 2025, his first new album in four decades. The flavorful set presents all-original compositions deeply grounded in Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian rhythms and his New York jazz roots. The new album features Glenn on a wide
- [Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Pioneer and The Harder They Come Star, Dies At 81](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jimmy-cliff-reggae-pioneer-and-the-harder-they-come-star-dies-at-81/) - (headline image: Jimmy Cliff - Photo credit: Vision Addict) Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actor whose work helped carry reggae into mainstream world music, died on November 24, 2025. His wife, Latifa Chambers, said he died after a seizure followed by pneumonia. He was 81. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in
- [Jamaican Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Announces “2013 Many Rivers Crossed Tour”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jamaican-reggae-icon-jimmy-cliff-announces-2013-many-rivers-crossed-tour/) - In September 2013, Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff will visit several U.S. cities, playing in intimate theater and club settings on his “2013 Many Rivers Crossed Tour.” The 17-date tour begins September 6 at the Interlocken Music Festival in Arrington, Virginia and continues to other cities including New York (Webster Hall), Los Angeles (Santa Monica
- [Squeezeboxes Across Borders: The Accordion and Its Diaspora](https://worldmusiccentral.org/squeezeboxes-across-borders-the-accordion-and-its-diaspora/) - (headline image: Making The Accordion Great Again: Liberty Bellows exhibition - Photo by Angel Romero) Few instruments move as fluidly through working-class dance halls, classical and jazz stages, and religious processions as the accordion. Ethnomusicology treats it as a family of free-reed aerophones bound by bellows and reeds, adapted by regional aesthetics, repertories, and maker
- [Salt House Gently Glow On Scarrow, Their New Folk Beacon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/salt-house-gently-glow-on-scarrow-their-new-folk-beacon/) - Salt House - Scarrow (Hudson Records, 2025) The outstanding English folk trio Salt House return in 2025 with Scarrow, their fifth studio album for Hudson Records. The new record collects twelve songs about reflection, renewal, and connection. The title comes from an old Scots word for “faint light,” a clue to the record’s focus on
- [Folk-Rock Supergroup The Magpie Arc Unveil Star-Packed Single “The Mantle”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folk-rock-supergroup-the-magpie-arc-unveil-star-packed-single-the-mantle/) - The Magpie Arc have released “The Mantle,” a new single from their forthcoming album Gil Brenton. The track includes guest backing vocals from Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span and a flute feature by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. The band draws members from Sheffield, Arran and Edinburgh, and brings together Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom
- [Three Harps, Two Friends: Inside "The Meeting Of Friends"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/three-harps-two-friends-inside-the-meeting-of-friends/) - Cheshire-based composer and harpist Lauren Scott teams up with Scottish harper Karen Marshalsay on the new single "The Meeting of Friends," a duet that traces its roots back to online harp ceilidhs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those virtual sessions, created as a way for harp players to play together in lockdown, led to an ongoing
- [Devil’s Backbone Duo: Fiddlers Trace Fault Lines From Donegal To Argyll](https://worldmusiccentral.org/devils-backbone-duo-fiddlers-trace-fault-lines-from-donegal-to-argyll/) - "The Devil’s Backbone / Ark Of Tides" is the latest traditional single from Hamish Hepburn (flute) & Jack Houston (fiddle), assembled around a Lough Swilly–inspired set of Highlands from County Donegal. The opening Highland, composed by Jack Houston, takes its title from Cnoc Colbha (Knockalla) on the Fanad Peninsula, a striking ridge nicknamed “The Devil’s
- [A Long Rewarding Run](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-long-rewarding-run/) - Jumping nimbly from reggae to Afrobeat within its lengthy running time, “Attic Night” shows Spain’s El Globo to be a band with chops and versatility.
- [Ashavahishta Channels Rumi On Trance-Driven The Ring](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ashavahishta-channels-rumi-on-trance-driven-the-ring/) - Ashavahishta – The Ring (X Dot 25 Music, 2025) World fusion trance group Ashavahishta released its new album The Ring on October 31, 2025. The ten-track project follows the group’s critically acclaimed Awakening and continues its focus on setting the poetry and philosophy of Rumi to music. The album features two female and two male
- [Yilian Cañizares Drops Joy-Fueled Mozambique Tribute “Maputo”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yilian-canizares-drops-joy-fueled-mozambique-tribute-maputo/) - Cuban-Swiss violinist, singer, and composer Yilian Cañizares released her new single “Maputo” on November 18. The track pays tribute to Mozambique, the home country of her longtime collaborator Childo Tomas, and features lyrics in Ronga that highlight the resilience and joy of African communities. “Maputo” appears on Cañizares’s forthcoming album Vitamina Y, described as a
- [La Linea 2026: London Latin Festival Puts Women Front And Center](https://worldmusiccentral.org/la-linea-2026-london-latin-festival-puts-women-front-and-center/) - La Linea, billed as London’s biggest and longest-running Latin music festival, will return from 20 April to 6 May 2026 with a 90% female lineup across venues in the capital. Presented by Como No, the 26th edition continues the event’s focus on Latin-Hispanic sounds shaping London’s place in world music. This year’s program features a
- [Mehrnam Rastegari's Debut 'Dislocated Pulse,' A Persian Psych-Rock Set](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mehrnam-rastegaris-debut-dislocated-pulse-a-persian-psych-rock-set/) - Mehrnam Rastegari - Dislocated Pulse (self-release, 2025) Mehrnam Rastegari is set to release Dislocated Pulse in November. This is her debut album as a composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. The New York City-based artist is recognized for her skill as a kamancha or kamancheh player. She leads a quartet through seven delightful tracks that connect Persian
- [Spain’s Influential Flamenco Contest Crowns New Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spains-influential-flamenco-contest-crowns-new-stars/) - (headline image: Sara Denez, accompanied by José Tomás during the final) The National Flamenco Art Contest of Córdoba (CNAF) has announced the winners of its 24th edition at the Gran Teatro de Córdoba, naming new champions in cante (song), baile (dance), guitar and the new Prize for Flamenco Instrumentalists. The jury, represented by singer and
- [Morocco Meets Colombia: Dance-Ready World Mashup At Flushing Town Hall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/morocco-meets-colombia-dance-ready-world-mashup-at-flushing-town-hall/) - Flushing Town Hall in New York City will host a cross-cultural world music program on Friday, November 21. The event brings together Moroccan–Spanish flamenco group Seffarine with Colombian gaita ensemble La Cumbiamba eNeYé. The evening opens at 7 PM with two participatory dance workshops designed to introduce audiences to the rhythms and movement styles featured
- [Brian Gore Wades Into “The Ocean” With Global All-Star Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brian-gore-wades-into-the-ocean-with-global-all-star-band/) - Brian Gore Guitar Poet has released a new single, “The Ocean,” a cross-cultural collaboration featuring Indian vocalist and flutist Varijashree Venugopal, Turkish fretless guitarist Cenk Erdoğan, and Indian bassist Mohini Dey. The track combines folk, world music, fingerstyle guitar, and jazz with lyrics about letting go and accepting change. Venugopal contributes a vocal approach rooted
- [Sonic Safe Space](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sonic-safe-space/) - Modern jazz, flamenco and Arabic modalities and a message of peace and safety combine to make “Amann Amann” by French artist Siwane a tune filled with the kind of zesty zeal that marks global music at its best.
- [Rabab Meets Trumpet: Sangat Intertwines Sikh & Sufi Lines](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rabab-meets-trumpet-sangat-intertwines-sikh-sufi-lines/) - Sangat - Sangat (2025) Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar and Sikh American trumpet player-singer Sonny Singh released their joint debut album Sangat recently. The nine-track set pairs the Afghan rabab’s ancient, timeless sound with engaging trumpet lines and vocals in Punjabi and Farsi, drawing on Sikh and Sufi poetry. The artists frame Sangat as
- [Songs of the Old World](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-of-the-old-world/) - Rolf Lislevand - Jul I gammel tid (Christmas in the days of old) (Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2005) I received many Early Music Christmas recordings this year. Although I finished writing my holiday reviews, this wonderful gem, Christmas in days of old by Norwegian lute player and Early Music performer, Rolf Lislevand came my way. I'm more
- [Phoenyx Rekindles the Celtic Rock Fire: Keepers of the Flame Returns](https://worldmusiccentral.org/phoenyx-rekindles-the-celtic-rock-fire-keepers-of-the-flame-returns/) - Phoenyx - Keepers of the Flame (Prometheus Music, 2025) Phoenyx was a pioneering Celtic rock band that was well known in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene in 1989. Their original songs (often written by Heather Alexander) told magical stories of Celtic lore. Their sound was rooted in Celtic-leaning folk-rock and blues traditions. Another
- [Shane Shanahan’s Audacity (Live) Rallies An All-Star Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shane-shanahans-audacity-live-rallies-an-all-star-ensemble/) - Shane Shanahan - Audacity (Live) (Bright Shiny Things, 2025) Percussionist Shane Shanahan released Audacity (Live), a project that highlights his cross-cultural collaboration. These stem from his studies of drumming traditions worldwide and his background in jazz, rock, and Western art music. The album’s compositions elegantly entwine Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, jazz, rock, and minimalist influences.
- [Chris Jones & The Night Drivers Roll Out Up-Tempo “Under Over”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/chris-jones-the-night-drivers-roll-out-up-tempo-under-over/) - Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have released “Under Over,” an up-tempo bluegrass single on Mountain Home Music Company that follows the classic-country-influenced “How Small of Me.” The new track centers on letting go and moving forward. Jones co-wrote “Under Over” with longtime friend and bluegrass broadcaster Terry Herd after discussing the concept at Herd’s
- [Flamenco Tribute: Madrid Honors Roque Montoya “Jarrito” At 100](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-tribute-madrid-honors-roque-montoya-jarrito-at-100/) - Madrid’s Círculo Flamenco de Madrid continues its thirteenth season on Thursday, 20 November 2025 with a special double bill titled Roque Montoya "Jarrito" en su centenario. The day opens at 12:00 at flamenco venue Corral de la Morería with a public roundtable featuring Antonio Reyes, Perico Montoya, Miguel Espín, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez and Carlos Martín
- [Brazil Meets The World In Brasil Calling Volume 22](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazil-meets-the-world-in-brasil-calling-volume-22/) - Various Artists - Brasil Calling Volume 22 (2025) Brasil Calling Volume 22 highlights 15 tracks that weave Brazil’s regional traditions with contemporary collaborations across continents. Curated for international listeners and industry professionals, the new edition focuses on Afro-diasporic connections, ciranda, samba, jazz, and electronic music within a modern world music context. The compilation opens with
- [Samba Brasileiro – A History](https://worldmusiccentral.org/samba-brasileiro-a-history/) - Contributed by By Chilemwa Harriet Nkowane. Edited by Alex Robinson and Angel Romero. Samba remains a popular Brazilian dance form and musical genre. Over the years, it has been exported worldwide, and fused with contemporary music to its success. Though its origins are widely disputed, the genre can be placed as having its roots origins
- [Cristian De Moret Links Huelva Fandangos With Stoner Rock In A Bold New Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cristian-de-moret-links-huelva-fandangos-with-stoner-rock-in-a-bold-new-single/) - Cristian de Moret has released “Stone Fandango,” a collaboration with Rocío Márquez that pairs the fandango de Huelva with stoner rock. The Spanish singer, musician, and producer from Huelva continues his cross-genre streak after “Electro Petenera,” “Malagueña Soul,” and the bulerías “La Flor del Almendro.” The track aims to bridge a traditional flamenco form both
- [Andy Nevala's “El Rumbón (The Party)”—Afro-Cuban Jazz, Reimagined](https://worldmusiccentral.org/andy-nevalas-el-rumbon-the-party-afro-cuban-jazz-reimagined/) - Andy Nevala - El Rumbón (The Party) (Zoho, 2025) Virtuoso pianist, composer, and educator Andy Nevala has released El Rumbón (The Party), a tasty ten-track set that honors Afro-Cuban jazz while advancing its language. “I try to be the bridge between old and new,” Nevala says. “I want to make sure people understand where this
- [No Virtuous Woman](https://worldmusiccentral.org/no-virtuous-woman/) - The U.K.’s Stuart Wilson has some stern words for “Jezebel,” and his warning is fueled by a ska beat with blues inflections that not only underpin the seriousness of the message but sound great doing so.
- [Flamenco Icon Fosforito Dies At 93 In Málaga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-icon-fosforito-dies-at-93-in-malaga/) - Antonio Fernández Díaz, known as Fosforito, died on 13 November 2025 in Málaga, Spain, at the age of 93. The singer, revered as one of the leading voices of cante jondo in the second half of the twentieth century, had been hospitalized following heart surgery and died from complications related to an infection. Fosforito was
- [Paisley Throwdown: Fèis Phàislig Marks Ten Years With 100-Plus Performers At Town Hall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/paisley-throwdown-feis-phaislig-marks-ten-years-with-100-plus-performers-at-town-hall/) - (headline image: Fèis Phàislig Director Grant McFarlane and tutor Daniel Small) Fèis Phàislig (Paisley Festival) will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a large-scale concert at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The Renfrewshire charity, known for traditional music and Gaelic arts, plans a one-night showcase bringing together more than 100 performers from across
- [Mike Mitchell’s “Hinge on the Gate,” a Bluegrass Heartbreaker](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mike-mitchells-hinge-on-the-gate-a-bluegrass-heartbreaker/) - Mike Mitchell has released a new single, “Hinge on the Gate,” via Mountain Fever Records. The track addresses the often unseen costs of military service within the pursuit of the American Dream. Mitchell, an experienced songwriter and fiddler, co-wrote the song with Beth Lee. “A ‘story’ song, for me, is akin to a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ narrative,”
- [Mandé Sila Lights The Way: Habib Koité Unveils Acoustic Supergroup](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mande-sila-lights-the-way-habib-koite-unveils-acoustic-supergroup/) - Mandé Sila - Live @ Levon Helm Studios (Contre-Jour, 2025) Mandé Sila, a new acoustic project led by Malian guitarist and singer Habib Koité, brings together celebrated ambassadors of West African traditions. The quartet includes the great Habib Koité on guitar: “magic balafon” player Aly Keïta (Ivory Coast); kora master player Lamine Cissokho (Senegal), and
- [Walk This Way](https://worldmusiccentral.org/walk-this-way/) - “The Right Path” by the U.S.A.’s Naya Rockers blends unfailingly conscious lyrics, passionate lead and harmony vocals and a sway that melodically links roots reggae with a dash of the earlier rocksteady style. The result hits hard, sweet and just right.
- [Córdoba Ignites with Passion as Flamenco Contest Reveals 2025 Finalists](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cordoba-ignites-with-passion-as-flamenco-contest-reveals-2025-finalists/) - Spain’s prestigious Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco (CNAF) has announced the twelve finalists competing in its 24th edition, aiming to claim the coveted Premios Nacionales de Arte Flamenco. After the selection phase held from November 3 to 11 at Córdoba’s Teatro Góngora, the jury confirmed the flamenco artists advancing to the next round, the Fase
- [The Last Poets’ Africanism Spins Back On Vinyl](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-last-poets-africanism-spins-back-on-vinyl/) - The Last Poets - Africanism (Africa Seven, 2024/2025 vinyl reissue) The Last Poets have reissued Africanism on vinyl. This formidable recording brings together spoken word poetry with irresistible Afrobeat grooves and contemporary jazz. Founding members Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan revisit staples including “When the Revolution Comes,” “Gash Man,” and “This is Madness.” With
- [Precious Midnight Melodies In Nidaros Cathedral](https://worldmusiccentral.org/midnight-prayers-in-nidaros/) - Iver Kleive & Knut Reiersrud - Vidunderligst av alt på jord (Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2025) Vidunderligst av alt på jord (The most wonderful thing on earth) feels like a homecoming. Iver Kleive and Knut Reiersrud have long chased sacred acoustics across Denmark, although this time the journey carries them to Trondheim (Norway), into the west nave
- [Artist Profiles: Breabach](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-breabach/) - Breabach formed in Glasgow as students enjoying the thriving folk scene at sessions and ceilidhs. Although they come from all parts of Scotland, they share a common love for playing traditional music. The four members of the band are all accomplished musicians and when they get a chance to play together, their show is not
- [Dual South American Sizzle](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dual-south-american-sizzle/) - Should you be in need of a pulsating, exhilarating mix of Brazilian forró and Colombian cumbia, “Anunciaçǎo” by the USA’s big beet will handily satisfy such a craving, and in a big way.
- [Dean Mueller Teams With John Prine Alums For Wishes Never Gone](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dean-mueller-teams-with-john-prine-alums-for-wishes-never-gone/) - Dean Mueller - Wishes Never Gone (Ripping Glass Entertainment, 2024) Americana singer-songwriter Dean Mueller released Wishes Never Gone last year. It features production by Grammy winner Kevin McKendree with contributions from longtime John Prine band members, including guitarist Jason Wilber. The set effortlessly weaves engaging, laid back Americana, powerful folk-rock, and blues. Four singles preceded
- [Latin Jazz Spark: Ron Rieder Unveils Dia Precioso! with Boston All-Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/latin-jazz-spark-ron-rieder-unveils-dia-precioso-with-boston-all-stars/) - Ron Rieder - Dia Precioso! (2025) Ron Rieder's Dia Precioso! is an eight-track set developed during a year-long collaboration with producer andarranger Ricardo Monzón. The album mixes savory Afro-Cuban rhythms, danceable sambas, and elegant tango, presenting new compositions written by Rieder and masterfully arranged primarily by Monzón. “Beautiful Day” and “Funday” carry Rieder’s own arrangements.
- [Cailean Jennett Drops “Sheila’s Island” — A Tender Tribute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cailean-jennett-drops-sheilas-island-a-tender-tribute/) - Scottish musician Cailean Jennett has released “Sheila’s Island,” a single dedicated to his grandmother, Sheila, who cherished the island of Oronsay. The cover features original artwork created by Sheila.
- [Javier Colina: Bass Lines Between Jazz And Flamenco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/javier-colina-bass-lines-between-jazz-and-flamenco/) - (headline image: Javier Colina - Photo by Igor Cortadellas) Born in Pamplona, Spain, on December 2, 1960, Javier Colina ranks among Spain’s most widely respected jazz and flamenco bass players. Although his early piano studies shaped his ear, he eventually became a self-taught double bass player. By the early 1990s, he emerged in the vanguard
- [New Voices for Ancient Prayer, Manizeh Unveils ‘Ashem Vohu’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/new-voices-for-ancient-prayer-manizeh-unveils-ashem-vohu/) - Manizeh has released “Ashem Vohu,” a new single featuring ganavya, ahead of her debut album Mahku. The track draws on a 3,000-year-old Zoroastrian prayer, sung in Avestan by Manizeh, her daughter Mahku, and ganavya. “This might be the first time women are singing it, let alone recording it this way,” Manizeh said. The Pakistani-born spiritual
- [Irish Band Aldoc Drops “Koboko” Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/irish-band-aldoc-drops-koboko-single/) - Aldoc released the new single “Koboko” on November 7. Later this month, the band will celebrate a headline launch at Whelan’s, Dublin, on Sunday, November 23. Founded by flutist Alan Doherty, known from Gráda and the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, the group combines Irish roots with electronica and world music influences. After moving from
- [Artist Profiles: Juan José Mosalini](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-juan-jose-mosalini/) - Bandoneonist and master of the complex Argentine tango, maestro Juan José Mosalini was born in 1943 into a craftsman's family who were passionate about music. Juan Jose Mosalini started playing the bandoneon at the age of eight. Through his father's influence, he absorbed the popular, traditional music of Argentina.The young Mosalini was a professional musician
- [Desert Grooves and Electrifying Energy : Noura Mint Seymali's Yenbett](https://worldmusiccentral.org/desert-grooves-and-electrifying-energy-noura-mint-seymalis-yenbett/) - Noura Mint Seymali – Yenbett (Glitterbeat Records, 2025) Visionary Mauritanian vocalist and ardin player Noura Mint Seymali returns with Yenbett. The album opens with two versions of “Lehjibb”. The first variation is brief. It presents Mint Seymali's ardin and spacious reverb, followed by a longer, fiery, trancy adaptation with psychedelic electric guitar, heavy drums, and
- [Artist Profiles: Carminho](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-carminho/) - Portuguese fado singer and songwriter Maria do Carmo Carvalho Rebelo de Andrade, better known as Carminho, was born August 20, 1984. She grew up in a family of fado artists. Her mother is well known fado artist Teresa Siqueira. Her parents organized fado gatherings at home where Carminho listened to records by Lucília do Carmo,
- [Quite Cool](https://worldmusiccentral.org/quite-cool/) - Puerto Rican-born and currently based in Ohio, guitarist Victor Samalot shows some expert chops of both the mellow and soaring kind throughout "Que Chilero,” a fine fusion of rock, Latin, and jazz.
- [Heartbreak With A Banjo: Amanda Cook Drops “Out Of My Bones”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/heartbreak-with-a-banjo-amanda-cook-drops-out-of-my-bones/) - Bluegrass musician Amanda Cook has released “Out Of My Bones,” a follow-up to her recent single “Love Through Time.” The spirited track centers on the ache of holding onto a lost love. “I haven’t personally lived this experience, but I knew it would speak to someone out there who has,” Cook said. The recording features
- [ClubGot Soul](https://worldmusiccentral.org/clubgot-soul/) - With the snap of nuevo flamenco and the tightness of jazz, “El Rocío” by Germany’s Bahama Soul Club moves and shakes impeccably. Listen and feel.
- [Winners Unveiled for the 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards   ](https://worldmusiccentral.org/winners-unveiled-for-the-2025-aga-khan-music-awards/) - The Aga Khan Music Programme publicized November 3rd, 2025, the eleven winners of the prominent 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards, which will be held in the United Kingdom for the first time later this month. The Awards honor individuals, groups, and institutions whose work upholds and reimagines living musical heritage shaped by Islam while promoting
- [Folk Dances, Fresh Ears: Topos Reimagines Bartók](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folk-dances-fresh-ears-topos-reimagines-bartok/) - Sokratis Sinopoulos and Yann Kirim - Topos (ECM, 2025) Lyra meets piano on Topos by Greek duo Sokratis Sinopoulos (lyra) and Yann Kirim (piano). This is their first studio project as a duo after a long collaboration in Sinopoulos’s quartet. The exquisite material on Topos braids together warm Greek folk roots, elegant chamber-jazz interplay, and
- [Skipinnish Marks 25 Years With “The Silver Voyage,” Penned by Malcolm Jones](https://worldmusiccentral.org/skipinnish-marks-25-years-with-the-silver-voyage-penned-by-malcolm-jones/) - To celebrate 25 years of Skipinnish, the Scottish act has released "The Silver Voyage," a new composition from Malcolm Jones of Runrig. The song’s accompanying animated video, crafted by filmmaker Cat Bruce, traces the band’s journey from their early days playing at The Park Bar to headlining the OVO Hydro. The whimsical visual closes where
- [Erlend Apneseth’s Fiddle-Fueled Supergroup Takes Flight](https://worldmusiccentral.org/erlend-apneseths-fiddle-fueled-supergroup-takes-flight/) - Erlend Apneseth - Song over støv - Hubro, 2025) On Song over Støv (“Song over Dust”) Hardanger fiddle player and composer Erlend Apneseth bridges folk tradition and contemporary art music. Known for his genre-defying style, Apneseth once again assembles an elite ensemble drawn from Norway’s jazz, folk, and experimental scenes. The result is a mixture
- [Rhiannon Giddens and Silkroad Ensemble Announce Sanctuary Tour 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rhiannon-giddens-and-silkroad-ensemble-announce-sanctuary-tour-2026/) - Silkroad unveiled Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual, its next flagship touring program under artistic director Rhiannon Giddens. The Silkroad Ensemble will tour March 10–28, 2026, across eight U.S. cities. The program centers on communal music-making as a path to comfort, understanding, and community rebuilding, emphasizing cross-cultural collaboration, improvisation, and audience participation. Many stops
- [Miradas Flamenkas Celebrates 50 Years of Nuevo Día with 8-Show Salute in Vallecas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/miradas-flamenkas-celebrates-50-years-of-nuevo-dia-with-8-show-salute-in-vallecas/) - Miradas Flamenkas will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lole y Manuel’s debut album Nuevo Día with eight concerts and an exhibition in Vallecas from November 15 to December 14. The sixth edition of the Community of Madrid’s flamenco showcase, directed by Paloma Concejero, takes place at Centro Cultural Pilar Miró and centers on the duo’s
- [Lucas Santtana & Gilberto Gil Chart Brazil’s Language In New Duet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lucas-santtana-gilberto-gil-chart-brazils-language-in-new-duet/) - Bahian artists Lucas Santtana and Gilberto Gil release “A História da Nossa Língua,” a collaboration celebrating the richness and complexity of Brazilian Portuguese. The lyrics draw on Latim em Pó by Caetano Galindo and will appear on Santtana’s upcoming album. The partnership reconnects a long history between the two musicians; Santtana played flute on Gil’s
- [Artist Profiles: Emma Björling](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-emma-bjorling/) - Emma Björling is one of the leading singers of Swedish folk songs performing these days. She is a member of the bands Lyy and Skye Consort with Emma Björling, as well as vocal groups Kongero and Baravox. She has also toured widely with the well-known Swedish folk band Ranarim. Emma has been performing in choirs
- [Secret Planet Montreal Lights Up La Sotterenea: Cumbia, Joropo, Tropical Pop](https://worldmusiccentral.org/secret-planet-montreal-lights-up-la-sotterenea-cumbia-joropo-tropical-pop/) - Barbès Brooklyn will bring Secret Planet Montreal to La Sotterenea (under La Sala Rossa) on Friday, Nov. 21, running 8 p.m.–1 a.m. The OFF–Mundial Montreal showcase gathers artists tied to New York venue/label Barbès and Barbès Records, a hub for hybrid Latin-rooted sounds and world music crossovers. Entry is free with a Mundial or M
- [Malawi's The Kasambwe Brothers Claim Their Moment](https://worldmusiccentral.org/malawis-the-kasambwe-brothers-claim-their-moment/) - The Kasambwe Brothers – The Kasambwe Brothers (MASS MoCA Records, 2025) A kick drum stitched from bottle tops, a babatone that functions like a well-worn engine, and warm voices that rise together. This is the sound of Malawi's talented The Kasambwe Brothers, a band that introduces itself with the confidence of veteran musicians. The group’s
- [Transatlantic Caribbean](https://worldmusiccentral.org/transatlantic-caribbean/) - Born in the Dominican Republic as Angélica Polanco, and presently a citizen of France, La Polanpro voices life-lesson urgency into “Chiquitita,” a song also fueled by bachata-inspired percussion and chiming guitar not unlike what you might hear in Congolese soukous.
- [Holly Holden Walks a New Path with al andar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/holly-holden-walks-a-new-path-with-al-andar/) - Holly Holden – al andar (Holly Holden Music, 2025) London-based singer-songwriter Holly Holden returns in 2025 with al andar, a colorful and acoustic-leaning album influenced by years immersed in Latin American and Caribbean musical traditions. It was written primarily in Mexico and Colombia and composed on the cuatro. The album shows us the gifted and
- [Some One’s Sons Tap “The Chance To Feel Alive”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/some-ones-sons-tap-the-chance-to-feel-alive/) - Irish folk quintet Some One’s Sons has released the single “The Chance to Feel Alive.” The Daniel Allen–written track explores escapism amid rising rents, emigration, and day-to-day grind, centering on the refrain “10 pints of porter and the chance to feel alive.” The arrangement combine ritual-leaning folk with Celtic-style guitar. Bouzouki lines add a cinematic
- [Radio Tarifa Takes the Number One Spot on Transglobal World Music Chart for November 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/radio-tarifa-takes-the-number-one-spot-on-transglobal-world-music-chart-for-november-2025/) - La Noche by Spain's Radio Tarifa has landed at #1 on Transglobal World Music Chart for the month of November 2025. Read more about this album: Radio Tarifa Lights The Dark On ‘La noche’. November 2025 Chart Radio Tarifa - La Noche - Buda Musique Cheikh Lô - Maame - World Circuit Guitari Baro -
- [Divanhana Sails to #1 on World Music Charts Europe for November 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/divanhana-sails-to-1-on-world-music-charts-europe-for-november-2025/) - Radio Sevdah by Bosnian ensemble Divanhana claimed the number one spot of World Music Charts Europe for the month of November 2025. Read more about this album: Tuning Into the Heart of Sarajevo: Divanhana’s Radio Sevdah. November 2025 Chart Divanhana - Radio Sevdah - CPL-Music Lina & Marco Mezquida - O Fado - Galileo Širom
- [Radio Tarifa Lights The Dark On 'La noche'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/radio-tarifa-lights-the-dark-on-la-noche/) - Radio Tarifa - La noche (Buda, 2025) Radio Tarifa, now the duo of multi-instrumentalists Faín Sánchez Dueñas and Vincent Molino, returns many years later with another gem, La noche, an album that honors the band's late vocalist Benjamin Escoriza. Yet again, Radio Tarifa presents a splendid cross-pollination effort with its mix of Castilian folk from
- [Where there's brass](https://worldmusiccentral.org/where-theres-brass/) - Gangbe Brass Band - Whendo (Roots Racines/Contre Jour CJ015, 2004) Best described as afrobeat-goes-trad (afrotrad?), the sound of Benin’s Gangbé Brass Band blends percussion and group vocal with a potent brass sound. Bursting forth with a relentless, driven, percussive base and bubbling tuba bass line the band positively explode with infectious dance grooves. The horns
- [Kuti According to Fela](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kuti-according-to-fela/) - Fela Anikulapo Kuti - The Best of Fela Kuti, 2CD & DVD Box (Wrasse Records WRASS132) It’s hard to think of anything to say about Fela Anikulapo Kuti which hasn't already been said with every kind of superlative attached. The Nigerian iconoclast and master musician, whose enormous band (frequently too large to make international touring
- [Sheer Makassy magic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sheer-makassy-magic/) - Orchestra Makassy - Agwaya (ARC Music EUCD1909, 2005) From the opening bars of the irresistible 'Mambo Bado' to the sweet, bitter end of 'Mume Wangu' (which should be very familiar to any fans of the giant of Dar-es-Salaam, Remmy Ongala) it's clear we're in quality dance music country. This album represents the first real interest
- [Addis Odyssey](https://worldmusiccentral.org/addis-odyssey/) - Ethiopiques 20 - Either/Orchestra Live in Addis (Buda Musique 860121, 2005) The impact of Buda Musique's Ethiopiques series cannot be overstated. Since the initial volumes appeared in the late '90s, chapter after chapter in the rich history of Ethiopian popular music has become more widely known to the world beyond, particularly the golden age prior to
- [Grooving with Afro-Colombian Cumbia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/grooving-with-afro-colombian-cumbia/) - review of Pablo Mayor & Folklore Urbano - Dance Baile
- [Silvana Estrada's Charming Self-Produced 'Vendrán Suaves Lluvias'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/silvana-estrads-charming-self-produced-vendran-suaves-lluvias/) - Silvana Estrada - Vendrán Suaves Lluvias (Glassnote Records, 2025) Silvana Estrada frames Vendrán Suaves Lluvias (Gentle Rains Will Come) as a document of recovery and renewal. “The songs were born little by little, some since the pandemic,” she says, describing a period that included unfruitful sessions, a traumatic spinal injury, and the murder of her
- [Classy Malagasy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/classy-malagasy/) - Fusing traditional sounds from the northern and southern halves of Madagascar, “Mampamangy,” by the quartet Loko Gasy, is a superb reminder of how good music from that richly cultural island can be.
- [The Purest Voice](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-purest-voice/) - Bill Jones - Two Year Winter (Brick Wall Music BRICK 005CD, 2003) Anyone who has followed the progress of Bill Jones in the last few years will be well aware of the purity of her voice, her refreshing treatments of British traditional and other songs and her disdain for the Folk Police. She is instantly recognisable
- [Sufi Serenity](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sufi-serenity/) - Ensemble Ibn Arabi - Chants Soufis Arabo-Andalous [Arab-Andalusian Sufi Songs] (Long Distance 0450103, 2003) The mystical facet of Islam known as Sufism has long regarded artistic expression as a path to greater connection with God. Sufi beliefs flourished alongside the greater expanding influence of Islam over the centuries, and the musical rituals of its followers ranged
- [Peace In Our Time](https://worldmusiccentral.org/peace-in-our-time/) - Culture - World Peace (Heartbeat 11661-7764-2, 2003) "We can't take another war/we want world peace." So sings Culture's Joseph Hill on the title track of this album. An obviously simple sentiment, perhaps, but it's that sort of directness that has kept Culture among reggae's most longstanding representatives of excellence for over 25 years. Along with Burning
- [Fiddling in French](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fiddling-in-french/) - Norouet - Spirale (Ozone Music Group, 2001) Hart Rouge - Une Histoire de Famille (Red House Records, 1999) There used to be a time when musical traditions were more defined, but today as I review folk roots groups from Scandinavian countries, Spain, France, Canada, and the UK, those lines have grown blurry. Celtic music fuses
- [Songs of the Desert](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-of-the-desert/) - Tinariwen - The Radio Tisdas Sessions (World Village, 2002) Blues returning to its African roots can be heard in the Malian nomadic group, Tinariwen's debut release, The Radio Tisdas Sessions. And unlike many album titles that refer to intangible experiences, the title of Tinariwen's CD refers to actual recording sessions that took place at a Tamashek
- [Aztec Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aztec-reggae/) - Vick Silva - Roots Man Dance (Rhombus Records) Los Angeles based Chicano musician-producer Vick Silva offers 11 tracks of Aztec-influenced reggae on Roots Man Dance. The reggae for the most part resembles the Jamaican variety, with the exception of lyrical themes that revolve around Aztec mythology and ancestral roots. And the use of Aztec instruments such
- [Rocky Mountain high](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rocky-mountain-high/) - R. Carlos Nakai - Sanctuary (Canyon Records, 2003) There are many among us who can say that Navajo-Ute flautist R. Carlos Nakai is the first Native American musician they have heard. I discovered Nakai while listening to Rough Guides Native America. Nakai had teamed up with the Black Lodge Singers, and their joint effort brought chills
- [Capping a Decade of Excellence](https://worldmusiccentral.org/capping-a-decade-of-excellence/) - Africando - Martina (Stern's STCD 1096, 2003) It's been 10 years since Africando began the full-force re-Africanization of salsa. Of course, the musical give and take between Africa and Latin America had been going on for generations, but even the most Latinized African popular music was getting too slick and synthesized and a return to roots
- [Spain in My Heart: Songs of the Spanish Civil War](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spain-in-my-heart-songs-of-the-spanish-civil-war/) - Various Artists - Spain in My Heart: Songs of the Spanish Civil War (Appleseed Recordings, 2003) Spain in My Heart: Songs of the Spanish Civil War, set for release at the end of September 2003 by Appleseed Recordings, features new recordings of time-honored, Spanish Civil War songs and some new songs inspired by a look back
- [Face the Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/face-the-music/) - John Wubbenhorst and Facing East - Facing Beloved (Facing East Productions 03050541, 2003) A lot of fusion music has been based on and around the sounds of India. So what sets this apart? Well, the title and content of the opening track, “Continuous Celebration,” might give you a clue. This is stuff that makes you
- [Songs From The Back Porch](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-from-the-back-porch/) - Jolie Holland - Escondida (Anti 6692, 2004) Thankfully, the transition from lo-fi spare room demo to recording studio hasn't harmed the sound or spirit of Jolie Holland's work. Catalpa was a rare and mysteriously compelling release that relied, for some of its charm, at least, on the surroundings in which it was made. The clarity of this
- [It's the Thought that Counts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/its-the-thought-that-counts/) - Think Of One - Chuva Em Po (Zonk Records LCM 100036, 2004) After three album's worth of cleverly mixing their eccentric Euro-jazz with Moroccan music, Belgium's Think Of One now turns their sights toward Brazil. It's the African-inspired rhythms of the northeast that their collective fancy is focused on, what with that particular groove aesthetic having
- [The Eyes Have It](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-eyes-have-it/) - Ojos de Brujo - Bari (Europe: La Fábrica de Colores/USA: World Village 468024, 2004) Flamenco ain't what it used to be, and if the purists want to grumble while the rest of us stamp our feet and swivel our hips, so be it. The embellished style that has come to be known as rumba flamenco is
- [Desechos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/desechos/) - Desechos - Cuando es Mañana (Boa Recording 05002023, 2003) Desechos recalls the Mexican musical melange, Los Abajos at times with its bouncy ska tunes and rap vocals. However, Los Abajos also tosses in traditional Mexican music into the pot. You won't find much traditional flavors in Desechos' songs, with the exception of Spanish guitar and rhythms
- [Music For a Global Gathering](https://worldmusiccentral.org/music-for-a-global-gathering/) - Hamsa Lila - Gathering One (BRG/In The Pocket BRG 1268 2424701262 2, 2003) If a good fusion band is one that knows how to combine the best of all their worlds into a sound that's immediately engaging and stays that way, then Hamsa Lila goes beyond good and well into the realm of great. Of course,
- [Life in the Vas Lane](https://worldmusiccentral.org/life-in-the-vas-lane/) - Vas - Feast of Silence (Narada 70876-18497-2-1, 2004) Vocalist Azam Ali and percussionist Greg Ellis began making music as Vas in 1995, both bringing to the table a desire to go beyond expectations and the bounds of tradition. Among their many strengths were Ali's earthy but out-there singing, mostly in conjured-up languages all her own, and
- [Shacking Up](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shacking-up/) - Aphrodesia - Shackrobeat Vol. 1 (Flatbed Lamborgini Records FLR808, 2003) Though they've been pegged as part of the current Afrobeat revival, San Francisco's Aphrodesia go beyond that. Yes, their music is full of the same sort of interlocking guitars, uninhibited horns and layered percussion found in the pioneering work of the late legendary Fela Kuti and bands
- [Kenya Feel the Spirit?](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kenya-feel-the-spirit/) - Various Artists - The Rough Guide to the Music of Kenya (World Music Network RGNET 1137 CD, 2004) The tightly syncopated, guitar-percolating style known as benga is the popular music most closely associated with the East African nation of Kenya, originating in the traditional music of that country's Luo people before going on to be big
- [X-Tango, indeed!](https://worldmusiccentral.org/x-tango-indeed/) - Fernando Otero, X-Tango - Plan (Twinz 602, 2003) This is not your grandmother’s tango! This isn’t even your mother’s tango. X-Tango, indeed! Fernando Otero uses the nuevo tango of Astor Piazzolla as a springboard into rarified realms where tango keeps close company with contemporary classical music and jazz, with even a nod now and then
- [The Many Faces of Roots](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-many-faces-of-roots/) - Various Artists - Reggae Pulse, Vol. 3: Love Songs (Sanctuary Records Group 06076-80446-2, 2004) Sly and Robbie - The Dub Revolutionaries (RAS Sanctuary 06076-89917-2, 2004) Midnite - Scheme a Things (Rastafaria RTF 40502-2, 2004) The Heptones - Deep in the Roots (Heartbeat 11661-7769-2, 2004) When the word "roots" is uttered by reggae artists and fans,
- [Bagpipe Sensation Susana Seivane Presents Mares de Tempo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bagpipe-sensation-susana-seivane-presents-mares-de-tempo/) - Madrid, Spain - Susana Seivane, one of Spain's finest bagpipers, has a new recording, Mares de Tempo. The album includes a music video and DVD with images of her concerts. Mares de Tempo features the same collaborators that have accompanied her during the last few years, as well as some new ones. Her first
- [Martin Carthy Turns 84 With Transform Me Then Into A Fish: Folk Icon Reimagines His 1965 Debut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/martin-carthy-turns-84-with-transform-me-then-into-a-fish-folk-icon-reimagines-his-1965-debut/) - Martin Carthy marks his 84th birthday with Transform Me Then Into A Fish, a Hem Hem Records release that revisits and re-records the material from his 1965 debut. The project presents new arrangements shaped by six decades of performing and scholarship in English folk music. The track list includes fresh takes on staples such as
- [Unspoken Tradition Unveils “Refugee,” A Bluegrass Call To Common Ground](https://worldmusiccentral.org/unspoken-tradition-unveils-refugee-a-bluegrass-call-to-common-ground/) - Unspoken Tradition has released “Refugee,” the group’s first new track since Resilience, via Mountain Home Music Company. The song arrives as the western North Carolina band continues to grapple with hurricane Helene’s aftermath and longer-running pressures in Appalachian communities. Singer-guitarist Audie McGinnis frames the single’s premise as an appeal to meet in the middle. “People
- [Salif Keita To Debut At Zanzibar’s 2026 Festival, Sauti Za Busara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/salif-keita-to-debut-at-zanzibars-2026-festival-sauti-za-busara/) - Sauti za Busara will return for its 23rd edition in Stone Town, Zanzibar, from February 5–8, 2026. Organizers confirmed that Malian star Salif Keita, widely known as “The Golden Voice of Africa,” will perform at the festival for the first time. The appearance marks a milestone for the East African event, long recognized as a
- [Six Rising Stars: BBC Radio Scotland Names 2026 Young Traditional Musician Finalists](https://worldmusiccentral.org/six-rising-stars-bbc-radio-scotland-names-2026-young-traditional-musician-finalists/) - BBC Radio Scotland has announced six finalists for the 2026 Young Traditional Musician Award: Calum McGregor (piano, piano accordion), Craig Harrison (fiddle), Ewen Rorie (fiddle), Gregor Niven (accordion), Iona Fyfe (Scots song), and Rachel Groves (lever harp). The Grand Final will be held at the influential Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow on February 1st, 2026.
- [East Meets East, North Meets South](https://worldmusiccentral.org/east-meets-east-north-meets-south/) - K. Sridhar combines traditions from both sides of his family By Teed Rockwell, India Currents Magazine, April 2001 K. Sridhar has lived his musical life by an important principle: If you’re true to your roots, you will be respected for what you are. One of the reasons this principle has worked so well for him
- [One for the Road](https://worldmusiccentral.org/one-for-the-road/) - Harry Manx - Road Ragas (Salt Spring Island, Canada, 2003) I have found that there is little safety to be found from paint by number artists, even in the world music or folk roots genres. Fortunately,Harry Manx doesn't paint by numbers and instead, he boldly leaps into the unknown. Equally at home in an ashram or
- [The Scottish Harp](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-scottish-harp/) - Wendy Stewart - Standing Wave (Greentrax CD TRAX242) This is quite a sombre selection of Scottish harp music, with the occasional equally sombre vocal track. The opening tune, Flowres O The Forrest, sets the mood, spare and melancholy, which the traditional, All Things Are Quite Silent, continues. A tale 0f press-ganging and break up of domestic
- [Chill out](https://worldmusiccentral.org/chill-out/) - Compilasian, The World of Indipop (Narada World, 2003) The release of Narada World's Compilasian (The World of Indipop) comes as more of a sign of changes to come in the record industry than as the cutting edge music it boasts. For those readers not aware of the Indipop label, it is a cottage industry label
- [A Cure for them Blues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-cure-for-them-blues/) - Martina Sorbara - The Cure for Bad Deeds (Nettwerk America, 2003) Before I begin the review of Martina Sorbara's debut CD, I would like to mention that I haven't lost my mind or purpose promoting world music. And I am not going to start reviewing pop music for this site. The review of Martina's CD, The
- [Two by Shweta Jhaveri](https://worldmusiccentral.org/two-by-shweta-jhaveri/) - Shweta Jhaveri Anahita (Intuition, 1998) Avishkar (21st Century Cosmos, 2003) I enjoy serendipity, so I play a game with myself that involves sifting through the world music CDs at the library and choosing artists unknown to me. Two years ago, while I was seeking musical treasures, I discovered a stunning recording by North Indian vocalist
- [Pedaling tabla beats](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pedaling-tabla-beats/) - Autorickshaw (Tala-Wallah Records, 2003) The word autorickshaw sums up this Toronto quintet's musical repertoire. When I used the search wordautorickshaw, I found a handful of sites that sold just that, motorized rickshaws. We sometimes forget that India despite its ancient traditions does also have a contemporary side. On one hand, visitors to the country can
- [Second Generation, First-Rate Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/second-generation-first-rate-reggae/) - Morgan Heritage - Three In One (VP Records VPCD 1656, 2003) After bringing reggae to the punk rock massive with their participation in the Warped tour, Morgan Heritage now offer up their most wide-ranging and best album yet. These offspring of reggae singer Denroy Morgan deliver roots consciousness with just enough touches of pop and
- [Ancient and Modern](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ancient-and-modern/) - Various Artists - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Pakistan (World Music Network RGNET 1116CD, 2003) This comparatively young country has musical roots and traditions that go back hundreds of years taking in Sufi songs and the classical ghazal whilst also embracing sounds that come from modern film music and pop. This CD, like many
- [Diane Jarvi:  whimsy and gritty](https://worldmusiccentral.org/diane-jarvi-whimsy-and-gritty/) - A CD review by Susan Budig Diane Jarvi - Flying Into Blue (Lupine Records, 1999) Diane Jarvi told me this CD was made to appeal to everyone with lots of lullaby recordings. Indeed, looking through the tracts, I see many of the selections are lullabies. But far from putting me to sleep, I am curious
- [Harmonia 'Music of Eastern Europe'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harmonia-music-of-eastern-europe/) - Harmonia - Music of Eastern Europe (Traditional Crossroads CD 4313, 2003) It’s always been the case that the various ethnic immigrant groups traveling to the USA have settled in polarized neighbourhoods in different cities across the ‘States. New York City is the most obvious example, with its large ex-pat Jewish, Irish and Latin American communities, but
- [Awards for World Music 2004](https://worldmusiccentral.org/awards-for-world-music-2004/) - Various artists - BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music 2004 (Manteca MANTDCD224, 2004) Here we go ‘round again. This year’s finalists from the third annual BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music on another well-annotated, thoughtfully-programmed selection, featuring a track from each artist’s most recent album. There are 32 tracks/artists in all over the
- [The Best of Caetano Veloso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-best-of-caetano-veloso/) - Caetano Veloso - The Best of Caetano Veloso (Nonesuch 79808 2, 2003) I’m usually very skeptical of “Best of...” recordings, but this collection by Caetano Veloso, one of Brazil’s greatest songwriters, is full of gems. The Best of Caetano Veloso contains material from Veloso's recent career, dating back to 1989. One of the precious findings on this
- [Barefoot in Assisi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/barefoot-in-assisi/) - Arja Saijonmaa - Nära (Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2003) Recently I came across a listing for Finnish vocalist Arja Saijonmaa in the Kirkelig Kulturverksted catalog and her most recent album Nara, a collection of peace songs recorded in a church in Assisi, Italy piqued my curiosity since I am an admirer of Saint Francesco (Francis) of Assisi. Standing
- [The Sounds of Precious Metal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-sounds-of-precious-metal/) - Golden Sounds Band - Swahili Rumba (Naxos World 76055-2, 2003) Congolese rumba reigned so long as Africa's most popular dance music that it's no surprise how easily certain African nations were able to make the rumba sound their own without undermining the sweet core essence of it. In Kenya, such styles as benga (music defined by
- [Agatsuma Goes Beyond](https://worldmusiccentral.org/agatsuma-goes-beyond/) - Agatsuma - Beyond (Domo Records, 2004) Domo Records has been doing a great job introducing new Japanese music to international audiences. Agatsuma is a young Japanese musician who has taken an ancient traditional instrument, the Tsugaru-Shamisen, to the 21st century. On Beyond, he continues in the direction he initiated with hisself-titled album, Agatsuma. Beyond features powerful
- [Hitting all the right notes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hitting-all-the-right-notes/) - Various Artists - The Rough Guide to African Rap (World Music Network RGNET1126CD, 2004) Like all hugely proliferating music forms, rap, in its many guises, all-too-often, comes with a silent ‘c’. So it comes as a blessed relief that Rough Guides, who aren’t always guaranteed to hit the nail on the head, have come up with
- [Dove songs](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dove-songs/) - And if the World (Suoni, 2002) Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2001) On March 1st, (2004) after I arrived home from a visit with a friend, I found my mailbox overflowing with CDs of artists spreading peace and compassion, so I feel honored in writing this review. The two compilations listed
- [Diamonds in the rough](https://worldmusiccentral.org/diamonds-in-the-rough/) - Tinariwen - Amassakoul (Independent Records IRL014, 2004) Carrying on from their much-lauded debut CD, released in the UK on Wayward Records, Amassakoul showcases this group of Tuareg musicians from a displaced community living on the borders of the Sahara Desert. Their involvement in initiating the emergent phenomenon called ‘Le Festival du Désert’which takes place in
- [Putumayo's Acoustic Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/putumayos-acoustic-brazil/) - “If Márcio Faraco lived in Brazil he would probably be very famous,” says Putumayo producer Jacob Edgar, who with Putumayo founder Dan Storper compiled the new Acoustic Brazil CD. The CD highlights the delicate side of Brazilian music, the counterpart to the upbeat dance music for which the country is also known. Putumayo has pulled
- [Omara Portuondo Celebrates the Tropicana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/omara-portuondo-celebrates-the-tropicana/) - Omara Portuondo - Fiesta Cubana (EuroArts 2058028, 2010) Fiesta Cubana is a great opportunity to watch Omara Portuondo, one of the legendary voices of Cuba, still at her prime. She was recorded live with her band at the Tropicana in Havana, December 1-3 of 2009. It was a special occasion, celebrating the Tropicana’s 70th anniversary.
- [Jaques Morelenbaum Produces New Mariza CD](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jaques-morelenbaum-produces-new-mariza-cd/) - Mariza is in Brazil working on a new album to be produced by Jaques Morelenbaum. As yet untitled, this will be Mariza’s third album, following on the heels of the internationally acclaimed Fado Em Mim (2001) and Fado Curvo (2003). Last year, Mariza released the DVD Mariza Live in London, which has already won a
- [An Updated Rough Guide to the Music of Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/an-updated-rough-guide-to-the-music-of-brazil/) - Various Artists - Rough Guide to the Music of Brazil (World Music Network RGNET1188CD, 2007) Brazil is one of those countries, like Cuba and Mali that seem to be a goldmine for music talent. The Rough Guide to Brazil (second edition) presents fabulous music, but it's only a small part of what is out there.
- [Sara González with Intimate Songs CD](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sara-gonzalez-with-intimate-songs-cd/) - (Prensa Latina) Havana, Cuba - Cuban singer and composer Sara González is working on a new CD and plans to start recording in May and includes a selection of the best moments of outstanding authors and singers of the 20th Century in Cuba. Entitled Canciones Intimas, the album will offer songs by Maria Teresa Vera,
- [Celso Fonseca - Natural](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celso-fonseca-natural/) - Celso Fonseca - Natural (Six Degrees Records, 2003) Since its creation by Antonio Jobim in 1957, bossa nova has conjured up images of waves caressing the shores of Rio de Janeiro's chic beaches. When American jazz musicians Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd caught on to the new Brazilian music wave, bossa nova became an international
- [Brazilian Classics and the Post-Bossa Generation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazilian-classics-and-the-post-bossa-generation/) - London, England - This compilation brings together the singers, songwriters, and musicians from all over Brazil who grew up listening to bossa nova, even played it themselves, but who had an agenda of their own – a desire to speak for the ordinary people. By the mid-1960’s the elegant cool of bossa-nova was beginning to
- [Monica Salmaso: the other voice of Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/monica-salmaso-the-other-voice-of-brazil/) - Monica Salmaso - Voadeira (Blue Jackel/Lightyear/WEA) Chanteuse Monica Salmaso comes from a country that bursts with musical talent. Most fans of world music can name at least one Brazilian performer, from the bossa nova, Brazilian jazz, samba, or electronica fusion genres. However, a huge gap lies between talented breathy singers who lay down vocal tracks
- [Nega Jaci Releases Canta Elis e Chico in Portugal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nega-jaci-releases-canta-elis-e-chico-in-portugal/) - Brazilian singer Nega Jaci released in Portugal her first solo album titled Canta Elis e Chico (Nega sings Elis and Chico). This new recording revisits iconic songs by Elis Regina and Chico Buarque, and many other classics from the Brazilian Songbook popularized by Rita Lee, Edu Lobo, Ivan Lins and Tom Jobim. Born in
- [Favourites. 60 years on, an anthology of the great Brazilian Poet Chico Buarque](https://worldmusiccentral.org/favourites-60-years-on-an-anthology-of-the-great-brazilian-poet-chico-buarque/) - Chico Buarque - Favourites. 60 years on (Wrasse Records Wrass112) People often talk of Caetano as the Dylan of Brazil. But if this is true of anyone it is Chico Buarque. Like Dylan, Buarque took a traditional music form, the Samba Cançao (sung samba) and used it for political protest. But whilst Dylan’s protests were
- [Brazilian Bossa Nova Singer/Guitarist Rosa Passos Presents Amorosa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brazilian-bossa-nova-singerguitarist-rosa-passos-presents-amorosa/) - New York, USA - Rosa Passos’s new CD, Amorosa (Sony Classical) is a tribute to the legendary Joao Gilberto Brazilian classic album Amoroso. For this recording, Passos sings new arrangements of four signature tracks from Joao Gilberto's classic 1977 album Amoroso, plus other songs closely identified with Gilberto, such as "0 Pato" and "Lobo Bobo."
- [Nascente's The Very Best of Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/nascentes-the-very-best-of-brazil/) - Various Artists - The Very Best of Brazil - 2 CDs (Nascente NSCDD 2011) The problem with definitive collections is what they do not include. Even a glance at the cover of this ‘Very Best of…’ – with the inevitable girl in a small bikini walking along the inevitable beach in front of the inevitable
- [Side by Side on the Map and in Song](https://worldmusiccentral.org/side-by-side-on-the-map-and-in-song/) - Mariana Montalvo - Piel de Aceituna (World Village 468031, 2004) Tania Libertad - Negro Color (World Village 468032, 2004) It's a pretty narrow strip of border that makes Chile and Peru neighbors on the west coast of South America, and it's likewise a fine line that two women from those nations walk as they bring
- [The Rough Guide To The Music Of Rio De Janeiro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-rough-guide-to-the-music-of-rio-de-janeiro/) - San Francisco (California), USA - The Rough Guide's latest release is The Rough Guide To The Music Of Brazil: Rio De Janeiro (RGNET1157CD). It's a compilation of music from one of Brazil's most importantcenters for musical creation. Some of Brazil's better known styles, like Carnaval music, bossa nova (a popular style derived from samba and
- [Flamenco’s Big Finish In Madrid: Five Premieres, Living Legends, And A Festival Finale](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamencos-big-finish-in-madrid-five-premieres-living-legends-and-a-festival-finale/) - (headline image: Rafaela Carrasco - photo by Jean-Louis Duzert) Suma Flamenca de la Comunidad de Madrid ends its 20th edition with ten shows in the final week and five world premieres that bridge flamenco tradition and forward-looking ideas. Headliners include José Mercé, La Macanita, Manuel Liñán, Rafaela Carrasco, and Mayte Martín. Manuel Liñán opens the
- [All That Brazilian Jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/all-that-brazilian-jazz/) - Rio de Janeiro-born pianist Antonio Adolfo never misses that perfect meeting point between jazz and Brazilian roots with “Vai Passar,” his take on a tune co-composed by Chico Buarque and Francis Hime.
- [Artist Profiles: Karnataka College of Percussion](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-karnataka-college-of-percussion/) - For years, Karnataka College of Percussion (KCP), in Bangalore, India, has been training young musicians who are eager to learn various percussion instruments and vocal of South India. This College has trained numerous students in India and from abroad since its inception. Many of them have obtained distinction in the State Board of Examinations and
- [Don Arbor's 'Hope Is Hard To Kill' Enlists Stef Burns And Mads Tolling](https://worldmusiccentral.org/don-arbor-sets-hope-is-hard-to-kill-for-oct-24-release-enlists-stef-burns-and-mads-tolling/) - Don Arbor - Hope is Hard To Kill (self-release, 2025) San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Don Arbor will release Hope Is Hard To Kill on October 24, 2025. The 12-track album features Stef Burns (Huey Lewis and the News) on guitar, Curtis Ohlson on bass, Kevin Hayes (Robert Cray) on drums, and violinists Barbara Higbie
- [Michael League, Antonio Sánchez, And Pedrito Martínez Unveil “Obbakoso,” A Hook-Driven single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/michael-league-antonio-sanchez-and-pedrito-martinez-unveil-obbakoso-a-hook-driven-single/) - “Obbakoso” is the new single from Michael League, Antonio Sánchez, and Pedrito Martínez, under the band name Elipsis. The track builds from Martínez’s congas and lead vocals into Sánchez’s heavily effected drum set. The arrangement expands with League’s Malian ngoni, acoustic guitar, Moog bass, and keyboards, creating a dialogue between folkloric roots and modern production.
- [Raise Your Glass: Ispíní Na hÉireann Drop “Johnny Jump Up” As Poxtail Soup Nears](https://worldmusiccentral.org/raise-your-glass-ispini-na-heireann-drop-johnny-jump-up-as-poxtail-soup-nears/) - Dublin trad-rock outfit Ispíní na hÉireann has released a new single, a spirited take on the Cork standard “Johnny Jump Up.” The track arrives ahead of the band’s second album, Poxtail Soup, due November 21, 2025. The song, written by Tadhg Jordan in 1934 and popularized by Jimmy Crowley and Christy Moore, first appeared in
- [Cheikh Ibra Fam Unites The Diaspora With “Gnou Mbollo”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cheikh-ibra-fam-unites-the-diaspora-with-gnou-mbollo/) - Cumbancha will release “Gnou Mbollo” on October 24, 2025, as the third single from Cheikh Ibra Fam’s upcoming album Adouna (Life), due in February 2026. The title translates from Wolof as “Let’s Unite.” The track combines West African traditions with African diaspora grooves and carries a message of solidarity across borders. Lyrics reference journeys from
- [Yiddish Music from the Ghettos and Concentration Camps](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yiddish-music-from-the-ghettos-and-concentration-camps/) - The Netherlands - Under the title Shtil, di nakht iz oysgehsternt (Quiet, the night is full of stars) a remarkable CD will be re-released under Dutch record company EMI in April 2005. It will feature Yiddish music, which originated and was played during and before World War II in the concentration camps and in the
- [Songs of the Brave](https://worldmusiccentral.org/songs-of-the-brave/) - Brave Old World - Dus Gezang Fin Geto Lodzh [Song of the Lodz Ghetto] (Winter and Winter Music 910 104-2, 2005) True to their name, the quartet known as Brave Old World take a keen interest in traditional music, specifically music rooted in Jewish tradition and Yiddish linguistics. This new recording of theirs is based
- [Heading in a Sephardic Direction](https://worldmusiccentral.org/heading-in-a-sephardic-direction/) - Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble East and West (self-released, 2012) When the Sephardim, the Jews of Spain, were expelled from their homeland following the reconquista of 1492, they had long since built musical traditions both sacred and secular. So it happened that the particular style of music they created, Ladino, traveled first in the one direction
- [The Guitar: the Ultimate Companion, Portable, Elegant, and Far-Reaching](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-guitar-the-ultimate-companion-portable-elegant-and-far-reaching/) - The guitar is a plucked musical instrument that has its roots in Spain. The origins of the guitar can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the instrument was first developed as a simple, four-stringed version known as the vihuela. Over time, the guitar evolved into its modern form, which features six strings and
- [Tenzin Choegyal Unveils Be The Sky: a Call Toward Renewal, Courage, and Harmony](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tenzin-choegyal-unveils-be-the-sky-a-call-toward-renewal-courage-and-harmony/) - Tenzin Choegyal - Be The Sky (2025) Tibetan-Australian artist Tenzin Choegyal is set to release his new album Be The Sky (ནམ་མཁའ་རང་གི་ངང་དུ་ཞོག།) in Australia on November 14, 2025. The project draws on Choegyal’s long-running collaboration with American composer Philip Glass. Be The Sky includes performances by the Grammy Award-winning Scorchio Quartet, actress Saori Tsukada with
- [Argentina Teases 'Utrera Flamenco Fetén' With Fiery Rumba “Ódiame”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/argentina-teases-utrera-flamenco-feten-with-fiery-rumba-odiame/) - Flamenco singer Argentina, named Hija Predilecta de Huelva 2025, has announced the first preview of her new project. The Spanish vocalist released “Ódiame” (hate me) a rumba flamenca that pays tribute to the celebrated groove of Utrera. “Ódiame” opens the campaign for Utrera Flamenco Fetén, a full flamenco album slated for December 2025. The record
- [Día De Los Muertos In Queens: MexFest Brings Art, Altars, And Mariachi To Flushing Town Hall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dia-de-los-muertos-in-queens-mexfest-brings-art-altars-and-mariachi-to-flushing-town-hall/) - Flushing Town Hall will launch its inaugural MexFest with an arts exhibition running October 15–November 30, 2025, and a community Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1. The November 1 program is free from 6:00–7:30 p.m. and includes papel picado making, a writing workshop tied to a short film, a community mural for
- [Celebrate Halloween with Creedence Clearwater Revival's Bad Moon Rising Shadows on the Bayou](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celebrate-halloween-with-creedence-clearwater-revivals-bad-moon-rising-shadows-on-the-bayou/) - A new Creedence Clearwater Revival compilation has collected some of the band's classic songs that have a haunting Halloween spirit. Bad Moon Rising Shadows on the Bayou features the following songs: "Bad Moon Rising" (02:20); "Tombstone Shadow" (03:39); "I Put A Spell On You" (04:32); "Graveyard Train" (08:36); "Pagan Baby" (06:24); "It Came Out Of
- [Tuning Into the Heart of Sarajevo: Divanhana’s Radio Sevdah](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tuning-into-the-heart-of-sarajevo-divanhanas-radio-sevdah/) - Divanhana - Radio Sevdah (CPL-Music, 2025) When Radio Sevdah begins, it feels like stepping into a warmly lit kitchen filled with familiar voices. The static of an old broadcast flickers to life, and suddenly, you are tuned into a living memory of Sarajevo, a city where love, loss, and laughter have always found their voice
- [Artist Profiles: Divanhana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-divanhana/) - Divanhana is based in Sarajevo, a city historically described as a crossroads between the East and the West. Divanhana present new arrangements of urban traditional music from Bosnia and Herzegovina. They put a particular emphasis on the soulful sounds of Sevdalinka, the musical vehicle for the expression of amorous longing and melancholy, passion and joy,
- [Aqtöbe And Stirred: Diaspora Songs With Local Gravity](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aqtobe-and-stirred-diaspora-songs-with-local-gravity/) - Various Artists - Made in Aktobe: Romani, German and Korean Songs from Kazakhstan (Antonovka Records, 2025) Antonovka Records’ 2025 release Made In Aktobe: Romani, German And Korean Songs From Kazakhstan is a musical document that preserves a repertoire shaped by displacement and settlement. Sessions took place at the Aqtöbe (Kazakh: Aqtöbe; Russian: formerly Aktyubinsk) regional
- [Lena Jonsson & Johanna Juhola Unveil 'Polska efter Johan Erik Taklax'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lena-jonsson-johanna-juhola-unveil-polska-efter-johan-erik-taklax/) - Swedish fiddler Lena Jonsson and Finnish accordionist Johanna Juhola have released the single "Polska efter Johan Erik Taklax" (Nordic Notes). The traditional song features an arrangement by Lena Jonsson & Johanna Juhola. Recorded in Järvsö church in November 2023.
- [Radio Tarifa Rises to the Top of the Iberian Roots Music Chart for 3rd Quarter of 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/radio-tarifa-rises-to-the-top-of-the-iberian-roots-music-chart-for-3rd-quarter-of-2025/) - The album La noche by the legendary band Radio Tarifa has reached the number one spot of LIMúR, the Iberian Roots Music Chart for the Third Quarter of 2025. This is the band’s first release since the death of co-founder Benjamín Escoriza. Radio Tarifa was formed in Madrid through the collaboration of three musicians: Faín
- [Silvana Estrada Drops “Dime,” A Lush, Orchestral Folk Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/silvana-estrada-drops-dime-a-lush-orchestral-folk-single/) - Mexican vocalist Silvana Estrada ha released the new single “Dime” (“Tell Me”) via Glassnote Records. The track features orchestral arrangements by Oscar-nominated composer Owen Pallett, known for collaborations with Frank Ocean, the National, and Haim.
- [Sevdah With a Twist: Igor Božanić Turns Up the ‘Žega’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sevdah-with-a-twist-igor-bozanic-turns-up-the-zega/) - Igor Božanić - Žega (POP Depression, 2025) With Žega, singer-songwriter Igor Božanić introduces an innovative musical vision he calls sevdah noir, a fictional landscape where traditional sevdah collides with urban Banja Luka and experimental harmonies. The project is a close collaboration between Božanić and producers Srđan and Pavle Popov. The album opens with “Lijepa Meleća,”
- [Bellows To The Metal: Antti Paalanen’s Breathbox Revolution](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bellows-to-the-metal-antti-paalanens-breathbox-revolution/) - (headline image: Antti Paalanen - Photo by Kimmo Kansala) Antti Paalanen, born in 1977 and raised in Southern Ostrobothnia’s pelimanni heartland, builds a roaring engine out of reeds and air, and then drives it hard. He learned from old master players as a teenager, then proved the point in competitions: four Finnish pelimanni accordion championships
- [Ocora Readies ‘Musique Inuit’—Jean Malaurie’s Arctic Field Recordings](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ocora-readies-musique-inuit-jean-malauries-arctic-field-recordings/) - Various Artists - Musique Inuit – Inuit Music (Ocora, 2025) Ocora Radio France released Musique Inuit – Inuit Music - From Thule to the Bering Strait, a one-disc set drawn from field recordings captured by French scholar-explorer Jean Malaurie between 1960 and 1987. The album gathers performances from communities stretching from Thule to the Bering
- [FurmigaDub, ZEBB & Mestra Penha Unveil “Reis Caninana” — Northeast Brazil Tradition Meets Modern Studio Spark](https://worldmusiccentral.org/furmigadub-zebb-mestra-penha-unveil-reis-caninana-northeast-brazil-tradition-meets-modern-studio-spark/) - Kaxambu Records has released “Reis Caninana,” a collaborative single from FurmigaDub, ZEBB, and Mestra Penha that connects Northeastern Brazilian traditions with contemporary production for world music audiences. Mestra Penha, the lead vocalist, shared, “I think the song is beautiful—I’m very happy to be part of it. I believe projects like this help keep the traditional
- [Sicilian Singer-songwriter Luisa Briguglio Wins 18th edition of the Andrea Parodi Award](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sicilian-singer-songwriter-luisa-briguglio-wins-18th-edition-of-the-andrea-parodi-award/) - Luisa Briguglio, a vocalist and songwriter from Sicily (Italy) won the 18th edition of the "Andrea Parodi Award," the world music contest held from October 9th to 11th in Cagliari at the Teatro Massimo. She also received a special mention for Best Performance. This year's edition featured a strong female and international presence. The Critics'
- [Artist Profiles: Radio Tarifa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-radio-tarifa/) - (headline image: Radio Tarifa - Photo by Javier Salas) Throughout the southern coast of Spain, one can easily listen to popular North African music by tuning numerous Moroccan and Algerian radio stations across the Strait of Gibraltar. Tarifa is the southernmost town in Europe from which you can see the African continent on any clear
- [Multifaceted Sicilian Songwriter Luisa Briguglio](https://worldmusiccentral.org/multifaceted-sicilian-songwriter-luisa-briguglio/) - Sicilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Luisa Briguglio, was born in Messina. She has led the southern Italian roots music ensemble PopulAlma since 2017. The ensemble released Cantu Forti (2019) and Spaccaventu (2022). Her stage work includes roles as actress and assistant director on Percée and Cantu e cuntu. In 2023, she joined El Colectivo and
- [Les Abranis’ Coveted 1983 'Album No. 1' Returns](https://worldmusiccentral.org/les-abranis-coveted-1983-album-no-1-returns/) - Les Abranis - Album No. 1 (WeWantSounds, 2025) WeWantSounds has reissued Les Abranis’ sought-after 1983 LP Album No. 1, also known as Id Ed Was, in 2025. The Paris-recorded private press intertwines irresistible Kabyl grooves with funk and hints of reggae. It arrives with the original artwork, remastered audio by Colorsound Studio (Paris), and a
- [Shakti Veterans L. Shankar & Vikku Vinayakram Reunite On Over The Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shakti-veterans-l-shankar-vikku-vinayakram-reunite-on-over-the-stars/) - L. Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram, V. Selvaganesh and S. Swaminathan - Over The Stars (XDot 25 Music, 2024). L. Shankar and Vikku Vinayakram, two original members of the pioneering world music group Shakti, join V. Selvaganesh (current Shakti member) and his son S. Swaminathan on Over The Stars. The set revives the classic Shakti interplay: L.
- [Echoes of the Woods: La Déferlance Intertwines Quebec's Past and Present in Song](https://worldmusiccentral.org/echoes-of-the-woods-la-deferlance-intertwines-quebecs-past-and-present-in-song/) - La Déferlance – Âmes des bois (Club MID, 2025) La Déferlance continues to shine on Âmes des bois (Souls of the Woods), an excellent album that certifies the band as one of the finest acts in the current Quebec trad music scene. Based in Quebec City, La Déferlance offers a joyful, boldly inventive, and contemporary
- [Spirited Jotas: Nuevo Mester’s Joyful 1986 Spin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spirited-jotas-nuevo-mesters-joyful-1986-spin/) - Nuevo Mester de Juglaría – Coplas del Tío Sidín (Philips, 1986) Folk traditions meet precision on the album Coplas del Tío Sidín, a brisk, well-shaped set of Castilian dance forms and romances. This album was originally released on cassette and vinyl and was later reissued on CD. The set opens with “La jota del mester,”
- [Erin Ruth's Traditions & Original Work](https://worldmusiccentral.org/erin-ruths-traditions-original-work/) - Erin Ruth - Traditions & Original Work (2025) San Francisco-based singer-songwriter and delightful vocalist Erin Ruth has released Traditions & Original Work, an album that interweaves original songs with American folk, Irish, Scottish, and Galician Celtic-flavored material. The tracks range from introspective vocals and piano songs to works grounded in Atlantic European folk traditions. The
- [Wura Samba's “Iba Eledúa” Video: Afrobeat Lift Aiming For Truth, Light, And Love](https://worldmusiccentral.org/wura-sambas-iba-eledua-video-afrobeat-lift-aiming-for-truth-light-and-love/) - Wura Samba has released a new single, “Iba Eledúa,” alongside a music video. The track serves as the first preview of his forthcoming album. The song frames a devotional theme, truth, light, and love, within a propulsive Afrobeat groove. Sharp horn lines, a hard-driving bassline, and call-and-response female backing vocals support Samba’s lead vocals.
- [Radio Macandé Drops ‘Pejina,’ Launches ‘Vuelta Al Camino’ Unplugged Tour On Oct. 17](https://worldmusiccentral.org/radio-macande-drops-pejina-launches-vuelta-al-camino-unplugged-tour-on-oct-17/) - Radio Macandé marks 20 years with the new single “Pejina” and a companion music video. The duo, Juan Luis Mendoza Moreno and Ernesto Márquez, also announced the unplugged Vuelta al Camino tour, opening on October 17 at Sala Maruja Limón in Alhaurín de la Torre (Málaga). Tickets are on sale. An acoustic EP available at
- [Pipo Romero Elegantly Mixes Flamenco, Americana, and Electronics](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pipo-romero-elegantly-mixes-flamenco-americana-and-electronics/) - Pipo Romero - Alborada (self-release, 2025) Spanish guitarist-composer Pipo Romero has released Alborada, his fourth studio album. The record centers on Romero’s elegant, inventive and melodic steel-string acoustic guitar. Pipo's music has deep Andalusian roots and flamenco references. He skillfully combines these with Atlantic influences and strands of Americana and impressionism. The opener, “Preludio y
- [Loko Gasy Brings Together Regional Madagascan Traditions on ‘Mifankatiava’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/loko-gasy-brings-together-regional-madagascan-traditions-on-mifankatiava/) - Loko Gasy - Mifankatiava (AudioMaze, 2025) Antananarivo quartet Loko Gasy has a new album, Mifankatiava (Love each other). The highly talented group, founded in 2023 by four young musicians, developed “Antsabeko,” a tantalizing, groundbreaking style that combines northern Madagascar’s antsa rhythms with southern beko traditions, linking the two traditions of the island nation. The songs
- [Far Beyond Acceptable](https://worldmusiccentral.org/far-beyond-acceptable/) - A classic dub reggae sound is achieved by France’s PierreFeu with his track ”Accepter le dub.” A heavy bassline, mystical vibes, properly placed effects and all the other right sonic moves contribute to the authenticity.
- [Suma Flamenca Closes First Week With El Trío and a Flamenco Show for Children](https://worldmusiccentral.org/suma-flamenca-closes-first-week-with-el-trio-and-a-flamenco-show-for-children/) - (headline image: El Trío - Photo by Pepe Ainsua) Suma Flamenca wraps up its first week on Sunday, October 19, with a double program that celebrates both musical mastery and family-friendly creativity. At Teatros del Canal, El Trío, formed by bassist Carles Benavent, drummer Tino di Geraldo, and saxophonist and flutist Jorge Pardo, returns to
- [Four Premieres on October 18 at Suma Flamenca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/four-premieres-on-october-18-at-suma-flamenca/) - (headline image: El Amir - Photo by Juanma Sierra) The first week of Suma Flamenca continues on Saturday, October 18, with four diverse premieres that showcase the festival’s theme of tradition and innovation. At the Real Coliseo Carlos III in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the El Amir Flamenco Sextet presents De Madrid al Cielo.
- [Women’s Voices and Deep Roots Shine on October 17 at Suma Flamenca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/womens-voices-and-deep-roots-shine-on-october-17-at-suma-flamenca/) - (headline image: Sara Calero - Photo by marcosGpunto( Suma Flamenca’s program for Friday, October 17, highlights a trio of performances that explore identity, memory, and female creativity through flamenco dance and song. At Teatros del Canal, dancer, and choreographer Sara Calero, one of the leading innovators of Spanish dance and flamenco, premieres Taberna Femme. The
- [Dorantes Pays Tribute to Scarlatti at Suma Flamenca With Scarlattianas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dorantes-pays-tribute-to-scarlatti-at-suma-flamenca-with-scarlattianas/) - (headline image: Dorantes - Photo by Javier Caro) Suma Flamenca continues on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Teatros del Canal with a performance by acclaimed pianist Dorantes, who will present Scarlattianas, a tribute to 18th-century Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti, long settled in Spain. Dorantes revisits Scarlatti’s works through a flamenco lens, tracing the genre’s early
- [Sandra Carrasco and Olga Pericet Lead a Day of Premieres at Suma Flamenca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sandra-carrasco-and-olga-pericet-lead-a-day-of-premieres-at-suma-flamenca/) - (headline image: Sandra Carrasco - Photo by Cien-x-Cien) The first world premiere of Suma Flamenca will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, with singer Sandra Carrasco performing Poesía Culta y Popular on Madrid’s iconic Cuesta de Moyano, home to the city’s century-old open-air book market. Accompanied by guitarist David Arahal, Carrasco draws inspiration from
- [Ángeles Toledano Opens Suma Flamenca With Sangre Sucia and a Contemporary Spirit](https://worldmusiccentral.org/angeles-toledano-opens-suma-flamenca-with-sangre-sucia-and-a-contemporary-spirit/) - The Andalusian singer Ángeles Toledano, one of the brightest new voices in flamenco, will inaugurate Suma Flamenca 2025, organized by the Community of Madrid, on Tuesday, October 14, at Teatros del Canal. Toledano presents Sangre Sucia, her debut album, whose title evokes the “impure blood” of flamenco, an art born from cultural fusion. The project
- [Madrid Kicks Off Suma Flamenca’s 20th Edition With Exclusive Premieres](https://worldmusiccentral.org/madrid-kicks-off-suma-flamencas-20th-edition-with-exclusive-premieres/) - (headline image: Sandra Carrasco - Photo by Cien-x-Cien) Suma Flamenca, Spain’s leading festival dedicated to the art of flamenco, begins its 20th edition with a week of exclusive performances across Madrid. Organized by the Community of Madrid, the event features premieres by Sandra Carrasco on the Cuesta de Moyano, along with Sara Calero, Paloma Fantova,
- [Napoli World 2025 Locks In November Dates, Unveils 14-Act Showcase](https://worldmusiccentral.org/napoli-world-2025-locks-in-november-dates-unveils-14-act-showcase/) - Naples will host the fourth edition of Napoli World from November 27–29, 2025, a professional meet-up and showcase festival under the artistic direction of Enzo Avitabile. Organizers confirmed 14 projects selected from a July call that drew more than 150 submissions worldwide. Italian World Beat and Audioimage produce the event, promoted and funded by the
- [Indika 2025: Liverpool’s Indian Arts Festival Unveils 15-Day Lineup, Headlined By Sarathy Korwar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/indika-2025-liverpools-indian-arts-festival-unveils-15-day-lineup-headlined-by-sarathy-korwar/) - Milap’s biennial Indika festival returns to the Liverpool City Region from 17 to 31 October 2025, marking the organization’s 40-year anniversary with 15 days of Indian music, dance, and culture. Programming includes contemporary work and classical traditions, with Diwali on 20 October positioned as a centerpiece. Events are scheduled across key venues including The Tung
- [Círculo Flamenco De Madrid Unveils 2025–2026 Season: 36 Dates](https://worldmusiccentral.org/circulo-flamenco-de-madrid-unveils-2025-2026-season-36-dates/) - The Círculo Flamenco de Madrid announced a 2025–2026 program built around 36 events that will present cante, concert guitar, and a slate of parallel activities. The season opens with a special concert by Montse Cortés alongside her son Antonio, presented as a rising talent, and Josemi Carmona. Subsequent recitals feature El Pele, Paqui Ríos, Pepe
- [All Aboard: Silkroad’s ‘American Railroad’ Rolls Through Five Northeast Cities In November 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/all-aboard-silkroads-american-railroad-rolls-through-five-northeast-cities-in-november-2025/) - Silkroad will launch a five-city November 2025 tour of its reimagined American Railroad program, led by the Silkroad Ensemble with pipa virtuosa and founding member Wu Man. Dates include performances in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Conceived by Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, American Railroad highlights the overlooked roles of Indigenous and African Americans alongside Chinese,
- [Section House Supercharges “Pike County Breakdown” With Waltz-Time Twist](https://worldmusiccentral.org/section-house-supercharges-pike-county-breakdown-with-waltz-time-twist/) - Section House has released a new single on Mountain Fever Records, a waltz-time reworking of Bill Monroe’s instrumental “Pike County Breakdown.” The tune’s lineage reaches back to the American folk song “Sweet Betsy from Pike,” traditionally played in 3/4. Monroe later refit the melody into a driving 4/4 breakdown that helped shape early bluegrass. Section
- [Back To The Beach: WOMEX 2026 Heads To Las Palmas, Oct. 21–25](https://worldmusiccentral.org/back-to-the-beach-womex-2026-heads-to-las-palmas-oct-21-25/) - WOMEX, the Worldwide Music Expo, will return to Gran Canaria in 2026, with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, confirmed as host city for the event’s 32nd edition from 21 to 25 October. The Canary Islands last hosted the world music conference and showcase in 2018. Organizers will deliver the five-day conference and showcase program
- [Festival Cordas Marks 10 Years With Rare Instruments And World Music Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/festival-cordas-marks-10-years-with-rare-instruments-and-world-music-stars/) - Festival Cordas is celebrating its 10th edition in Madalena do Pico, Azores, with local players sharing stages with international artists and rarely heard string instruments. On Tuesday night at Auditório da Madalena, Canary Islands' musician Beselch Rodríguez returned to the festival alongside Carlos Martín. A leading figure of the new generation of Spanish timple players,
- [Karmento, Singer-Songwriter from La Mancha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/karmento-singer-songwriter-from-la-mancha/) - Spanish vocalist and songwriter Carmen Toledo Sanchez, better known as Karmento, was born on July 16, 1981, in Bogarra, Spain. Karmento defines herself as a singer-songwriter, sexologist, lover and addicted to emotional communication. In her music, she brings together the genres of folk singer-songwriter fare, copla, flamenco, world music and the Manchegan seguidillas. Her stage
- [Juan Medina Unveils “Al Badawi Live Trio,” An Intimate Two-Guitar Cut From Debut Album Fugaz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/juan-medina-unveils-al-badawi-live-trio-an-intimate-two-guitar-cut-from-debut-album-fugaz/) - Spanish guitarist-composer Juan Medina has released “Al Badawi Live Trio,” a stripped-back guitar version featuring Óscar Manzano on guitar and Poti Trujillo on percussion. The track appears on Fugaz (2025, Satélite K), his first guitar album, which gathers 10 compositions bridging flamenco, jazz, neo-soul, and world music. Medina’s October 2025 tour stops in Seville, Badajoz,
- [Carmen Avilés and Queralt Lahoz Release “Baila,” a Celebration of Freedom and Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/carmen-aviles-and-queralt-lahoz-release-baila-a-celebration-of-freedom-and-music/) - Flamenco dancer Carmen Avilés joins forces with Queralt Lahoz on “Baila,” a track from her upcoming album Carmela. The song combines Avilés’s flamenco roots with Lahoz’s distinctive vocals, creating a stirring tribute to freedom and the power of music; an invitation to move, feel, and simply dance for the joy of dancing. Lyrics Salta, que
- [If You’ve Got the Guts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/if-youve-got-the-guts/) - A Swede who resides in Thailand, reggae artist Mr. Hammer nails the message on “The Songs of Courage,” urging the listener to have the proper attitude for standing up to the ills that face the world today.
- [W. C. Handy… Father of the Blues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/w-c-handy-father-of-the-blues/) - British writer and musician John Phillpott digs deep in the Mississippi mud and unearths the legacy of W. C. Handy, the legendary Father of the Blues… (headline image: Cover of the book W. C. Handy: The Life and Times of the Man Who Made the Blues by David Robertson). The influence of the blues on
- [A Piece of Infinity, Meklit’s Smithsonian Folkways Debut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-piece-of-infinity-meklits-smithsonian-folkways-debut/) - Meklit - A Piece of Infinity (Smithsonian Folkways, 2025) Meklit will release A Piece of Infinity, her first album for Smithsonian Folkways, on September 26. The Addis Ababa–born, San Francisco–based vocalist, songwriter, composer, and cultural strategist has collaborated with Andrew Bird and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. She also lectures as a visiting artist at
- [‘O Rom’s “Radio Rom” Dials Up Southern Italian Melting Pot](https://worldmusiccentral.org/o-roms-radio-rom-dials-up-southern-italian-melting-pot/) - ‘O Rom - Radio Rom (Phonotype Records, 2025) I pressed play, expecting a postcard from Naples, and heard a joyful traveling station. Radio Rom recounts border crossings and kitchen-table debates, street parades and late-night whispers. Carmine Guarracino and Carmine D’Aniello launched ‘O Rom in 2008, then widened the frame in 2019 with Domenico Augusto. The
- [Aga Khan Music Awards Unveil 22 Finalists For 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aga-khan-music-awards-unveil-22-finalists-for-2025/) - The Aga Khan Music Programme has named 22 finalists for the 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards, selected from more than 300 nominees across 16 countries. Winners will be announced on 4 November 2025 and honored on 22 November at London’s Southbank Centre, the centerpiece of a four-day festival (20–23 November) presented with the EFG London
- [José Campaña’s Mar De La Vergüenza: Flamenco, Jazz, And World Music With A Social Edge](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jose-campanas-mar-de-la-verguenza-flamenco-jazz-and-world-music-with-a-social-edge/) - José Campaña - Mar de la vergüenza (2022) Spanish flamenco guitarist José Campaña released Mar de la vergüenza (“Sea of Shame”) in 2022. He brought together contemporary flamenco, jazz, and world music influences to deliver an exquisite album. Aside from the music, the album also has a humanitarian focus on migrants who risk Mediterranean crossings
- [Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, Distinguished Delhi Gharana Vocalist](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ustad-naseeruddin-saami-distinguished-delhi-gharana-vocalist/) - (headline image: Nasseruddin Saami - Photo by Ewallop, Asia Society) Ustad Naseeruddin Saami is Pakistan’s leading classical vocalist and the last living master of the 49-note microtonal surti scale. A pacesetter of the Delhi gharana, he trained under legendary qawwal Munshi Raziuddin beginning in the 1950s. Saami specialized in khayal, the polished art of Hindustani
- [The Warsi Brothers, Indian Masters of Qawwali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-warsi-brothers-indian-masters-of-qawwali/) - Naseer and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi, identified as the Warsi Brothers, are among the brightest living custodians of traditional qawwali music in the Indian subcontinent. They are direct descendants of Amir Khusrau’s 14th-century lineage and were trained by their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi. Naseer and Nazeer represent the Delhi gharana’s classical precision
- [Brilliant Syrian Oudist Rihab Azar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brilliant-syrian-oudist-rihab-azar/) - Syrian oud master Rihab Azar was born in the Syrian city of Homs. She grew up in a musical family. Her father, luthier Samir Azar, made her first oud and started teaching her how to play when she was 7 years old. Rihab continued her musical career later at the Damascus Conservatory. She learned from
- [Santur Maestro and Mashriq Expert Hayaf Yassine](https://worldmusiccentral.org/santur-maestro-and-mashriq-expert-hayaf-yassine/) - Hayaf Yassine is a Lebanese musician, educator, and scholar celebrated for revitalizing the Arabic musical traditions of the Mashriq. A santur master, he founded the Arab Musical Heritage Ensemble, recording seven albums and performing internationally. As an educator, Yassine transformed music education by creating a child-sized santur and co-authoring Lebanon’s first school method for teaching
- [Rudra Veena Maestro Mohi Bahauddin Dagar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rudra-veena-maestro-mohi-bahauddin-dagar/) - Mohi Bahauddin (also spelled Baha'ud-din) Dagar was born in 1970 in India. He is an instrumentalist, singer, and educator from one of India’s most revered hereditary lineages, of which he represents the 20th generation. The Dagars have deep connection to the contemplative and introspective dhrupad style of Hindustani (North Indian) vocal music. Moreover, Mohi Bahauddin
- [Shervandi Maestro Es’hak Baluch-Nasab](https://worldmusiccentral.org/shervandi-maestro-eshak-baluch-nasab/) - Es’hak Baluch Nasab (Iran) is an expert of the epic singing tradition known as shervandi, a Baluchi musical genre with strong connections to the Makran coastal region. Baluch-Nasab desires to continue to draw global attention to Baluchi culture, preserving the poetry essential to its soul. He aims to attract listeners to the complex melodies that
- [Mariam Bagayoko, the Nightingale of Beledugu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mariam-bagayoko-the-nightingale-of-beledugu/) - Identified as the ‘Nightingale of Beledugu (Bélédougou) in her native Mali, Mariam Bagayoko is a vocalist, dancer, and instrumentalist. Bagayoko is well-known for her vigorous vocal performances in the Bambara singing tradition, her skillful playing of the yabara rattle, and her unique dances on the balafon. She is considered a master of the ngussunbala (n’goussounbala),
- [Kamilya Jubran, Palestinian singer, songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kamilya-jubran-palestinian-singer-songwriter-and-multi-instrumentalist/) - (headline image: Kamilya Jubran - Photo by Juri Hiensch) Kamilya Jubran was born in 1962 in Acre (Akka) to Palestinian parents. Her father, Elias, taught music and built traditional instruments, most notably the oud. A brother, Khaled, chose the same road. Their family story later appeared in the 2007 documentary Telling Strings. In 1981, she
- [Artist Profiles: Layth Sidiq](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-layth-sidiq/) - Award-winning violinist, composer and musical instructor Layth Sidiq is a Jordanian artist with Iraqi roots. He started his musical education at the National Music Conservatory in Amman with Timur Ibrahimov. At the age of 11, he gave his first major solo performance with the European Chamber String Orchestra in front of Jordanian royalty. Layth Sidiq
- [Iranian Tar and Setar Maestro Ali Kazemi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/iranian-tar-and-setar-maestro-ali-kazemi/) - Ali Kazemi is an Iranian tar and setar player, composer, educator, and scholar. Kazemi’s scholarly work on tahrir, a style of Iranian classical singing, was awarded the Seventh Farabi International Award (2013) in the Arts and Aesthetic Studies category. He is also the author of Tahrir in Persian Vocal Music, which includes transcriptions of 260
- [Sufi Musician Juman Latif](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sufi-musician-juman-latif/) - Juman Latif, also known as Fakir Juman Shah, after the term for a Muslim ascetic, is a Sufi musician and educator from the Sindh region of Pakistan. Latif is the successor of a centuries old musical tradition called shah jo raag that originates from the Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. Latif hopes to promote
- [ Tunisian Tarab Composer and Vocalist Ghalia Benali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tunisian-tarab-composer-and-vocalist-ghalia-benali/) - Ghalia Benali is a singer, composer, actress, dancer and visual artist from Tunisia. Her work as a singer is predominantly concerned with innovating within the musical tradition of tarab, a concept in Arab culture referring to a state of heightened emotion or ecstasy induced through music. Her original compositions are often arranged to poetry, ranging
- [Artist Profiles: Mamadou Diabaté (balafon)](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-mamadou-diabate-balafon/) - Percussionist and composer Mamadou Diabaté was born in Wagadugu, Burkina Faso in 1973. He began his musical training at the age of five with his father Penegue Diabate and three years after that, he learned from other skilled balafon players. In 1988 and 1998 he won first prize at the National Culture Week of Burkina
- [Master Gnawa Musician Hamid El Kasri](https://worldmusiccentral.org/master-gnawa-musician-hamid-el-kasri/) - Hamid El Kasri (Morocco) is a singer and guimbri player from Ksar El Kebir, Morocco. He is also regarded as a maâlem (master musician) in the Gnawa tradition. Gnawa is a religious musical tradition with origins in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is practiced by the descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to the
- [ Lebanese Buzuq Player Farah Kaddour](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lebanese-buzuq-player-farah-kaddour/) - Farah Kaddour is a buzuq player, composer, and music scholar based in Beirut who integrates her artistic practice into music related projects as a program officer at Action for Hope. This foundation, formed in 2025, provides cultural development and relief for communities displaced by war or extreme poverty. She is a member of SANAM, a
- [Kora Player and guitarist Senny Camara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kora-player-and-guitarist-senny-camara/) - Senny Camara is a kora and guitar player, singer, composer, and sound engineer from Senegal. Camara fell in love with the kora at seven years old but was discouraged from learning the instrument, which is traditionally played by men born into the jali (griot) hereditary lineage of musicians. Aged 22, she finally got the opportunity
- [Greek Oud Maestro Kyriakos Kalaidzidis](https://worldmusiccentral.org/greek-oud-maestro-kyriakos-kalaidzidis/) - (headline image: Kyriakos Kalaitzidis - Photo by Foteini Kalaitzidou) Kyriakos Kalaidzidis (Greece) is an oud player, composer, and music scholar. Kalaidzidis is the artistic director and co-founder of En Chordais (Εν Χορδαίς), a prestigious ensemble formed in 1993 that represents the musical heritages of the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2006, Kyriakos Kalaidzidis was the Greek candidate
- [Artist Profiles: Petrona Martínez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-petrona-martinez/) - Petrona Martínez was Born January 27, 1939 in San Cayetano, Colombia. She is one of the most important Afro-Colombian artists in Caribbean Colombia. She learned the bullerengue spontaneously, very early in her life. All the songs are composed by her. In all of them there is a piece of hard and difficult life but full
- [Extra Tangy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/extra-tangy/) - He’s from Germany, but Alex Zind also brings flavors from Argentina, France, and the Caribbean to “Tango de L’Amour,” a piece of tango fusion that, as the title suggests, is one to truly love.
- [For The Love Of God: Qawwali And Gospel Converge At Town Hall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/for-the-love-of-god-qawwali-and-gospel-converge-at-town-hall/) - The Town Hall and Vagabond Media announced For The Love Of God!, a cross-tradition concert set for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at The Town Hall in New York City. The program features Pakistan’s Ustad Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwal Brothers with Damien Sneed and his Chorale Le Château. The evening pairs
- [Spiky Grooves: Los Cinco Cardones Unveil Debut Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/spiky-grooves-los-cinco-cardones-unveil-debut-album/) - Los Cinco Cardones - El Quinto Cardón (Some Other Planet, 2025) Mexico-based collective Los Cinco Cardones brings together a diverse range of musical genres such as Afrobeat, lounge, jazz-rock, and psychedelic-funk under the direction of drummer Sebastian Maschat. He is known for his work with German–Norwegian group The Whitest Boy Alive. Development of the record
- [The American Spirit: Unheard Woody Guthrie Recordings Released](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-american-spirit-unheard-woody-guthrie-recordings-released/) - Woody Guthrie - Woody At Home — Volumes 1 & 2 (Shamus Records, 2025) A two-volume archival set, Woody At Home — Volumes 1 & 2, arrived via Shamus Records, a subsidiary of TRO Essex Music Group, Guthrie’s publisher. The collection includes 22 previously unreleased recordings, including 13 Guthrie songs not documented elsewhere, plus three
- [Give Me Some Azúcar: Celia Cruz Centennial Set Arrives Oct. 24](https://worldmusiccentral.org/give-me-some-azucar-celia-cruz-centennial-set-arrives-oct-24/) - Craft Latino will release The Queen Of Salsa on October 24, a 12-track compilation honoring Celia Cruz’s centennial, available on LP, CD, and digital formats. The set forms part of a year-long tribute to the Cuban singer. Curated from recordings on Tico, Vaya, Seeco, and Fania, the collection includes collaborations with Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco,
- [Aynur to Headline Barbican Show April 2, 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aynur-to-headline-barbican-show-april-2-2026/) - Aynur will headline a show at Barbican in London on 2 April 2026, part of her first UK tour slated for spring 2026. Recognized as a leading Kurdish vocalist, she combines traditional Kurdish folk with contemporary Western arrangements, an approach refined over more than 25 years. She last performed in the British capital at the
- [Artist Profiles: Drum Drum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-drum-drum/) - Drum Drum is an English translation of Gaba Gaba, a village on the South Coast of Papua New Guinea and the birthplace of Drum Drum's lead singer, Tau Ingram, and heritage of its Musical Director Airileke Ingram. Now based in Darwin in the far north of Australia, Tau, Airi and the other members of Drum
- [Viren Neel Splashes “Reds And Blues”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/viren-neel-splashes-reds-and-blues/) - Trinidad-born singer, songwriter, and composer Viren Neel has released “Reds and Blues,” the first single from his upcoming EP on Ineffable Records. Produced by Loud City, the track pairs his philosophical lyricism and retro-leaning mix of soul, folk, pop, alt-rock, and Caribbean fusion with a guest appearance from reggae-rock outfit SensaMotion. “This song represents my
- [Circle Of Matriarchs: Voces Del Bullerengue Spins A 360° Second Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/circle-of-matriarchs-voces-del-bullerengue-spins-a-360-second-album/) - Voces del Bullerengue - #anonimas&resilientes (Chaco World Music, 2025) Voces del Bullerengue returns in 2025 with #Anónimas&Resilientes, a passionate, profound and riveting 14-track set captured with Ambisonics for 360° playback. The release illustrates the collective’s focus on the ancestral memory of rural Afro-Colombian women and documents bullerengue as practiced in community rounds. Cantadoras from villages
- [Experiencing the 32nd Annual Lotus Festival in Bloomington, Indiana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/experiencing-the-32nd-annual-lotus-festival-in-bloomington-indiana/) - The 32nd Annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival lit up Bloomington from September 25 to 28, 2025, and once again transformed the city into a hub of global music and art. For me, this year’s edition felt especially memorable because I was able to see it not only through my own eyes, but also
- [Portuguese Fado Star Carminho Unveils Balada do país que dói Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/portuguese-fado-star-carminho-unveils-balada-do-pais-que-doi-video/) - Carminho, one of the leading fado acts, has rolled out a new music video titled "Balada do país que dói" (Ballad of the Country that Hurts). The track appears in her upcoming album Eu Vou Morrer de Amor ou Resistir (“I’ll Die of Love or I’ll Resist") scheduled for release October 10, 2025. The Portuguese
- [Cheikh Lô Takes the Number One Spot on Transglobal World Music Chart for October 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cheikh-lo-takes-the-number-one-spot-on-transglobal-world-music-chart-for-october-2025/) - The album Maame by Cheikh Lô has claimed the coveted number one spot on the Transglobal World Music Chart for the month of October 2025. Maame is Cheikh Lô's first album in a decade. It is an expansive and deeply personal work born from isolation, resilience, and spiritual devotion. October 2025 Chart Cheikh Lô -
- [Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté Repeat #1 on World Music Charts Europe – October 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hawa-kasse-mady-diabate-repeat-1-on-world-music-charts-europe-october-2025/) - The album Toumaro by Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté continues to dominate the World Music Charts Europe for the month of October 2025. Kassé Mady Diabaté, celebrated Malian jali recorded six albums between 1989 and 2014, with titles such as Fodé, Manden Djeli Kan, and Kiriké. After his death in 2018, his daughter, Hawa Kassé
- [El Duende Callejero Releases “Será,” A Flamenco Pop Single About Transformative Love](https://worldmusiccentral.org/el-duende-callejero-releases-sera-a-flamenco-pop-single-about-transformative-love/) - Córdoba-based Spanish act El Duende Callejero has released the flamenco rumba pop song “Será.” Its lyrics examine how a new relationship can shift everyday life, mixing ordinary details with poetic images. The song offers a candid reflection, balancing doubt and certainty over whether the pull comes from small gestures such as an embrace, or simply
- [Alienda Breathes New Life Into Asturian Traditions with Spirited Debut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alienda-breathes-new-life-into-asturian-traditions-with-spirited-debut/) - Alienda - Alienda (self-release, 2023) Alienda was the noteworthy debut album of Alienda, a contemporary folk band from Asturias in northern Spain. The band's sound is characterized by a mix of traditional instruments from Spain such as bagpipes and guitar, along with Irish bouzouki and the power of electric bass and drum set. Another distinct
- [Alienda: The Asturian Power Folk Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alienda-the-asturian-power-folk-ensemble/) - Alienda, an Asturian folk group hailing from Spain, came into existence in 2013. Distinguished by their distinctive genre known as "power folk," Alienda adeptly combines deeply rooted Asturian folk music and instruments with elements borrowed from diverse musical styles. Their inaugural studio work, the EP Alendando, was unveiled in 2014, encompassing four compositions that aptly
- [Chambao and Green Valley Unveil Joint Single “Resiste”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/chambao-and-green-valley-unveil-joint-single-resiste/) - Chambao teams with Spanish reggae outfit Green Valley on the new single “Resiste” (Resist), a collaboration that mixes Chambao's signature flamenco chill with reggae, and mestizo influences. The project originated from a shelved idea that regained momentum after a late-night session revived its core concept. The lyrics address a cycle of producing, consuming, paying, and
- [Guitar Riffs And Rights: Artivist Eljuri Presents “Así Es El Mundo”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/guitar-riffs-and-rights-artivist-eljuri-presents-asi-es-el-mundo/) - Eljuri - Así es el Mundo (Manovill Records, 2025) New York-based Hispanic singer, guitarist, and activist Cecilia Villar Eljuri has recently released Así Es El Mundo (This Is The Way Of The World). This gripping album pairs protest-minded lyrics with hook-driven songs and guitar-led arrangements. Ecuadorian pasillo, Afro-Cuban influences, and Spanish flamenco rumba rhythms intersect
- [Flamenco Meets Innovation at Alma y Jaleo Festival in Valladolid](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-meets-innovation-at-alma-y-jaleo-festival-in-valladolid/) - Valladolid will host a new celebration of flamenco on November 22, 2025, when Alma y Jaleo takes over the Plaza de Toros de Arroyo Esfera. Running from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, the festival promises a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, showcasing both established names and emerging voices. The lineup includes Raule, known for mixing
- [Fraderita, Rising Flamenco Rumba Star](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fraderita-rising-flamenco-rumba-star/) - Fraderita is a singer from Madrid who has revolutionized the Spanish rumba and flamenco pop music scene. His soulful, message-filled lyrics have sold out every one of his concerts to date, and his songs have already racked up millions of views on YouTube, thanks to hits like "Calle de la Pena" (with El Sebas de
- [Artist Profiles: Kiki Morente](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-kiki-morente/) - José Enrique Morente Carbonell, better known as "Kiki Morente" was born in 1989 in Granada, Spain. He is the son of famed flamenco singer Enrique Morente. Kiki is a singer, guitarist, and composer. As a young boy, he used to sing next to his father and his sister, Estrella, in respected venues worldwide. He made
- [Raule, Purveyor of Flamenco, Pop, and Funk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/raule-purveyor-of-flamenco-pop-and-funk/) - Raule (Raúl Rubiales, Jerez de la Frontera, 1984) is an independent musician, composer, and singer who fuses flamenco, pop, and funk. He began his solo career in 2015, completely changing his musical personality. Since 2019, he's released hits like "La Habitación Prohibida," "Oasis Imperfecto," "Cruje La Cama," "Yo Quiero una Vida Contigo," "Colega Antibalas," and
- [Mambo Royalty, Reloaded](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mambo-royalty-reloaded/) - Raúl Gutiérrez and His Cuban Band - Prado… Vive! (Cugate Clásicos Latinos, 2021) Raúl Gutiérrez and His Cuban Band celebrate Pérez Prado’s legacy on Prado… Vive! The Chile-born saxophonist, arranger, and bandleader salutes Havana and takes you into the glamorous era of Cuban dance music. Prado… Vive! means Prado lives and Raúl Gutiérrez does so
- [Ritual, A Masterful Work of Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ritual-a-masterful-work-of-afro-brazilian-and-afro-cuban-music/) - Léo Leobons - Ritual (Kaxambu Records, 2018) If you are into Cuban and Brazilian percussion, Ritual by Léo Leobons is a real treat. Ritual is loaded with fantastic collaborations with some of the best musicians from the modern and traditional music scene in Brazil. Ritual brings together Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban traditions with total ease and
- [Liberating Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/liberating-reggae/) - French producer Mystic Firm enlists veteran Jamaican artist Anthony B to provide commanding lead vocals on “Reggae Free My Mind,” which goes a long way toward highlighting one of the many virtues of that particular music.
- [Yilian Cañizares Releases Blooming Single “Vamos A Florecer” With Momi Maiga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yilian-canizares-releases-blooming-single-vamos-a-florecer-with-momi-maiga/) - (headline image: Yilian Cañizares - Photo by Franck Socha) Cuban-Swiss violinist, singer, and composer Yilian Cañizares has released a new single, “Vamos A Florecer” (we are going to bloom), where she mixes jazz, western classical influences, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The track features Senegalese artist Momi Maiga on vocals and centers on resilience and love. “It
- [Artist Profiles: El Khat](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-el-khat/) - El Khat is a band from Jaffa, featuring musicians from the Yemeni diaspora. Khat is an addictive leaf that has been chewed socially in Yemen and the Arabic peninsula for over 600 years. The group is led by Jewish Yemeni Eyal El Wahab. Eyal joined the Jerusalem Andalusian Orchestra in 2012 and performed with them the
- [Midnight In Havana: Aymée Nuviola And Kemuel Roig Recast Filin On “Havana Nocturne”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/midnight-in-havana-aymee-nuviola-and-kemuel-roig-recast-filin-on-havana-nocturne/) - Aymée Nuviola feat. Kemuel Roig - Havana Nocturne (Worldwide Entertainment & Productions, 2023) Aymée Nuviola’s moving Havana Nocturne revisits Havana’s thriving nightlife from the 1940s–60s, drawing on filin, bolero, and jazz with a contemporary polish. The multi-Grammy winner teams with Cuban piano maestro Kemuel Roig, whose elegant touch supports Nuviola’s gleaming contralto without showmanship, and
- [Bandoneon Maestro Dino Saluzzi Charts New Paths at 90](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bandoneon-maestro-dino-saluzzi-charts-new-paths-at-90/) - Dino Saluzzi - El Viejo Caminante (ECM Records, 2025) On El Viejo Caminante (“The Old Wanderer”), bandoneon maestro Dino Saluzzi reunites with his guitarist son José María Saluzzi and Norwegian guitarist Jacob Young for an exquisite, intimate, virtuosic, cross-generational and deeply captivating trio session. The musicians brilliantly combine Argentine folk, tango, jazz, and personal reflection
- [Master of the Sligo Style: Brian Conway](https://worldmusiccentral.org/master-of-the-sligo-style-brian-conway/) - Brian Conway, a Bronx-born virtuoso fiddler, is a leading performer of the Sligo fiddle tradition in the United States. Renowned for his precise ornamentation and lyrical phrasing, he has played a central role in preserving and advancing the legacy of Irish traditional music in New York and beyond. Conway’s formative violin instruction came from his
- [Córdoba's National Flamenco Art Contest Unveils Jury and Extends Entry Deadline](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cordobas-national-flamenco-art-contest-unveils-jury-and-extends-entry-deadline/) - The National Flamenco Art Contest (CNAF) has announced the official jury for its 24th edition, while extending the application deadline to October 10. Artists may compete in the national categories of guitar, cante, dance, and a newly introduced award for flamenco instrumentalists. At a press conference, Isabel Albás, president of Córdoba’s Municipal Institute of Performing
- [Artist Profiles: Dino Saluzzi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-dino-saluzzi/) - Dino Saluzzi is one of the leading bandoneon players in the world. Timoteo "Dino" Saluzzi was born in Campo Santo in northern Argentina and led his first group at the age of 14. He began to play professionally while studying in Buenos Aires. It was in Buenos Aires, too, that he met and befriended Astor
- [Kulin Ban: Between Sevdah, Rock, and the Eternal Flow of the Drina](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kulin-ban-between-sevdah-rock-and-the-eternal-flow-of-the-drina/) - Nearly twenty years after its inception, the project Kulin Ban continues to defy categorization. Founded by musician and writer Vladimir Savić, it began as a one-off experiment uniting contrasting sensibilities, but soon evolved into a vessel for exploring the depths of sevdah and its many cultural layers. I first stumbled upon Kulin Ban’s music about
- [DANTCHEV:DOMAIN To Those Who Have Gone, I Sing in a Key of D](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dantchevdomain-to-those-who-have-gone-i-sing-in-a-key-of-d/) - DANTCHEV:DOMAIN - To Those Who Have Gone, I Sing in a Key of D (Glomama Music, , 2025) The Finnish-Bulgarian ensemble DANTCHEV:DOMAIN has released its third album, To Those Who Have Gone, I Sing in a Key of D. The record explores gratitude for life, heritage, and music through rhythm-driven and profoundly cinematic compositions centered
- [Sutartronica’s electrified bridge between Lithuania's past and future](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sutartronicas-electrified-bridge-between-lithuanias-past-and-future/) - Sutartronica is a Lithuanian band that provides an electrified bridge between past and future. Once known as Elektroninės Sutartinės, the ensemble has carved a niche by transforming ancient song into electronica pulse and voltage. Behind the project lies the synergy between producer and musician Victor Diawara and folklore researcher-vocalist Laurita Peleniūtė. Onstage, they are joined
- [Scots Fiddle Festival Returns To Edinburgh In November 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/scots-fiddle-festival-returns-to-edinburgh-in-november-2025/) - Scots Fiddle Festival will run Friday 14–Sunday 16 in November 2025 at The Pleasance in Edinburgh. The weekend program features concerts and workshops. Confirmed artists include Saltfishforty, Strathspey Queens, Robbie Greig, Sally Simpson, and Alistair McCulloch, with more to be announced. More information at: scotsfiddlefestival.com
- [Squeeze Play: Free-Reed Fest Returns To Aberdeen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/squeeze-play-free-reed-fest-returns-to-aberdeen/) - Button Boxes & Moothies returns to Aberdeen, Scotland, on November 14–16, 2025. Directed by Dr. Frances Wilkins of the Elphinstone Institute, the weekend festival centers on small free reed instruments, concertinas, melodeons, button accordions, mouth organs, and jaw harps. The program features two days of tuition alongside concerts, ceilidhs, sessions, and talks. Events take place
- [Trad Talk 2025 Tunes Into Innovation In Inverness](https://worldmusiccentral.org/trad-talk-2025-tunes-into-innovation-in-inverness/) - The Traditional Music Forum of Scotland will stage its flagship gathering, Trad Talk 2025, on Saturday, 8 Nov, at Inverness Creative Academy (WASPS), with a program focused on innovation in Scotland’s traditional music. Performers, educators, promoters, and enthusiasts will examine how to honor heritage while adopting new approaches to keep traditional music and song relevant
- [Islay Sessions Returns Nov. 7–9 To Mark 10 Years Of Fraser Shaw](https://worldmusiccentral.org/islay-sessions-returns-nov-7-9-to-mark-10-years-of-fraser-shaw/) - The Islay Sessions returns from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7–9, 2025, with events at the Port Charlotte Hotel and Bruichladdich Hall in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The 2025 program marks a decade since Fraser Shaw’s passing. Confirmed artists include John Sommerville, Adam Sutherland, Innes Watson, and Kevin O’Neill, with additional names to be announced.
- [Best World Music of 2024-2025 Season: Glitterbeat Scores Double Win As TWMC Turns 10](https://worldmusiccentral.org/best-world-music-of-2024-2025-season-glitterbeat-scores-double-win-as-twmc-turns-10/) - The Transglobal World Music Chart, now in its tenth year, announced the Best Albums and Labels for the 2024–2025 season. Best Album went to Buzz’ Ayaz by Buzz’ Ayaz (Glitterbeat). The chart also named Glitterbeat Best Label. TWMC is an independent, non-profit initiative created in partnership by the teams behind Mundofonías and World Music Central.
- [‘Voar’ Carries Munir Hossn To 2025 Unsigned Only World Music Win](https://worldmusiccentral.org/voar-carries-munir-hossn-to-2025-unsigned-only-world-music-win/) - Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn won the 2025 Unsigned Only competition’s Global Music (world music) category with his song “Voar.” Hossn, who grew up in Bahia and is now based in Miami, combines Afro-Brazilian rhythms with jazz, funk, world music, and contemporary grooves. His résumé includes collaborations with Quincy Jones, Hermeto Pascoal, Joe Zawinul, and Lee
- [FluteFling Sets Aberdeen Weekend With Hamish Napier And Kirsten Allstaff](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flutefling-sets-aberdeen-weekend-with-hamish-napier-and-kirsten-allstaff/) - FluteFling returns to Aberdeen, Scotland, from Friday, October 31, to Sunday, November 2, 2025. The weekend features award-winning musician Hamish Napier and Kirsten Allstaff, the Scottish-born founder of the Online Academy of Irish Music, as tutors. Both taught at the Edinburgh edition earlier in 2025. Friday: Napier headlines the evening concert, with Allstaff supporting.Saturday: workshops
- [Borderless Bloom: Bagot and Nieto Cultivate a Garden of Sound](https://worldmusiccentral.org/borderless-bloom-bagot-and-nieto-cultivate-a-garden-of-sound/) - Gaëlle Bagot & Juan Manuel Nieto - Jardin d’ailleurs (MusiqueLive / InOuïe Distribution, 2025) French clarinetist and vocalist Gaëlle Bagot and Ecuadorian pianist Juan Manuel Nieto will release their debut album, Jardin d’ailleurs, on October 3, 2025. The project will be introduced to the public during a release concert at Les 2 Pianos in Paris on
- [Artist Profiles, Darren Nicholson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-darren-nicholson/) - Darren Nicholson is a bluegrass and Americana musician based in Haywood County, North Carolina. He has won multiple International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. Nicholson has performed on famous stages like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and on networks like CMT and GAC. He's known as a solo artist, session musician, skilled mandolinist and songwriter.
- [Back To Avenue A: New York Gypsy Festival Turns 20 At Drom](https://worldmusiccentral.org/back-to-avenue-a-new-york-gypsy-festival-turns-20-at-drom/) - The New York Gypsy Festival returns to the East Village for its 20th anniversary run at Drom from Sunday, November 9 through Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The lineup spans multiple nights and 12 acts, including Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Serkan Çağrı, Romashka, Slavic Soul Party!, Zlatne Uste, Yalla Yalla, and more. The festival launched in 2005 under
- [Darren Nicholson Says Goodbye To The Blues On “Get Me Down The Line”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/darren-nicholson-says-goodbye-to-the-blues-on-get-me-down-the-line/) - Darren Nicholson has released a new single, “Get Me Down The Line,” via Mountain Home Music Company. The mandolin-wielding singer co-wrote the track with Charles Humphrey III and describes it as “a jukin’ little anthem for the person who is chasing the next best thing.” He adds that the song has drawn the strongest response
- [Vicente Navarro Brings Rural Song to the City With “Gañanada”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vicente-navarro-brings-rural-song-to-the-city-with-gananada/) - Madrid singer Vicente Navarro returns with “Gañanada,” a single that combines Spanish folk tradition with intrepid electronic minimalism. Known as a leading figure in Spain’s neo-folk movement, Navarro revisits a traditional song rooted in La Mancha and Madrid. The piece tells a story of rural courtship, conveyed in the archaic vocabulary of the countryside, yet
- [Dance and Learn](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dance-and-learn/) - Combining Colombian and Brazilian inflections with a broader Latin feel, "Que Nada” by La Capi is supreme dance music that also contains a lyrical lesson about keeping the peace in one’s own head and the world beyond.
- [Hermeto Pascoal, Legendary Brazilian Composer and Multi-Instrumentalist, Dies at 89](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hermeto-pascoal-legendary-brazilian-composer-and-multi-instrumentalist-dies-at-89/) - (headline image: Hermeto Pascoal - Photo by Gabriel Quintao) Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal died on September 13, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pascoal was an influential, groundbreaking and highly respected musician in the area of Brazilian jazz and world music. Read more about Hermeto Pascoal.
- [Artist Profiles: Hermeto Pascoal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-hermeto-pascoal/) - Hermeto Pascoal was a prominent Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist. His compositions appeared on albums by Miles Davis and other jazz heavyweights. He was born in 1936 in Lagoa da Canoa, a small town in northeastern Brazil. His reputation in Brazil was the result of a varied career. As a juvenile, he learned to play the
- [Artist Profiles: Jamshied Sharifi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-jamshied-sharifi/) - (headline image: Jamshied Sharifi in Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Spain) - Photo by Angel Romero) Jamshied Sharifi was born October 17, 1960, in Topeka, Kansas, to an Iranian father and an American mother. At an early age, Sharifi was exposed to jazz and Middle Eastern music by his father and to European classical and church music
- [Hildá Länsman’s Voice of the North](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hilda-lansmans-voice-of-the-north/) - (headline image: Hildá Länsman - photo by Meeri Koutaniemi) Hildá Länsman was born in 1993 in Utsjoki, Finland. Utsjoki is Finland’s northernmost corner, where the tundra meets endless sky. Hildá's voice carries both the ancient and modernity. A joik-singer and songwriter, she has built a career on bridging centuries, honoring the Sámi tradition of joik
- [A New Set of Standards: Gino Amato’s “Latin Crossroads 2”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-new-set-of-standards-gino-amatos-latin-crossroads-2/) - Gino Amato - Latin Crossroads 2 (Ovation Records, 2025) Gino Amato doubles down on his passion for Latin Jazz on Latin Crossroads 2, co-produced with four-time Grammy winner Oscar Hernández, a fantastic pianist who also steers the music direction. The concept remains disarmingly simple. Amato collects classic songs from various traditions, ranging from western classical
- [Cousins in Song: Benoît LeBlanc Revives Forgotten Voices](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cousins-in-song-benoit-leblanc-revives-forgotten-voices/) - Benoît LeBlanc - Mô kouzin, mô kouzinn (self-released, 2025) Mô Kouzin, Mô Kouzinn by Montreal-based singer, songwriter, and producer Benoît LeBlanc presents 27 pre-jazz songs rooted in slave cultural traditions, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and early laments that shaped some foundations of North American roots music. The album is the product of years of research into the
- [Cassie and Maggie, Key Voices in the Canadian Contemporary Roots Scene](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cassie-and-maggie-key-voices-in-the-canadian-contemporary-roots-scene/) - Cassie and Maggie - Gold And Coal (2025) Gold and Coal, the 2025 release from Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie, presents a confident fusion of Celtic tradition and contemporary folk songwriting. The highly talented siblings are known for their dazzling live performances, exquisite vocals and superb musicianship. As a result, Gold and Coal is
- [Harp player MAL Unveils "Connadh"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harp-player-mal-unveils-connadh/) - Glasgow-based Celtic music harper Malachy Arnold, known as MAL, has unveiled his latest single, "Connadh." Arnold began playing harp at age five, inspired by his aunt, acclaimed Irish harper Laoise Kelly. He later studied under Breton harper Tristan LeGovic, who introduced him to the Scottish clarsach tradition. His involvement with St. Roch’s Irish Minstrels CCE
- [King Jammy Revives Junior Murvin’s 80s Work](https://worldmusiccentral.org/king-jammy-revives-junior-murvins-80s-work/) - Junior Murvin - Cool Down The Heat (Greensleeves Records, 2025) Cool Down The Heat is a top of the ladder posthumous set, produced and newly mixed by King Jammy. It gathers 1980s recordings from Junior Murvin, including fresh versions of “Police And Thieves” and other tracks making their streaming debut. Jamaican singer Junior Murvin rose
- [A Step Well Taken: Roomful Of Blues ‘Steppin’ Out!’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-step-well-taken-roomful-of-blues-steppin-out/) - Roomful Of Blues — Steppin’ Out! (Alligator Records, 2025) Roomful of Blues returns with Steppin’ Out!, the band’s 20th album and the first to feature a female lead vocalist, D.D. Bastos. Formed in 1967, the veteran ensemble has earned seven Blues Music Awards, and two DownBeat International Critics’ Poll wins for Best Blues Band. Masterful
- [Strings of a Feather](https://worldmusiccentral.org/strings-of-a-feather/) - Ahmed Mukhtar and Lusardi Monteverde - Al-hambra (ARC Music, 2025) Flamenco guitar and the Arabic lute known as the oud go together like, well, feel free to insert the name of your favorite combination here. With Argentine/Italian Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde handling the former and Iraqi Ahmed Mukhtar on the latter, the album Al-hambra is an
- [Key Move: Chrysalis Global Launches ‘Guitari Baro’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/key-move-chrysalis-global-launches-guitari-baro/) - (headline image: Guitari Baro - Photo by Carolina Vallejo) Chrysalis Records has launched its Chrysalis Global imprint with an instrumental debut, Guitari Baro (Guitar Conversations), led by a Mande griot trio. The first single is “Mamelles.” The trio pairs master balafonist Lassana Diabaté, with guitarists Gaoussou Kouyaté and Kerfala Diabaté. It is a rare dialogue
- [Kayhan Kalhor to Bring Rare Persian Classical Concert to New York](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kayhan-kalhor-to-bring-rare-persian-classical-concert-to-new-york/) - (headline image: Kayhan Kalhor © Liudmilla Jefferies for Morgenland Festival Osnabrueck) Iranian kamancha virtuoso Kayhan Kalhor will return to New York City for a rare performance of Persian classical music at The Town Hall on Sunday, November 30, at 7 p.m. The appearance marks his first large-scale Persian classical concert in the city in more
- [Mondo Chôro Live, Loud, And Local](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mondo-choro-live-loud-and-local/) - Mondo Chôro - Forjando O Caminho (self-release, 2025) The first live album from the Spanish/Brazilian/Chilean/German quartet Mondo Chôro, Forjando O Caminho (Forging the Path), lands with the enthusiastic spark of a debut and the calm of a skilled band that knows exactly who they are. Forjando O Caminho presents seven tracks captured on a crisp
- [Down The Emerald Aisle: Greg Blake Unveils “Nora McNally”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/down-the-emerald-aisle-greg-blake-unveils-nora-mcnally/) - Greg Blake, an award-winning bluegrass vocalist and guitarist, has released “Nora McNally,” his new single. Songwriter Milan Miller wrote the track. The song is a love story with Irish imagery. Blake notes his long connection to Ireland through multiple tours and collaborations, adding, “Recording this song is an opportunity for me to celebrate that connection.”
- [The Mountain music of Greg Blake](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-mountain-music-of-greg-blake/) - Greg Blake was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia. His voice carries the spirit of generations of mountain singers. His vocal style effortlessly combines a rich twang, rumbling drawl, and a soaring high tenor cry that helped define the 'high, lonesome sound.' A leading artist in the bluegrass world, Greg won the
- [Grass Routes: East Nash Grass Rolls Out “Hill Country Highway”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/grass-routes-east-nash-grass-rolls-out-hill-country-highway/) - East Nash Grass released “Hill Country Highway,” the final single on its new album. The track follows a road-weary narrator and focuses on the strain of constant travel. Harry Clark wrote the song, which centers on the emotional cost of touring. The arrangement pairs brisk picking with plainspoken lyrics. Clark said, “What can I say
- [I’m Just Mad About Zafarán](https://worldmusiccentral.org/im-just-mad-about-zafaran/) - Zafarán - Zafarán (self-release, 2025) It doesn’t take long. Bjorn Wennas’ softly pensive guitar is joined by the heart-drenched vocals of Carmen Marsico. Dan Meyers’ serpentine duduk and Davide Roberto’s shadowy percussion slip in and Zafarán’s self-titled debut album is off and entrancing with its traditional Romany song “Ederlezi.” But don’t settle in for a
- [Julian Kytasty’s Kobzar Album “Songs Of Truth”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/julian-kytastys-kobzar-album-songs-of-truth/) - Julian Kytasty - Songs Of Truth: Music And Song From The Kobzar Tradition Of Ukraine (Smithsonian Folkways, 2025) Smithsonian Folkways released Songs Of Truth: Music And Song From The Kobzar Tradition Of Ukraine, the latest album by Ukrainian American musician Julian Kytasty. The record appears in the label’s Sound Communities series. The album centers on
- [A Very Nice Day](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-very-nice-day/) - Sounding very much like the kind of Afropop that first attracted listeners outside of Africa, “One Day” by The Netherlands’ Lotte Walda is a melodic romp with an abundance of feel-good vibes. Listen, smile and dance.
- [Pickin’ Partners: Keel & Stickley Tune Up A Debut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pickin-partners-keel-stickley-tune-up-a-debut/) - Larry Keel and Jon Stickley - Larry Keel and Jon Stickley (self-released, 2025) Veteran guitar flatpickers Larry Keel and Jon Stickley have released their first duo EP on September 5. The eponymous, self-produced set captures two long-time collaborators trading rhythm and lead on acoustic guitar with clear, uncluttered arrangements grounded in American roots music traditions.
- [Saha Gnawa Channels Spellbinding Gnawa Roots Into Future Sound](https://worldmusiccentral.org/saha-gnawa-channels-spellbinding-gnawa-roots-into-future-sound/) - Saha Gnawa - Saha Gnawa (Pique-Nique Recordings, 2025) Saha Gnawa is a Brooklyn-based ensemble that combines transfixing Moroccan Gnawa music with jazz, from New York’s scene, and electronica. This is their fantastic self-titled debut album on Pique-Nique Recordings. The band was founded by Maâlem Hassan Ben Jaafer and drummer-composer Daniel Freedman. The group stemmed from
- [Denmark's AySay Builds A Borderless Village](https://worldmusiccentral.org/denmarks-aysay-builds-a-borderless-village/) - (headline image: AySay - Photo by Sebastian Vistisen) AySay tells a migration story in three tongues. Luna Ersahin’s voice moves like a compass needle between Turkish, Danish, and Kurdish. The trio, Ersahin alongside electric guitarist Carl West Hosbond and percussionist/drummer Aske Døssing Bendixen, works as a small collective with big reach, where hand-played instruments and
- [Belfast Takes Root: Official Showcase Artists Set For 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/belfast-takes-root-official-showcase-artists-set-for-2026/) - Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS) has named the Official Showcase Artists for its 2026 conference, scheduled for January 14–18 at ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall. The Folk In Fusion opening concert precedes the conference on January 13 at Waterfront Hall. “At YRAS, everything begins and ends with the artists,” said Charlene Sloan, co-founder and executive
- [Avra Banerjee Wins Three At The 2025 Intercontinental Music Awards](https://worldmusiccentral.org/avra-banerjee-wins-three-at-the-2025-intercontinental-music-awards/) - Avra Banerjee earned three awards from nine nominations at the 2025 InterContinental Music Awards, a jury-selected global competition. He first appeared at the awards in 2024, winning two of five nominations. His two-year tally now stands at five wins. Banerjee is an Indian classical musician and sarod player with more than 15 years of training.
- [Angus MacKenzie & Family Release “aig an taigh” From Skye](https://worldmusiccentral.org/angus-mackenzie-family-release-aig-an-taigh-from-skye/) - Angus MacKenzie, a member of Dàimh, has released a new EP with his family titled “aig an taigh.” Now based on the Isle of Skye, MacKenzie comes from Mabou on Cape Breton Island, where Highland culture and Gaelic shaped his early life. The recording features original compositions by the MacKenzie family, written for people and
- [Angus MacKenzie & Murdo Cameron Release “The Feral Goats Of Kintail”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/angus-mackenzie-murdo-cameron-release-the-feral-goats-of-kintail/) - Angus MacKenzie and Murdo Cameron have issued a new single, “The Feral Goats Of Kintail.” The recording features MacKenzie on whistles and mandolin, with Cameron on accordion, guitar, and mandolin. Guest musician Màili MacKenzie contributes fiddle. MacKenzie grew up on Cape Breton Island on Canada’s east coast and now lives on the Isle of Skye
- [Womex 2025 Opens In Tampere With Finnish And Sámi Artists](https://worldmusiccentral.org/womex-2025-opens-in-tampere-with-finnish-and-sami-artists/) - WOMEX 2025 will open in Tampere, Finland, with performances by Värttinä, Kimmo Pohjonen, Áššu, and local group Ne Lintuizet. WOMEX is a leading world music conference and showcase that will take place 22 - 26 October 2025. Värttinä brings Karelian song traditions to the stage, while Pohjonen is a renowned accordion innovator. Áššu represents Sámi
- [Ne Lintuizet Biography](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ne-lintuizet-biography/) - (headline image: Ne Lintuizet - Photo by Tero Ahonen) Ne Lintuizet, a Finnish folk supergroup founded in 2024, unites four seasoned songwriters: Pekko Käppi, Laura Moisio, Kielo Kärkkäinen, and Lauri Myllymäki. Their remarkable vocal harmonies and freely breathing musical dialogue quickly won audiences over during their debut tour in the autumn of 2024. On May
- [Áššu Keeps the Flame of Joik Alive](https://worldmusiccentral.org/assu-keeps-the-flame-of-joik-alive/) - (headline image: Áššu - photo by Oda Wenaas Torget) Áššu, whose name means Embers in Northern Sámi, is a trio that refuses to let tradition smolder quietly. Instead, they fan it into flame, carrying the joik into new realms while never severing its roots. Their music feels at once ancient and startlingly present, shaped by
- [As Real as the Real Deal Gets](https://worldmusiccentral.org/as-real-as-the-real-deal-gets/) - He’s based in France, but as both the title and feel of “Mali” indicate, Niarela Papou’s mind is on his homeland. The track is pure West African roots, acoustic, unencumbered and brilliant.
- [Julian Belbachir's Plethora of Rhythms](https://worldmusiccentral.org/julian-belbachirs-plethora-of-rhythms/) - Julian Belbachir - Babdoukkala (Julian Belbachir, 2022) Julian Belbachir’s 2022 debut, Babdoukkala, draws from decades of immersion in West African percussion traditions, filtered through his Australian upbringing and Moroccan-Polish heritage. Babdoukkala fuses this deep traditional foundation with a producer’s ear for contemporary sounds. Belbachir brilliantly combines elements of irresistible reggae, dub, jazz, drum & bass, and
- [Lucía Beltrán, Flamenco Singer from Huelva](https://worldmusiccentral.org/lucia-beltran-flamenco-singer-from-huelva/) - Talented flamenco vocalist Lucía Beltrán Sedano was born in Trigueros (Huelva) on April 28, 2004. Her flamenco passion comes from a very young age, from listening to her father play the guitar and her paternal grandfather sing flamenco. In 2023, she studied high school in performing arts, piano at the Trigueros Conservatory and flamenco as
- [Sligo On The Go: Trio Brings Irish County Classics To The U.S.](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sligo-on-the-go-trio-brings-irish-county-classics-to-the-u-s/) - Fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, button accordionist Daithí Gormley, and pianist–dancer Samantha Harvey will tour the United States this September with music from their 2024 trio album Lane to the Glen (Ceol Productions). The program centers on repertoire from County Sligo, long recognized for its deep Irish traditional music heritage. The tour opens September 4 in
- [Artist Profiles: Rafael de Utrera](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-rafael-de-utrera/) - Flamenco singer Rafael Usero Vilches, better known as Rafael de Utrera, was born on July 14, 1973, in Utrera, Spain. Rafael grew up in an environment surrounded by flamenco. His father owned a tavern in Utrera called “El Punto” that gave opportunities to local flamenco singers who were slaughterhouse and farmworkers. Rafael learned how to
- [Flamenco Singer Francisco Escudero Márques “El Perrete”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-singer-francisco-escudero-marques-el-perrete/) - Francisco Escudero Márques, also known as “El Perrete,” was born in Lanzarote in 1992 but is considered a native of Extremadura (western Spain) in all respects. Despite his youth, he is a seasoned flamenco singer, deeply immersed in the experiential aspects of flamenco through influential figures like La Kaita, Ramón “El Portugués,” and guitarist Miguel
- [Off The Cuff, On The Beat: FlamencoEñe Off At Planta Baja in Granada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/off-the-cuff-on-the-beat-flamencoene-off-at-planta-baja-in-granada/) - Now in its fourth outing, FlamencoEñe Off 2025 returns with a program centered on experimental and contemporary approaches to flamenco. The lineup features Lara Wong & Melón Jiménez, Gitano de Palo, Rezelo, Dechipén, Ruido Clavel, and Sebastián Cruz. Events run from September 17 to 19 at 9:00 p.m., with free admission until capacity is reached,
- [Six Acts Unlock Classic Duende at FlamencoEñe 2025 in Granada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/six-acts-unlock-classic-duende-at-flamencoene-2025-in-granada/) - The FlamencoEñe 2025 showcase will unveil its most traditional lineup with six artists at the Centro Federico García Lorca (Plaza de la Romanilla, s/n) in Granada, Spain. Performances begin at 19:00. Tickets cost €10 per day and are available at redentradas.com. On Wednesday, September 17, Francisco Escudero “El Perrete” presents Luz de guía, introducing a
- [Hard to Beet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hard-to-beet/) - “Salute Cubano” by American quintet big beet does indeed salute the Afro-Cuban style most aptly, with deft piano, zesty synth and tumbling percussion leading the charge on a first-rate jam.
- [Cook’s Timeless Recipe: “Love Through Time” Serves As New Title Track](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cooks-timeless-recipe-love-through-time-serves-as-new-title-track/) - Amanda Cook, a leading voice in modern bluegrass, has released the single “Love Through Time,” the title track for her forthcoming album. Cook wrote the song with creative input from bandmates Justin Alexander and Troy Boone, whose instrumentation and arrangement shaped its direction. The story draws on her own life; she and her husband celebrated
- [Latin GRAMMY Celebra Salutes Andalucía’s Music Legacy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/latin-grammy-celebra-salutes-andalucias-music-legacy/) - On Wednesday, September 10, The Latin Recording Academy, in collaboration with la Junta de Andalucía, will present Latin GRAMMY Celebra: La Música de Andalucía at the Cartuja Center CITE in Sevilla, Spain. The program continues the Academy’s regional event calendar launched in 2023. The tribute recognizes influential artists who embody Andalucía’s musical heritage across past,
- [The Good Ones Weave Rwanda’s Stories With Chamber Grace](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-good-ones-weave-rwandas-stories-with-chamber-grace/) - The Good Ones - Rwanda Sings with Strings (Glitterbeat, 2025) Rwandan folk duo The Good Ones return with Rwanda Sings with Strings, their fifth album and most musically ambitious to date. Most of the album features acoustic guitar, hand percussion, and Kinyarwanda lyrics. However, the duo expands their signature sound with improvised string arrangements by
- [Curtain Call: Canciones Con Drama Steps Into The Studio](https://worldmusiccentral.org/curtain-call-canciones-con-drama-steps-into-the-studio/) - Arthur de Faria & Pedro Longes - Canciones con Drama (YB Music, 2025) Arthur de Faria and Pedro Longes have issued their debut album, Canciones con Drama (songs with drama). A successful crowdfunding campaign financed this release. The album translates their touring stage show, active since 2023, into seven studio tracks. The program draws on
- [Reel Deal: Speyfest 2026 Announces Debut Acts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/reel-deal-speyfest-2026-announces-debut-acts/) - Speyfest has announced the first artists for its 2026 bill. The lineup includes Northern Ireland’s The Tumbling Paddies, Scotland’s Karen Matheson, Astro Bloc, and Dallahan. The 29th edition runs Friday 24–Sunday 26 July 2026 in Fochabers, Moray, near Elgin in northern Scotland. Speyfest Chair Ashleigh Macgregor shared: “Speyfest is all about bringing the very best
- [Decade Of Duende: FlamencoEñe Turns Ten In Granada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/decade-of-duende-flamencoene-turns-ten-in-granada/) - Fundación SGAE, in partnership with the Granada City Council, will mark the 10th anniversary of FlamencoEñe 2025 during the inaugural Granada Flamenco Biennial, scheduled for September 17–19, 2025. The program spans two venues. The Centro Federico García Lorca will present six showcases focused on traditional flamenco under FlamencoEñe. Sala Planta Baja will host FlamencoEñe Off,
- [Hawa & Kassé Mady Diabaté Top the Transglobal World Music Chart for September 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hawa-kasse-mady-diabate-top-the-transglobal-world-music-chart-for-september-2025/) - The album Toumaro by Hawa & Kassé Mady Diabaté topped the Transglobal World Music Chart for the month of September 2025. Kassé Mady Diabaté, a significant figure in Malian music, was known for his gentle yet powerful voice, earning him the nickname ‘the golden voice of Mali’. The highly respected Manding artist, was known for
- [Artist Profiles: Kassé Mady Diabaté](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-kasse-mady-diabate-2/) - Kassé Mady Diabaté was one of West Africa's greatest voices and one of the most cherished singers in Mali. He was known for his profound knowledge of Mali's deepest oral and musical traditions and the beauty of his tenor voice. He was born in 1949 in Kela, a renowned center of the Mande jeli tradition in
- [Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté Claim the Number One Spot on World Music Charts Europe – September 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hawa-kasse-mady-diabate-claim-the-number-one-spot-on-world-music-charts-europe-september-2025/) - The album Toumaro by Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté dominates the World Music Charts Europe for the month of September 2025. Kassé Mady Diabaté, celebrated Malian jali known as “the golden voice of Mali,” recorded six albums between 1989 and 2014, with titles such as Fodé, Manden Djeli Kan, and Kiriké. After his death in
- [European Folk Day 2025, Europe’s Traditions On The Map](https://worldmusiccentral.org/european-folk-day-2025-europes-traditions-on-the-map/) - The third annual European Folk Day will take place on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, with related events welcomed in the days immediately before and after. The initiative showcases the scale of participation in Europe’s traditional performing arts, music, dance, and storytelling, across communities and countries. Everyone is eligible to take part, regardless of affiliation with
- [Bryan McDowell Calls Back With “Hear My Name”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bryan-mcdowell-calls-back-with-hear-my-name/) - Bluegrass multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bryan McDowell returns with “Hear My Name,” a reflective single about the ambiguity of reconnection. The lineup includes Cory Walker on banjo, Jake Stargel on guitar, and Mike Bub on bass. McDowell adds fiddle, mandolin, and lead vocals. “There’s always this tension when you get back together with someone,” McDowell says.
- [Alaa Zouiten: Flamenco Meets The Music of the Maghreb](https://worldmusiccentral.org/alaa-zouiten-flamenco-meets-the-music-of-the-maghreb/) - Alaa Zouiten - Aficionado - Flamenco Moro (self-release, 2025) Aficionado – Flamenco Moro is a captivating project by Moroccan virtuoso musician Alaa Zouiten that effortlessly brings together flamenco with Moroccan-Andalusian traditions. Zouiten, an oud player and singer, studied flamenco in Andalusia (southern Spain) from 2015, taking inspiration from artists such as guitar giant Paco de
- [East Meets Best: Chettini’s ‘Oriental Soul’ Returns on Vinyl](https://worldmusiccentral.org/east-meets-best-chettinis-oriental-soul-returns-on-vinyl/) - Chettini and the Turkish Trio - Oriental Soul (Ironhand Records, 2025 reissue) Oriental Soul, the 1972 album by Turkish multi-instrumentalist Çetin Bükey, credited here as Chettini, has been reissued by Ironhand Records in a limited-edition run of 500 copies. The joyful album was known for its distinctive fusion of soul, jazz, and psychedelic sounds, exemplifying
- [Le Vent Du Nord Returns to NYC With Music Of Quebec](https://worldmusiccentral.org/le-vent-du-nord-returns-to-nyc-with-music-of-quebec/) - (headline image: Le Vent du Nord - photo credit Annie Diotte) Le Vent Du Nord is set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The leading Quebec folk group, active since 2002, has played more than 2,200 concerts on four continents, released 12 albums, and earned major awards including a Grand Prix du
- [Polyphony Without Ornament: Tempvs Fvgit’s Raw, Unfiltered Voices](https://worldmusiccentral.org/polyphony-without-ornament-tempvs-fvgits-raw-unfiltered-voices/) - Tempvs Fvgit - Da caminu (Self-released, 2025) With Da caminu, Corsican vocal ensemble Tempvs Fvgit continue their reimagining of traditional polyphony, bringing it into dialogue with ritual, silence, and contemporary composition. Recorded live in the resonant space of San Ghjisé church in Bastia, the album unfolds as a thirteen-part cycle sung entirely a cappella with
- [Playing With a Full Dekker](https://worldmusiccentral.org/playing-with-a-full-dekker/) - Oddly-named Canadian artist Notre Noise covers the old Desmond Dekker reggae classic “Fu Man Chu” in fine style, adding his own sinister sonic touches and a bit of a rock and roll edge to the proceedings.
- [Harps Around The World And Across Time](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harps-around-the-world-and-across-time/) - (headline image: Camac 34 string Telenn harp) Harp history reaches back to the earliest urban cultures and continues to evolve in the present day. Visual depictions in Sumer and Ancient Egypt around the fourth millennium BCE show arched and angular forms that set the template for later regional types. These early instruments lacked a forepillar
- [Falling Into Place: Hannah Delynn’s “Trust Fall” Lands September 5, 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/falling-into-place-hannah-delynns-trust-fall-lands-september-5-2025/) - Hannah Delynn - Trust Fall (self-released, 2025) When an artist releases a debut full-length album, it often feels like the opening of a long-sealed journal. Hannah Delynn independently released her debut full-length album, Trust Fall, on September 5, 2025. The Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist presents 11 original songs shaped by a period of loss,
- [Oghlan Bakhshi Explores Steppes Traditions At Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/oghlan-bakhshi-explores-steppes-traditions-at-roulette/) - Oghlan Bakhshi is set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The Turkmen dutar player and bard returns with a rare U.S. program of Turkmen music, tied to his album Journey Across The Steppes, noted as the first international release of Turkmen folk in three decades. Guests include Abdolghaffar Geldinejad on gyjak and
- [Harboring Genius: Agustín Pereyra Lucena’s Rare Gem Resurfaces](https://worldmusiccentral.org/harboring-genius-agustin-pereyra-lucenas-rare-gem-resurfaces/) - Agustín Pereyra Lucena – Puertos de Alternativa (Far Out Recordings, 2025) Far Out Recordings expands its archival series with the first-ever vinyl reissue of Puertos de Alternativa, the elusive 1988 private-press album by Argentine guitarist Agustín Pereyra Lucena. Long out of print and highly coveted by collectors, the recording presents a refined synthesis of Brazilian
- [A Special Something](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-special-something/) - The Beatles, as we all know, had and continue to have a huge imprint the world over. Such is evident in Vini De Groove’s instrumental cover of “Something,” which adds a delightful Brazilian rhythmic undercurrent to that song’s familiar sweetness.
- [Artist Profiles: Alena Murang](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-alena-murang/) - Singer-songwriter, sape player, and educator Alena Murang is a Borneo-born Kelabit Dayak-European living in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), who sings in the endangered language of the Kelabit and Kenyah. Dayak are the native people of Borneo. Alena is one of the first women to play the sapé, a lute instrument from Borneo traditionally (pre-1930s) reserved for
- [Interview with Borneo's Sapé Player Alena Murang](https://worldmusiccentral.org/interview-with-borneos-sape-player-alena-murang/) - (headline image: Alena-Murang - Photo by Yu Chung Chen) Nothing conjures the essence of Sarawak quite as eloquently as the sound of the sapé. The boat-shaped lute echoes the serene and intriguing atmosphere of its homeland. On the island of Borneo, the Malaysian state boasts many proponents of sapé-based music today, across many ethnic groups.
- [Yimenga, Solo Debut by Solo Diarra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/yimenga-solo-debut-by-solo-diarra/) - Solo Diarra – Yimenga (Global Sonics GS06125, 2025) Yimenga is the debut solo album of Burkinan multi-instrumentalist Solo Diarra. Yimenga means “Be Yourself” in Bambara. Born into a griot family, Diarra was trained from childhood in traditional West African music, mastering instruments such as the jembe, ngoni, balafon, and calabash. Now based in Oslo (Norway),
- [Desert Dreaming: Warlpiri Wisdom Meets Minimal Electronica](https://worldmusiccentral.org/desert-dreaming-warlpiri-wisdom-meets-minimal-electronica/) - Crown and Country - Crown and Country (ABC Music and Akuphone, 2025) Crown and Country is an ambitious audiovisual project that fuses ancestral Warlpiri ceremony with hypnotic dub-inspired electronica. The project was co-directed by Warlpiri elder and cultural leader Wanta Jampijinpa Pawu-Kurlpurlurnu, electronic producer Marc “Monkey” Peckham, and filmmaker James Gillot. Notably, the album and companion
- [Artist Profiles: Ramón El Portugués](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-ramon-el-portugues/) - Ramón Suárez Salazar, better known as Ramón El Portugués, was born in Mérida (Badajoz province), Spain in 1948. He was the nephew of the legendary singer Porrina de Badajoz. Ramón El Portugués specialized in cantes extremeños (Flamenco songs from Extremadura, a region in western Spain), such as tangos and jaleos. The jaleos are thought to
- [WOMEX 2025 Dials Up Conference And Networking](https://worldmusiccentral.org/womex-2025-dials-up-conference-and-networking/) - World music conference WOMEX 2025 announced additional conference and networking sessions, underscoring a clear focus on inclusion and representation. Highlighted panels include “Bridging the Gap,” spotlighting Romani musicians; “Diversifying Concert Halls,” examining how to open stages to global music; and “Unlocking the Potential of South East Europe,” reassessing one of the continent’s most under-represented regions.
- [A Duo That Speaks Volumes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-duo-that-speaks-volumes/) - Raymond Antrobus & Evelyn Glennie - Aloud (Toy Gun Murder Records, 2025) Poet Raymond Antrobus and percussionist Evelyn Glennie reunite for the album Aloud. The release continues their collaboration as two prominent deaf artists. This project is essentially a fascinating, poetic, spoken word recording with a soundtrack that consists of sound effects that support the
- [Clave Encounters: Joaquín Núñez Charts Cuba’s Rhythmic Lineage](https://worldmusiccentral.org/clave-encounters-joaquin-nunez-charts-cubas-rhythmic-lineage/) - Joaquin Núñez & Habana Safari - Ruta De La Clave (Lulaworld Records LWR051A, 2025) Irresistible Cuban rhythms meet contemporary jazz on Ruta De La Clave (the clave route), the debut album by Canada-based Cuban percussionist and bandleader Joaquín Núñez. It was co-produced with New York–based pianist Dayramir González. Notably, the project traces the evolution of
- [Kiran Ahluwalia Brings Protest And Pancakes To Brooklyn](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kiran-ahluwalia-brings-protest-and-pancakes-to-brooklyn/) - Kiran Ahluwalia is set to perform at Roulette on Friday, October 24, 2025. The two-time Juno Award winner will present music from her album Comfort Food, a mix of Sufi, qawwali, and Punjabi folk with West African blues and elements of jazz. The band includes Rez Abbasi on guitar, Louis Simao on accordion and organ,
- [Remedy Tree Releases Single “Say Darlin’ Say” Featuring Victor Furtado](https://worldmusiccentral.org/remedy-tree-releases-single-say-darlin-say-featuring-victor-furtado/) - Remedy Tree, the forward-thinking progressive bluegrass band based in Florida, has announced the release of their new single, “Say Darlin’ Say.” The song features acclaimed clawhammer banjoist Victor Furtado. The song will be featured in the forthcoming album Beyond What I Can See, out September 12, 2025 Rooted in Appalachian tradition, “Say Darlin’ Say” is
- [Kora Across Borders: Althea SullyCole Charts a Transatlantic Path on ‘Due West’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kora-across-borders-althea-sullycole-charts-a-transatlantic-path-on-due-west/) - Althea SullyCole - Due West (self-release, 2025) Althea SullyCole’s album Due West distills fourteen years of kora study into a transcontinental journey through African diasporic sound. She draws on traditional repertoire, original compositions, and reinterpretations, navigating musical connections across West Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The result is a lovely, globally informed recording influenced by
- [Rewinding Honor: Syrian Cassette Archives Earn WOMEX 2025 Professional Excellence Award](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rewinding-honor-syrian-cassette-archives-earn-womex-2025-professional-excellence-award/) - From the 1970s through the early 2000s, cassettes served as Syria’s principal medium for music and spoken word. The Syrian Cassette Archives, founded in 2018 by Mark Gergis and Yamen Mekdad, grew from a personal market-stall collection into an online repository featuring 400+ digitized cassettes across folk, classical, pop, religious music, spoken word, poetry, comedy,
- [Cat And Fiddle: Andy Leftwich Revisits Contest Roots In “Tom And Jerry” Video](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cat-and-fiddle-andy-leftwich-revisits-contest-roots-in-tom-and-jerry-video/) - Multi-instrumentalist Andy Leftwich revisits his early years in the generations-old world of fiddle contests on his single “Tom and Jerry.” The music video reflects that tradition and centers the song within a contest setting. “This song brings back so many memories for me,” Leftwich shared. “I grew up competing in fiddle contests all around the
- [Loop And Lyre: Puuluup Plots North American Return](https://worldmusiccentral.org/loop-and-lyre-puuluup-plots-north-american-return/) - (headline image: Puuluup - Photo by Taavi Arus) Estonia’s self-described “zombie folk” duo will tour the United States in September and October. The itinerary spans both coasts, with stops in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and additional cities. Puuluup combines elements of modern folklore with loop-driven arrangements built around the talharpa, a centuries-old, four-string
- [Folk Forward: FAI Rolls Out 2026 Showcase Lineup](https://worldmusiccentral.org/folk-forward-fai-rolls-out-2026-showcase-lineup/) - Folk Alliance International (FAI) will host its 38th annual conference January 21–25, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 2026 theme is Rise Up. The official showcase roster features more than 150 artists representing 34 countries. Selected Highlights: Lost Bayou Ramblers; Bruce Sudano; Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience; Chuck Prophet; Pieta Brown; Ramy Essam; Emily
- [Beyond the Finnish Line](https://worldmusiccentral.org/beyond-the-finnish-line/) - Combining traditional Finnish music with other global influences, a band called Solisee add a bit of Latin flavor to “Itkee havupuu,” a warm, trumpet-punctuated piece of acoustic goodness celebrating the beauty of nature.
- [Noura Mint Seymali to Receive 2025 WOMEX Artist Award](https://worldmusiccentral.org/noura-mint-seymali-to-receive-2025-womex-artist-award/) - Noura Mint Seymali of Mauritania will receive the 2025 Artist Award. Mauritania’s musical heritage remains less familiar internationally than that of neighboring Mali or Senegal, yet her work has raised its profile. She was born into a lineage of Moorish praise singers, poets, and musicians, and she performs the Moorish repertoire, rooted in Arab, Berber,
- [Cafuné Spins Italian Folklore Into Folk-Rock Fantasy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/hair-raising-harmonies-cafune-spins-folklore-into-folk-rock-fantasy/) - Cafuné – Tra Le Corde Dei Racconti (M.P. & Records, 2025) Named after the Portuguese word cafuné, a gesture of affection involving fingers combing through a loved one's hair, the Italian sextet Cafuné presents a collection of lovely, intimate acoustic songs. Their debut album, Tra Le Corde Dei Racconti (Between the Strings of Stories), draws
- [Remembering the Great Bluesman Cool John Ferguson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/remembering-the-great-bluesman-cool-john-ferguson/) - (headline image: “Cool John” Ferguson - Photo by Tim Duffy) Blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter John W. “Cool John” Ferguson died in his hometown on August 12, 2025. He was 71. Born December 3, 1953, in Beaufort, South Carolina, Ferguson grew up in a family with roots in church life and Gullah heritage. He picked
- [Meklit’s “Tizita” In Bloom](https://worldmusiccentral.org/meklits-tizita-in-bloom/) - (headline image: Meklit Hadero - photo by Alexa Treviño) Ethiopian artist Meklit has released an original video for “Tizita,” featuring Brandee Younger on harp and directed by Sophiyya Nayar. “Tizita" is a traditional Ethiopian song form associated with longing and nostalgia. The film follows two flower-headed figures, Ahon Gooptu and Mihika Miranda, cloaked in living
- [Artist Profiles: Noura Mint Seymali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-noura-mint-seymali/) - (headline image: Noura Mint Seymali - Photo by Bechir Malum) Noura Mint Seymali is a nationally beloved star in Mauritania and one of its most innovative artists. She started her musical career at age 13, as a supporting vocalist to her stepmother, acclaimed artist Dimi Mint Abba. Noura's grandmother was one of her mentors. She
- [Sam Bennett… Legendary English fiddler](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sam-bennett-legendary-english-fiddler/) - (headline image: Sam Bennet - Photo from The James Madison Carpenter Collection, Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, AFC 1972/001 Photo 036. Reproduced with permission.) Writer and musician John Phillpott takes a walk down the leafy lanes of Warwickshire, the land of William Shakespeare’s birth and also that of Sam Bennett,
- [Artist Profiles: Ivan Lins](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-ivan-lins/) - Ivan Guimarães Lins, better known as Ivan Lins, was born on June 16, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (however, another biographical source indicates he was born in the city of Ituverava, within the state of São Paulo). Lins faher was a naval engineer. At a young age, he spent some time in Boston, where
- [Acclaimed Peruvian Singer Susana Baca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-susana-baca/) - Susana Baca was born in Lima on May 24, 1944, although she grew up in the small black coastal barrio of Chorrillos, "populated with fishermen and cats," Susana remembers, where the descendants of slaves have lived since the days of the Spanish empire. She grew up surrounded by music and her mother's good cooking. Señora
- [Gitano With The Groove: Celeste Sanazi Unites Afro-Pop And Flamenco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/gitano-with-the-groove-celeste-sanazi-unites-afro-pop-and-flamenco/) - Argentine singer-songwriter and actress Celeste Sanazi has released “Gitano,” a cross-cultural single that links Afropop rhythms with flamenco elements. The track features deep percussion, flamenco guitars, and pop-forward production. These choices frame a lyric about an intense, fated romance. “ ‘Gitano’ is about a love so real it feels like it’s from another lifetime—two souls
- [One Earth, One Love at Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 in Sarawak](https://worldmusiccentral.org/one-earth-one-love-at-rainforest-world-music-festival-2025-in-sarawak/) - Rainforest World Music Festival (Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, June 20-22, 2025) This year’s 'Rainforest' fest (RWMF) introduced another colorful line-up of acts from across the globe. Over almost three decades, visiting artists inevitably express excitement and wonder at the unique location, event site and relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The Sarawak Cultural Village is vast and verdant.
- [European Harp Meets Kora on Lovely Tamoo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/european-harp-meets-kora-on-lovely-tamoo/) - Sidsel Walstad and Ibou Cissokho - Tamoo (Global Sonics, 2025) Norwegian harp player Sidsel Walstad and Senegalese kora player and vocalist Ibou Cissokho forge a cross-cultural dialogue on Tamoo, a lovely collaborative suite that bridges Nordic and West African musical traditions. Commissioned by Global Oslo Music, the project grew out of the pair’s first meeting
- [Rough Reggae En Francais](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rough-reggae-en-francais/) - With a lot of modern reggae sounding a trifle too polished and polite, France’s Angelo Rascool goes refreshingly in the opposite direction. His “Réchauffement" is a churning, straight-to-the-gut piece of roots urgency.
- [Cuba's Harold López-Nussa Recasts “Gitanerías”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cubas-harold-lopez-nussa-recasts-gitanerias/) - Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa has released “Gitanerías,” his interpretation of Ernesto Lecuona’s piece and the latest single from his Blue Note Records album Nueva Timba, due September 5. The track appears as a duo, with López-Nussa on piano and his brother, drummer Ruy Adrian López-Nussa, on flamenco cajón. The arrangement pairs driving percussion with Lecuona’s
- [L. Shankar Headlines Indian Masters At Roulette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/l-shankar-headlines-indian-masters-at-roulette/) - L. Shankar is set to perform at Roulette on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The master violinist, vocalist, and composer, co-founder of Shakti and creator of the 10-string double violin, presents a program drawing on Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. The ensemble features V. Selvaganesh on mridangam, kanjira, and konakkol; Amit Kavthekar on tabla; and Swaminathan Selvaganesh
- [The Earth Moves with Zhenya Wind’s Fourth Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-earth-moves-with-zhenya-winds-fourth-album/) - Zhenya Wind — The Earth is Moving (Self-released, 2025) In her fourth album, The Earth is Moving, St. Petersburg’s multi-genre artist Zhenya Wind steps fully into the role of musical storyteller, weaving a soundscape where ancient folklore converses with modern sensibilities. Known for her work in bands such as Myshi, Plavnost Minut, and Zoloto, and
- [Talk of the Town: Grace Stewart-Skinner Honors Avoch in Debut Album](https://worldmusiccentral.org/talk-of-the-town-grace-stewart-skinner-honors-avoch-in-debut-album/) - Scottish harp player and composer Grace Stewart-Skinner’s debut album Auchies Spikkin’ Auchie combines newly composed music with field recordings from her native village of Avoch. Framed as an ethnomusicological tribute, the album captures the voices and spirit of the community. Avoch is a seaside village located on the south-east coast of the Black Isle, on
- [Personal Perspective, Universal Truth](https://worldmusiccentral.org/personal-perspective-universal-truth/) - Combining roots reggae consciousness with a few R&B touches, Kingly T continues a knack for putting things in perspective. His "What A Gwaan” hits home with a message of just how screwy things are getting these days.
- [Tango in Black and White: A Polyphonic Tribute to Cáceres](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tango-in-black-and-white-a-polyphonic-tribute-to-caceres/) - Le Collectif Tango Negro Ensemble – Tribute to Juan Carlos Cáceres (Felmay Records, 2025) Le Collectif Tango Negro Ensemble honors the legacy of Juan Carlos Cáceres (1936–2015) with a double album, Tribute to Juan Carlos Cáceres, that reinterprets his most iconic works alongside previously unreleased compositions. A pioneer of what he called “tango negro” (black
- [Brčko Beats: Serbian Folk Finds a Home in the Borderlands](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brcko-beats-serbian-folk-finds-a-home-in-the-borderlands/) - Etno Grupa Bosiljak – Made in Brčko: Serbian Songs from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Antonovka Records, 2025) This release by Etno Grupa Bosiljak presents deeply rooted traditional Serbian folk music from Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically the multiethnic Brčko District. Located at the confluence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, Brčko is a politically unique region
- [Mulatu Plays Mulatu's Ethio-jazz Brings Us Together](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mulatu-plays-mulatus-ethio-jazz-brings-us-together/) - Mulatu Astatke — Mulatu Plays Mulatu (Strut Records, 2025) Mulatu Plays Mulatu is Mulatu Astatke’s first major studio album in more than a decade. Furthermore, it presents new arrangements of his classic compositions. Sessions took place in London and Addis Ababa with his long-standing U.K. band and cultural musicians from his Jazz Village club in
- [Pianist Harold López-Nussa Dazzles with 'New Timba'](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pianist-harold-lopez-nussa-dazzles-with-new-timba/) - Harold López-Nussa - Nueva Timba (Blue Note, 2025) Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa returns with Nueva Timba, a fantastic album that combines jazz innovation with Cuban tradition. Indeed, Nueva Timba features a tight quartet: López-Nussa on piano, his brother Ruy Adrian López-Nussa on drums, Luques Curtis on bass, and Grégoire Maret on harmonica. Together, they deliver
- [Keep The Mixer Going: Some One’s Sons Unveil “Paddy O”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/keep-the-mixer-going-some-ones-sons-unveil-paddy-o/) - Irish folk quintet Some One’s Sons recently released the single “Paddy O.” The track follows an immigrant laborer’s fight against exploitation, solidarity, and perseverance. A sea-shanty pulse drives the arrangement, and the tone stays dry and sarcastic. Daniel Allen and Greg Dunne wrote “Paddy O.” The story centers on an Irish worker under a foreman
- [Fall For This Lineup: Shakori Hills Unveils 2025 GrassRoots Roster](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fall-for-this-lineup-shakori-hills-unveils-2025-grassroots-roster/) - Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance announced the full lineup for its 21st Annual Fall edition, set for October 2–5, 2025. Headliners include festival founders and hosts Donna the Buffalo; Grammy Award-winning bluegrass icons Del McCoury Band; New Orleans legend George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners; Belize’s Garífuna Collective; Ireland’s Byrne Brothers; and
- [Robert Browning Associates Reveals Fall 2025 World Music Season](https://worldmusiccentral.org/robert-browning-associates-reveals-fall-2025-world-music-season/) - Robert Browning Associates will celebrate 49 years of world music and dance in New York City with a focused Fall 2025 lineup at Roulette. The series spans Indian classical, Québécois folk, and Turkmen traditions, co-presented with Roulette and Lotus Music & Dance. Season Preview Sat, September 27, 8 p.m. — Indian Masters: L. Shankar with
- [Fit For a Goddess](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fit-for-a-goddess/) - Master percussionist Tom Teasley never fails to dazzle, and his “Dance of Aphrodite” is a grand, zesty piece on which he plays every instrument. Wonderfully evocative and exotic, it immediately draws you in to a listening experience you’ll love. (Which I suppose is exactly how Aphrodite would want it.)
- [Kevin Ricard Takes the Lead on The Crossing](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kevin-ricard-takes-the-lead-on-the-crossing/) - Kevin Ricard - The Crossing (Roots of Rhythm Recordings, 2025) Veteran percussionist Kevin Ricard steps into the spotlight and directs the traffic of rhythm with The Crossing, his outstanding debut solo album after more than four decades as a sought-after sideman. Ricard is a master percussionist with an arsenal of percussion instruments from many parts
- [Moya Lights the Lamp: Manchego Victory at Cante de las Minas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/moya-lights-the-lamp-manchego-victory-at-cante-de-las-minas/) - (headline image: Gregorio Moya Lara - Photo courtesy of International Festival of Cante de las Minas) Gregorio Moya Lara, known as “Gregorio Moya,” claimed the “Lámpara Minera” in the flamenco singing category at the 64th International Festival of Cante de las Minas. Born in Argamasilla de Alba (Ciudad Real), he performed with guitarist Paco Cortés,
- [Young Pianist Wins ‘Filón’ Prize at Cante de las Minas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/young-pianist-wins-filon-prize-at-cante-de-las-minas/) - (headline image: José Carlos Esteban-Hanza Fernández - Photo courtesy of International Festival of Cante de las Minas) The ‘Filón’ trophy for best flamenco instrumentalist at the 64th International Festival of Cante de las Minas, along with a €6,000 award, went to 20-year-old pianist José Carlos Esteban-Hanza Fernández from Almería. Nephew of renowned guitarist ‘Tomatito,’ he
- [Jury And Luthier Prizes Unveiled at Cante de las Minas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/jury-and-luthier-prizes-unveiled-at-cante-de-las-minas/) - (headline image: Samuel de Encarni - Photo courtesy of International Festival of Cante de las Minas) The 64ª edition of Cante de las Minas Jury Special Prize, a €1,000 award for best flamenco accompanist, went to guitarist Paco Cortés, who supported the new holder of the “Lámpara Minera.” In addition, the new “Mariano Conde” guitar
- [Salomé Ramírez Almagro Steps Into The Dance Spotlight](https://worldmusiccentral.org/salome-ramirez-almagro-steps-into-the-dance-spotlight/) - At the 64th edition of the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, the Trofeo “Desplante” in the baile flamenco (flamenco dance) category went to Salomé Ramírez Almagro for her taranto and soleá. She performed with Alejandro Moreno on guitar, Manu Soto on cante, and Gabriel “De la Tomasa” and José Luis Hernández on palmas.
- [‘Bordón Minero’ Left Vacant At The 64th Cante De Las Minas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bordon-minero-left-vacant-at-the-64th-cante-de-las-minas/) - (headline image: Toni Abellán Sánchez - Photo courtesy of International Festival of Cante de las Minas) The ‘Bordón Minero,’ the festival’s top honor for flamenco guitar, was not awarded at the 64th International Festival of Cante de las Minas. The category was declared void. However, the sole finalist, Barcelona native Toni Abellán Sánchez, received the
- [Africa Express Heads West Across the Atlantic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/africa-express-heads-west-across-the-atlantic/) - Africa Express presents… Bahidorá (World Circuit Records, 2025) Eighteen years after its unannounced Glastonbury debut, Africa Express continues to defy categories and borders. The collective’s sixth album, Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá, captures the results of its first project in the Americas: a five-hour performance and recording residency in Mexico during the 2024 Bahidorá festival. The album
- [Arriving Soon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/arriving-soon/) - “Love is Coming,” a duet between American rocker Chris Pellnat and Moroccan singer Catalus, is one of those cross-cultural combinations that fits snugly through a mix of unpretentious beauty and relatable hope.
- [Small Regrets, Big Sound: Chris Jones Teams Up With Jim Lauderdale](https://worldmusiccentral.org/small-regrets-big-sound-chris-jones-teams-up-with-jim-lauderdale/) - To mark the 30th anniversary of his band, the Night Drivers, Chris Jones revisits the country-leaning sound that has long shaped his bluegrass songwriting. His latest single, "How Small of Me," released via Mountain Home Music Company, combines mid-1960s country stylings with acoustic sound and understated vocal interplay. Co-written with folk stalwart John McCutcheon, the
- [Vicente Vallés Receives Castillete de Oro award at Cante de las Minas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vicente-valles-receives-castillete-de-oro-award-at-cante-de-las-minas/) - On August 5, 2025, journalist Vicente Vallés received the Castillete de Oro at the International Festival El Cante de las Minas in La Unión. Vallés praised the event for promoting flamenco worldwide, describing it as “a style one carries within” and highlighting its spiritual depth. The award also honored Vallés’s personal roots. His mother and
- [Eddie Palmieri, Grammy-Winning Pianist and Bandleader, Dies at 88](https://worldmusiccentral.org/eddie-palmieri-grammy-winning-pianist-and-bandleader-dies-at-88/) - Eddie Palmieri, the influential American pianist, composer, and bandleader, died on August 6, 2025. He was 88. Born Eduardo Palmieri on December 15, 1936, in New York City to Puerto Rican parents who had migrated from Ponce to the South Bronx (New York), he began performing in talent shows at age eight alongside his older
- [Flaco Jiménez, Grammy-Winning Conjunto Accordionist, Dies at 86](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flaco-jimenez-grammy-winning-conjunto-accordionist-dies-at-86/) - Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, the influential accordionist who brought conjunto music from the dance halls of San Antonio to stages around the world, died on July 31, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, after a long illness. He was 86. Born on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio, Jiménez was part of a storied musical lineage. His
- [Artist Profiles: Eddie Palmieri](https://worldmusiccentral.org/artist-profiles-eddie-palmieri/) - Eddie Palmieri's musical career spanned several decades as a bandleader of salsa and Latin jazz orchestras. His discography included over 30 albums and various Grammy Awards. Born in Spanish Harlem (New York City) in 1936, Palmieri began piano studies at an early age, as did his celebrated older brother, the late salsa legend and pianist
- [Tejano Music Legend Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez Receives 2012 NEA National Heritage Fellowship](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tejano-music-legend-leonardo-flaco-jimenez-receives-2012-nea-national-heritage-fellowship/) - Tejano accordionist Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez is one of the 2012 recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowships. Born into a family of conjunto musicians, Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez has led the way in expanding conjunto music from his community in San Antonio, Texas, to new audiences both in the United States
- [National Flamenco Contest Expands Prizes and Categories](https://worldmusiccentral.org/national-flamenco-contest-expands-prizes-and-categories/) - (headline image: Isabel Albás, president of Instituto Municipal de Artes Escénicas (IMAE) during the presentation.) The 24th National Flamenco Art Contest (CNAF) will take place in Córdoba, Spain, in autumn 2025 with increased prize money and a new category for flamenco instrumentalists. The total award fund rises to €79,000, the largest in the competition’s history.
- [Rock It On Over](https://worldmusiccentral.org/rock-it-on-over/) - Bob Dylan’s "It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” redone as a Latin jazz/rock instrumental? Yup, and the USA’s Andy Rothstein Band does a mighty fine job of giving that old tune a new kind of sizzle.
- [Ecuador Sets Sail for La Mar de Músicas 2026](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ecuador-sets-sail-for-la-mar-de-musicas-2026/) - The 31st edition of La Mar de Músicas will take place in Cartagena from 17 to 25 July 2026, with Ecuador as the guest country. The announcement came during the closing night of the 2025 festival, which focused on South Korea, following the performance by G5. Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, stated that the choice highlights
- [Zambia's WITCH Looks Ahead on ‘Sogolo’](https://worldmusiccentral.org/zambias-witch-looks-ahead-on-sogolo/) - WITCH - Sogolo (Partisan Records, 2025) WITCH, the pioneering Zamrock band from Zambia’s Copperbelt, continues its 21st-century resurgence with Sogolo, an exciting, groove-driven follow-up to 2021’s Zango. Originally formed in the 1970s and led by vocalist Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda, WITCH (an acronym for “We Intend to Cause Havoc”) fused psychedelic rock with African rhythms at the height
- [Brushstrokes and Bulerías: Perla Fuertes Paints the Pulse of Flamenco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brushstrokes-and-bulerias-perla-fuertes-paints-the-pulse-of-flamenco/) - Murcian artist Perla Fuertes inaugurated the evening program of the 64th Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas with Latido Flamenco, a solo exhibition on view throughout August at the Museo Minero de La Unión. The show explores the expressive depth of flamenco through large-scale oil paintings that honor the role of women in the
- [Pepe De Lucía Receives The Castillete De Oro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/pepe-de-lucia-receives-the-castillete-de-oro/) - Pepe de Lucía received the Castillete de Oro award at La Unión, an essential flamenco hub he knows well. The singer, composer, and producer recalled two milestones tied to the Festival del Cante de las Minas: performing in the ensemble that backed Camarón de la Isla and Potito, and witnessing his brother, Paco de Lucía,
- [Flamenco Contest Cante de las Minas Reveals 2025 Semifinalists](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamenco-contest-cante-de-las-minas-reveals-2025-semifinalists/) - The 64th Cante de las Minas Festival has announced its semifinalists, featuring top contenders across flamenco singing, guitar, dance, and instrumental performance. The jury, Eduardo Guerrero, Juan Parrilla, Kyoko Shikaze, José Manuel Gamboa, and Paco Paredes, selected the finalists following deliberations at La Unión’s historic Antiguo Mercado Público. Twelve singers will compete in the cante
- [Mustafa Said & Asil Ensemble Takes the Number One Spot on Transglobal World Music Chart August 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mustafa-said-asil-ensemble-takes-the-number-one-spot-on-transglobal-world-music-chart-august-2025/) - The album Maqam Pilgrims by Mustafa Said & Asil Ensemble has conquered the number one spot on Transglobal World Music Chart for the month of August 2025. Read more about the album: Maqam on the Move: Mustafa Said Charts a New Course in Arabic Music. August 2025 Chart: Mustafa Said & Asil Ensemble - Maqam
- [Brighde Chaimbeul Ascends to the Top of World Music Charts Europe for August 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/brighde-chaimbeul-ascends-to-the-top-of-world-music-charts-europe-for-august-2025/) - The album Sunwise by piper Brighde Chaimbeul has claimed the number one position of the World Music Charts Europe for the month of August 2025. Read more about the album: Pipe Drone Zone: Brìghde Chaimbeul Returns With Sunwise. August 2025 Chart Brighde Chaimbeul - Sunwise - Glitterbeat Lina_ & Jules Maxwell - Terra Mae -
- [From Salento to Santiago: A Transcontinental Musical Bridge](https://worldmusiccentral.org/from-salento-to-santiago-a-transcontinental-musical-bridge/) - Cocoa Thrill – Subtropical (Linfa, 2025) Cocoa Thrill, an instrumental quintet based in Apulia, Italy, explores global rhythms through a distinctly Southern lens on their debut album, Subtropical. This alluring ensemble draws from seductive cumbia, Afro-funk, tropical grooves, dub, psychedelia, and jazz. The album reflects the cultural and climatic affinities between Southern Italy and regions
- [A Daughter’s Heartfelt Tribute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-daughters-heartfelt-tribute/) - American artist Diana Jimenez wrote “Mil Años” as a tribute to her dad, and the Afro-Cuban style of the piece is filled with emotional nuance and straight-from-the-heart finery.
- [Celtic Calling: Ortigueira Sets 2026 Festival Dates](https://worldmusiccentral.org/celtic-calling-ortigueira-sets-2026-festival-dates/) - The 2026 edition of the Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira will take place from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, 2026. After expanding to five days in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Escola de Gaitas de Ortigueira, the festival returns to its traditional four-day format. Organized by the Concello
- [Mountain Echoes, Village Voices: Ravnogorski Biseri Bring Ravnogor to Life](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mountain-echoes-village-voices-ravnogorski-biseri-bring-ravnogor-to-life/) - Ravnogorski Biseri - Images from Ravnogor (Aide Aide Music & Dance, 2025) Images from Ravnogor offers an unfiltered window into the traditional music of southern Bulgaria. Specifically, the album captures the captivating, raw and emotive vocal and instrumental traditions of Ravnogor, a village nestled in the western Rhodope Mountains. Notably, the performers didn't use arrangements.
- [Maqam on the Move: Mustafa Said Charts a New Course in Arabic Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/maqam-on-the-move-mustafa-said-charts-a-new-course-in-arabic-music/) - Mustafa Said & Asil Ensemble – Maqam Pilgrims (Mapamundi Música, 2025) Egyptian composer and oud master Mustafa Said returns with Maqam Pilgrims, a superb new release in partnership with the Aga Khan Music Program. The masterfully constructed pieces on the album reimagine the classical Arabic maqam tradition through an original set of vocal and instrumental
- [Cante de las Minas Unite Flamenco’s Legends, Award Winners, and Rising Talent](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cante-de-las-minas-unite-flamencos-legends-award-winners-and-rising-talent/) - The 64th Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, held in La Unión from July 30 to August 9, presents a wide-ranging cultural agenda that connect the past and present of flamenco. Alongside nightly galas, the parallel program features tributes, concerts, exhibitions, and public honors celebrating the genre’s evolution and ongoing influence. Recognized by UNESCO
- [Flamenco's Next Generation Stakes Its Claim at Suma Flamenca Joven](https://worldmusiccentral.org/flamencos-next-generation-stakes-its-claim-at-suma-flamenca-joven/) - Twelve soloists under the age of 30 will take center stage at Suma Flamenca Joven, the youth-focused platform of Madrid’s Suma Flamenca festival. The fifth edition runs from September 25 to 28, 2025, in the Sala Verde at Teatros del Canal. The series will highlight rising talents in flamenco guitar, piano, cante (singing), and baile
- [Bluegrass Band Backline Navigates Tragedy and Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/bluegrass-band-backline-navigates-tragedy-and-tradition/) - Backline’s latest single, "Dark Rolling Deep" (Mountain Fever Records), introduces their forthcoming album with a narrative steeped in maritime lore. Written by bandleader Katelyn Ingardia, the track tells a story set in an age of wooden ships and sailor superstition, tracing the fate of a woman who falls for a sea captain destined never to
- [Fiddlers’ Derby: Richardson & Ludiker Reimagine a Bluegrass Classic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/fiddlers-derby-richardson-ludiker-reimagine-a-bluegrass-classic/) - Deanie Richardson and Kimber Ludiker revisit Frank Wakefield’s mid-century instrumental “New Camptown Races” with precision, energy, and a shared commitment to expanding the expressive potential of twin fiddling. Composed in the 1950s by the famously idiosyncratic mandolinist Frank Wakefield, “New Camptown Races” broke new ground in bluegrass harmony. Richardson and Ludiker approach the piece with
- [London Jazz Festival Unveils Major Acts for 2025 Edition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/london-jazz-festival-unveils-major-acts-for-2025-edition/) - The 33rd EFG London Jazz Festival runs from 14 to 23 November 2025, featuring global artists across jazz and related genres, including world music. Over ten days, musicians will perform in venues citywide, celebrating jazz’s international influence and cultural intersections. Ethiopian legend Mulatu Astatke returns with two shows, 16 November at Royal Festival Hall and
- [Berimbau: Bowed Sounds at the Heart of Afro-Brazilian Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/berimbau-bowed-sounds-at-the-heart-of-afro-brazilian-tradition/) - (headline image: Berimbau) The berimbau is a single-stringed musical bow that functions as both instrument and cultural emblem. Though now most closely associated with Brazil, its origins trace back to Angola, where similar musical bows such as the mbulumbumba are still used. The berimbau took root in Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade, where it
- [Sian Roll Out “Seo a’ Bhliadhna”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/sian-roll-out-seo-a-bhliadhna/) - “Seo a’ Bhliadhna” is the first single from Glasgow band Sian’s forthcoming second album. It draws deeply from the Skye and Raasay tradition, with strong ties to the MacLean family repertoire. The ballad tells of a woman mourning a devastating year marked by the loss of her brother, sister, and beloved golden-haired hunter. Guest musicians
- [Obatalá Takes the Lead: Monica Avila Honors the Orixá in New Single](https://worldmusiccentral.org/obatala-takes-the-lead-monica-avila-honors-the-orixa-in-new-single/) - Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Monica Avila pays tribute to the orixá Obatalá in her latest release, Obatalá é Rei. The single blends Yoruba prayer, Afro-Brazilian percussion, and lyrical flute lines with Avila’s evocative vocals. It features Alexandre Garnizé on percussion and Samara Líbano on seven-string guitar. The B-side, Caminho Curto, Caminho Longo, reflects on childhood and loss,
- [Trad Stars Align on Àirdan’s ‘Cosmic’ Debut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/trad-stars-align-on-airdans-cosmic-debut/) - Scottish quartet Àirdan has released a contemporary trad debut album titled Cosmic. The Celtic band features Paul Sinclair (fiddle), Coll Williamson (accordion), David Lennon (guitar), and Ewa Adamiec (drums). Àirdan plays traditional Scottish, Irish, and Swedish melodies alongside original tunes and works by modern composers, all shaped by the band’s rhythmic drive and inventive arrangements.
- [Buy What They’re Selling](https://worldmusiccentral.org/buy-what-theyre-selling/) - "La Vendedora” (the seller) by Cuban/French duo Las Panteras (Eliene Castillo and Martha Galarraga) is a sassy bit of scritchy-scratchy Latin rhythm, jaunty piano, call-and-response vocals and attitude that gets right up in your face. Which is exactly where you want it.
- [Variations on a Theme: Varijashree Reimagines Her Musical Identity Live in Bengaluru](https://worldmusiccentral.org/variations-on-a-theme-varijashree-reimagines-her-musical-identity-live-in-bengaluru/) - Varijashree - Vari (The Live Sessions) (GroundUp Music, 2025) Vari (The Live Sessions) reframes vocalist and composer Varijashree Venugopal’s 2023 studio album Vari through a raw, spatially immersive lens. It was recorded in her hometown of Bengaluru and offers seven live reinterpretations that highlight her splendid, alluring, and technical command of vocal techniques. In addition,
- [Let There Be Lussa: Scottish Quartet Shines on Lussa Reels](https://worldmusiccentral.org/let-there-be-lussa-scottish-quartet-shines-on-lussa-reels/) - Celtic band Lussa has released "Lussa Reels," a new collection of lively traditional and original tunes. Named after the Latin word for “light,” the emerging Scottish trad group brings an energetic touch to their arrangements. The quartet features fiddlers Naomi Priestnall and Elisabet McConnell, pianist Bailey McCoo, and multi-instrumentalist Eneko Lane.
- [Scottish folk band Rhuvaal Drops “Lochcarron”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/scottish-folk-band-rhuvaal-drops-lochcarron/) - Rhuvaal, a six-piece contemporary Celtic folk group from Argyll, has released a new single titled "Lochcarron." Formed in 2015, the band has spent the past decade refining its sound and presence within Scotland’s traditional music scene.
- [The 12th Edition of Voces del Jazz y del Caribe Festival Brings Memory, Youth, and Rhythm to the Fore](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-12th-edition-of-voces-del-jazz-y-del-caribe-festival-brings-memory-youth-and-rhythm-to-the-fore/) - From August 14 to 17, the colonial streets of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, will echo with jazz, soukous, salsa, zouk, and Afro-fusion. The 12th edition of the Voces del Jazz y del Caribe Festival returns with over 100 artists from Colombia, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, transforming the city into a crossroads of rhythm and
- [Clarifying the clarinet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/clarifying-the-clarinet/) - The clarinet is often thought of as an instrument of limited appeal and possibilities, but anyone who opines thusly should listen to “Lili,” an instrumental by Barcelona-born, Rotterdam-based Oriol Marès. With a clarinet as lead instrument and a feel that moves easily from meditative to sprightly, it’s a refreshing pleasure.
- [Festival Med 25, Cesária Évora’s spirit in the air](https://worldmusiccentral.org/festival-med-25-cesaria-evoras-spirit-in-the-air/) - On Friday, June 27, at Festival MED 25, dedicated this year to Cabo Verde, not only did more people arrive, but we were also greeted by a suffocating heat. Yet, the intense warmth did nothing to dampen the festive spirit; the atmosphere grew even more vibrant as everyone eagerly embraced the celebration. At 8:30 PM,
- [East Of West Collaborates With Romano Crivici On New Album Pastorale](https://worldmusiccentral.org/east-of-west-collaborates-with-romano-crivici-on-new-album-pastorale/) - East of West - Pastorale (4000 Records, 2025) Instrumental trio East of West returns with Pastorale, their third studio album and a first-time collaboration with renowned Australian pianist and composer Romano Crivici. The album will be released on July 31 via 4000 Records, with a limited edition CD launch event at Queensland Multicultural Centre (BEMAC)
- [Luca Vaillancourt Connects Atlantic Shores with Cantes transatlánticos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/luca-vaillancourt-connects-atlantic-shores-with-cantes-transatlanticos/) - Luca Vaillancourt y Los Pescadores - Cantes transatlánticos (Luca Vaillancourt de Dios, 2025) Luca Vaillancourt y Los Pescadores (Luca Vaillancourt and the Fishermen) make their debut with Cantes transatlánticos (transatlantic chants), a six-track album that explores the musical currents flowing between Spain in the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish-speaking Latin America. The concept draws on the
- [Ashby Frank Swings the Hammer on New Bluegrass Anthem](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ashby-frank-swings-the-hammer-on-new-bluegrass-anthem/) - Ashby Frank returns to hard-driving bluegrass territory with Everybody’s Got Their Nine Pound Hammer, a high-octane reflection on labor, hardship, and resilience. Written by three-time IBMA Songwriter of the Year Tim Stafford, alongside Eric Gibson and Greg Cornett, the track draws on one of the genre’s most enduring symbols: the nine-pound hammer. It’s a direct
- [Kadialy Kouyate’s “Toña” Balances Heritage, Healing, and Innovation](https://worldmusiccentral.org/kadialy-kouyates-tona-balances-heritage-healing-and-innovation/) - Kadialy Kouyate – Toña (ARC Music, 2025) Senegalese kora player, singer, and composer Kadialy Kouyate returns with Toña, his ninth album and perhaps his most introspective to date. The title means “truth” in Mandinka. It reflects the album’s central theme: examining personal and ancestral memory as a foundation for resilience and self-understanding. Born in Kolda,
- [Vowel Play: Florence Adooni’s 'A.O.E.I.U.' Hits All the Right Notes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/vowel-play-florence-adoonis-a-o-e-i-u-hits-all-the-right-notes/) - Florence Adooni - A.O.E.I.U. (Philophon, 2025) Gifted Ghanaian singer Florence Adooni has released her first international album, A.O.E.I.U. (An Ordinary Exercise In Unity), via Philophon. The superb album is the result of a decade-long collaboration with producer and Philophon founder Max Weissenfeldt, alongside a young ensemble of Kumasi-based highlife musicians. The seven-track record, is heavily
- [Mahotella Queens Make a Majestic Return](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mahotella-queens-make-a-majestic-return/) - Mahotella Queens - Buya Buya: Come Back (Umsakazo Records, 2025) After nearly two decades without original material, South Africa’s iconic mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens return with Buya Buya: Come Back. The release marks their first album of new songs since 2007. Formed in 1964 under producer Rupert Bopape at Gallo Africa, the Mahotella Queens quickly
- [Puman Springs Forward With Yunan-Reggae Fusion](https://worldmusiccentral.org/puman-springs-forward-with-yunan-reggae-fusion/) - Puman - Spring (Sea of Wood Records, 2025) Five years after their breakthrough debut, Puman returns with Spring, their second full-length album and a bold evolution of what’s become known as “Yunnan reggae.” The irie album expands the band’s musical scope while remaining deeply grounded in the cultural traditions of southwest China’s ethnic minorities. Puman
- [Grupo Bongar + Maga Bo: Afro-Brazilian Grooves from the Northeast](https://worldmusiccentral.org/grupo-bongar-maga-bo-afro-brazilian-grooves-from-the-northeast/) - Grupo Bongar + Maga Bo – Macumbadaboa (Kafundó Records KAX014, 2019) Macumbadaboa gathers the Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble Grupo Bongar, from Pernambuco, with producer and DJ Maga Bo, an American-Brazilian artist based in Rio de Janeiro. The album amalgamates traditional northeastern Brazilian rhythms, such as coco, afoxé, and maculelê, with subtle layers of dub and electronic
- [Big Dreams, Intrepid Fusion: WDR Big Band Tackles “Bluegrass”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/big-dreams-intrepid-fusion-wdr-big-band-tackles-bluegrass/) - WDR Big Band - Bluegrass (MCG Jazz, 2025) A dramatic dream sparked the collaboration behind Bluegrass, the ambitious crossover project from Germany’s WDR Big Band. Violinist Darol Anger once imagined performing his music not with a small acoustic group, but with a full big band, and in Germany. That unlikely vision became reality through his
- [A Progressive Twosome](https://worldmusiccentral.org/a-progressive-twosome/) - A Brazilian duo called Máquina Voadora mixes dance rhythms from their home country with rock, jazz and soul overtones on a track called “A hospedaria dos jamais iluminados.” It goes in various directions musically, but it never fails to tie them all together. And quite tightly at that.
- [Balalaika Sisters Act: A Folk Revival From Sokolniki](https://worldmusiccentral.org/balalaika-sisters-act-a-folk-revival-from-sokolniki/) - Valentina Kostyukova feat. Vera Chekunova – Made in Sokolniki: Russian Balalaika Music (Antonovka Records, 2025) This album offers a curated selection of delightful traditional Russian balalaika tunes and songs, adapted from archival ethnographic recordings. The material is arranged for balalaika and vocals. Valentina Kostyukova, a professional balalaika player known for her stylistic range, is joined
- [Carl Meeks’ 1988 Album Weh Dem Fah Set for Digital Reissue July 18](https://worldmusiccentral.org/carl-meeks-1988-album-weh-dem-fah-set-for-digital-reissue-july-18/) - Carl Meeks - Weh Dem Fah (North Parade, 2025) Carl Meeks’ cult 1988 LP Weh Dem Fah, produced by Hugh “Redman” James, will be released digitally for the first time on July 18 via 17 North Parade. Originally issued during the peak of dancehall reggae, the album features nine tracks propelled by Meeks’ distinctive falsetto
- [Aynur Returns to New York with Kurdish Song and Spirit](https://worldmusiccentral.org/aynur-returns-to-new-york-with-kurdish-song-and-spirit/) - Aynur is set to perform at Peter Norton Symphony Space on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The celebrated Kurdish vocalist brings her powerful voice and deep-rooted musical traditions to the Manhattan stage. Known for combining Kurdish and Alevi heritage with modern forms, Aynur has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma, Kinan Azmeh, and others. Her concerts are cultural
- [Mariza Brings the Soul of Fado to BAM](https://worldmusiccentral.org/mariza-brings-the-soul-of-fado-to-bam/) - (headline image: fado singer Mariza - Photo by Miguel Angelo) Mariza is set to perform at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The internationally renowned fado singer returns to New York with music from her latest album, Amor, which celebrates 25 years of honoring and evolving Portugal’s signature sound. Born in
- [Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto Create Musical Flow with Djiyo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ablaye-cissoko-and-cyrille-brotto-create-musical-flow-with-djiyo/) - (headline image: Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto - Photo by Cedrick Not) Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto are set to perform at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on Friday, January 30, 2026. The celebrated Senegalese kora player joins forces with French accordionist Cyrille Brotto in support of their latest release Djiyo (“water”). Their collaboration combines
- [DakhaBrakha Returns with Their Unstoppable “Ethno-Chaos”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/dakhabrakha-returns-with-their-unstoppable-ethno-chaos/) - (headline image: DakhaBrakha - Photo by Vitaliy Vorobyov) DakhaBrakha is set to perform at Pioneer Works on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Formed at Kyiv’s DAKH Center for Contemporary Art, the Ukrainian quartet fuses traditional folk instruments and melodies with global rhythms and theatrical elements. Known for their electrifying performances and visual aesthetic, DakhaBrakha continues to
- [Ukrainian Music as Spiritual Resistance in the UK](https://worldmusiccentral.org/ukrainian-music-as-spiritual-resistance-in-the-uk/) - (Headline image: a photo of a Ukrainian bandura. Trembita brand.) Ukrainian music is more than mere art, it is the living voice of a nation, echoing through pain and hope, piercing the darkness of war and leading towards light. Within each melody and lyric resides the memory of home, the dream of victory, and the
- [“The World Stood By” Channels Tigray’s Grief, Grace, and Global Neglect](https://worldmusiccentral.org/the-world-stood-by-channels-tigrays-grief-grace-and-global-neglect/) - Tigray Tears - The World Stood By (Toy Gun Murder, 2025) On Tigray Tears' The World Stood By, a cast of exiled Tigrinya-language singers transforms raw anguish into stripped-down, soul-deep protest. Recorded by producer Ian Brennan in Addis Ababa and Amhara during the fragile aftermath of Ethiopia’s civil war, the album offers the testimony of
- [World Music Institute Launches 40th Anniversary Season for Fall/Winter 2025–26](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-institute-launches-40th-anniversary-season-for-fall-winter-2025-26/) - World Music Institute (WMI) marks its 40th anniversary with a new season celebrating world music and dance in New York City. The Fall/Winter 2025–26 program features returning artists, emerging talents, and tributes to the organization’s legacy and founders. Executive Director Gaby Sappington announced the first half of the season, highlighting a new Legacy Series that
- [Madrid Folk Quartet Xara Wins Runas 2025](https://worldmusiccentral.org/madrid-folk-quartet-xara-wins-runas-2025/) - (headline image: Xara. Photo courtesy of Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira) Folk group Xara, based in Madrid and influenced by traditional Asturian music, has won the 2025 edition of the Concurso Runas, earning a coveted spot at the 2026 Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira. The final, held Thursday, July 10 on
- [Cierzo Lento – A Modern Take on Aragonese Tradition](https://worldmusiccentral.org/cierzo-lento-a-modern-take-on-aragonese-tradition/) - Idoipe - Cierzo Lento (self release, 2021) Cierzo Lento was the debut full-length album by Spanish musician Idoipe. The self-produced LP combines electronica with traditional Aragonese music across eight tracks. Idoipe contributes vocals, bandurria (a plucked Spanish string instrument), recorder, and traditional percussion, which form the foundation of his music. In addition, he adds electronic
- [Frankie Paul's Sizzling Returns to Heat Up Digital Platforms](https://worldmusiccentral.org/frankie-pauls-sizzling-returns-to-heat-up-digital-platforms/) - Frankie Paul - Sizzling (VP Records/17 North Parade, 2025) VP Records and 17 North Parade continue their reissue series highlighting 1980s feel-good dancehall reggae with Sizzling, Frankie Paul’s 1988 LP produced by Kenneth “Skengdon” Black. The ten-track release joins the label’s growing archive of classic productions now available on digital platforms. Sizzling compiles several of
- [Borderless Voices: Horzines Stara Pushes Limits on Bords de Terre – Dubhe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/borderless-voices-horzines-stara-pushes-limits-on-bords-de-terre-dubhe/) - Horzines Stara - Bords de Terre – Dubhe (Vlad Productions / InOuïe Distribution, 2022) Horzines Stara’s 2022 release Bords de Terre – Dubhe (Edge of the Earth - Dubhe) is the product of four years of musical research. The album reflects the group’s commitment to challenging boundaries, geographic, emotional, generational, and stylistic. It draws inspiration
- [Grecia Albán Weaves South American Folklore Into the Future](https://worldmusiccentral.org/grecia-alban-weaves-south-american-folklore-into-the-future/) - Grecia Albán – Nubes Selva (Folkalist Records, 2025) Charmind Ecuadorian singer and songwriter Grecia Albán makes her label debut with Nubes Selva (“Cloud Jungle”), an album that reimagines South American folk through a contemporary lens. Nubes Selva interweaves enticing traditional rhythms with modern production, combining voices, drums, guitars, horns, synthesizers, and samples. All this exemplifies
- [Tondini Reimagines Bosnian sevdah songs through a disco-infused electronic dance music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tondini-reimagines-bosnian-sevdah-songs-through-a-disco-infused-electronic-dance-music/) - Tondini - Tondini plays Mostar Sevdah Reunion - Disko 088 (Snail Records, 2025) Electronic producer Tondini presents Disko 088, a collaborative, joyful and hip-shaking concept album built on the songs of Mostar Sevdah Reunion. Tondin produced it along woth with Dragi Šestić to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary. As a consequence, the project reimagines classic

## Pages

- [Peruvian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/peruvian-music/) - Peru is located in western South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Peruvian Musical Genres Landó - A Peruvian dance and song with its origins from a dance in Angola called "londu" that came with the slaves when they arrived in Brazil from Angola. Even today, the "londo" exists in Brazil. The Peruvian
- [Ethiopian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ethiopian-music/) - Ethiopia is located in Eastern Africa, bordering Sudan, Eritrea, Jibuti, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The Amharic language is the official language of the Republic of Ethiopia. It is also spoken in Eritrea. The Amharic language is popular with many reggae musicians, who are Rastafarians. They learn Amharic because they consider it to be a
- [Dominican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/dominican-music/) - The Dominican Republic is an island nation located in the Caribbean. It occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola and shares a border with Haiti. Dominican Music The Dominican Republic is home to a diverse musical culture that derives from Spanish, African and indigenous Taino musical influences. Some of the musical genres include
- [Musical Instrument Glossary V](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-v/) - Valiha - Zither traditionally made of a bamboo tube strung with metal (or rarely bamboo) strings stretched lengthwise all around the tube. Madagascar. Vanlig fele - The vanlig fele refers to the common violin in Norway. In the ancient Norse literature of the years 800 to 1350, an instrument called fidla is referred to. This
- [Musical Instruments of the World Glossary - D](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-d/) - Dabakan - A goblet-shaped drum from the southern Philippines. Dadaiko - Large barrel drum. It is usually around two meters in diameter. Japan. Daf - The daf is a frame drum found in the Middle East and North Africa. The daf is equipped with metal rings (jingles) on the inside which add a jingle effect
- [Musical Instrument Glossary](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/) - An alphabetical list of musical instruments from across the planet.
- [Egyptian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/egyptian-music/) - Egypt is located in northern Africa, bordering Libya, the Mediterranean Sea, the Gaza Strip, Israel, the Red Sea and Sudan. The Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts Makan was created in 2002 to safeguard Egypt’s disappearing traditional music through documentation, performance, and education. Since then, the center has developed an extensive archive of hundreds of
- [World Music Booking agents](https://worldmusiccentral.org/booking-agents/) - Booking agents Booking agents, or talent agents, are the official representatives of musicians, ensembles, bands, and orchestras for the purposes of touring. They arrange live performances for the artists. In some cases, artist managers also perform the duty of booking agent. The agencies listed below specialize in, or include, world music (traditional or contemporary roots
- [Musical Instrument Glossary J](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-j/) - Jalatharangam - A set of porcelain bowls filled with water and struck with sticks that sounds similar to a xylophone. India. Jaleika - A wind instrument from Tver. It is made from reed-tipped cow horn. Russia. Janggu - hourglass-shaped drum used in traditional and contemporary Korean music. Jarana - An 8-10 string guitar from the
- [Zimbabwean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/zimbabwean-music/) - Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Zimbabwean Musical Genres Chimurenga - Popular style of music from the Shona people of Zimbabwe developed by Thomas Mapfumo in the 1980s. It is based on the sound of the mbira. Chumurenga means "liberation struggle music." The mbira is a thumb
- [Contact Us](https://worldmusiccentral.org/contact-us/) - To contact World Music Central, use this email address: Album Submissions If you would like to submit any albums, please send us CD physical copies (preferred option). For digital albums, the preferred option is AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format). Please include a press release and an album cover at least 800 pixels large. World Music
- [About](https://worldmusiccentral.org/about/) - An online world music magazine and resources website.
- [Cuban Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/cuban-music/) - The Republic of Cuba is an island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 kilometers south of Key West, Florida (United States of America) Cuban Musical Genres Casino is a type of Cuban dance, in which couples dance choreographed circles, twists and sexy movements. It is a predecessor of salsa dance. Cha
- [Brazilian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/brazilian-music/) - Brazil is located in eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Northeastern Brazilian Music In the 20th century, mass migrations from the northeast introduced forró to Brazilian cities in the south. One of the most famous of these migrants was
- [Musical Instrument Glossary F](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-f/) - Fa’atete - Tahitian short drum covered with a tight, single membrane. It is played with two sticks. Fandromboa - Two pieces of wood struck together. Madagascar. Fiddle - The term used in traditional American music (bluegrass, country, blues, old time, etc.) for a violin. Firikyiwa - Thumb bell. A round hollow iron shell worn on
- [Musical Instrument Glossary C](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-c/) - Cabasa - South American rattle. It’s a stainless steel cylinder with metal ball chains wrapped around it, which are scraped against it. Cabrette - Bagpipe from Auverne. Also known as Cabreta. France. Cadenas - Cadenas means chains in Spanish. The iron chains are used as a percussion instrument. Spain. Caixa - A drum with springs
- [Musical Instruments of the World Glossary Page G](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-g/) - Gadulka - Fiddle played upright. It has three or four strings. Bulgaria. Gadje - Croatian bagpipe made of tanned sheep or goat leather. The gajdunica (chanter), dulac (blow pipe) and trubanj (drone) are made out of wood. Inside the bagpipe there are three single-blade reeds (one in the drone and two in the chanter). Wooden
- [Musical Instrument Glossary B](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-b/) - Babandir - small "timekeeper" gong. The Philippines. Babatoni – a one-string bass instrument from Malawi. Babi - Single tree leaf of the Hani community of Yunnan, China. Source: Laurent Jeanneau. Bachi - General term for drum sticks in Japanese music. Bada - Gourd drum made from a large gourd with the top third cut off,
- [Turkish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/turkish-music/) - Directory of Turkish musicians
- [Venezuelan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/venezuelan-music/) - Venezuela is located in northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Venezuelan Music Los Llanos Orientales are massive plains that extend from Colombia into Venezuela. The mestizo communities that inhabit these savannas on the great Orinoco River are descendants of Spanish settlers, African slaves and indigenous
- [The Multifaceted World of Spanish Roots Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/spanish-music/) - Spain is located in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France. The Spanish territory includes mainland Spain in the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the enclaves of
- [Musical Instrument Glossary - M](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-m/) - Macetas - Spanish percussion instrument. These are ordinary clay flowerpots tuned with water and played with the hands or with mallets. Maceta means flowerpot in Spanish. Maddalam - Barrel drum from Kerala, made out of the wood of the jackfruit tree. India. Maeta - `Are`are wood blocks. Solomon Islands. Magu - Magu means didgeridoo in
- [Malaysian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/malaysian-music/) - Malaysia is located in Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam Malaysia is a multi-racial country that is strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia’s crossroad. Merchants from around the world traveled to Malaysia in search of
- [World Music Festivals](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/world-music-festivals/) - A directory of world music festivals.
- [World Music Resources](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/) - World Music World Music is an internationally accepted term that describes a series of musical genres from across the globe rooted in tradition. The category includes any form of traditional or contemporary folk music from any country in the world. Subcategories include traditional folk music, contemporary folk music, world jazz, global electronica or folktronica, and
- [Afghan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/afghan-music/) - Biographies and discographies of Afghan folk and classical musicians.
- [Chilean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/chilean-music/) - Chile is located in southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, bordering Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Chilean Music The traditional music of Chile is a combination of Spanish and indigenous influences. The cueca is the national dance of Chile. Violeta Parra (1917-1967), a popular folk singer-songwriter and musicologist, played an essential role in Chilean
- [Musical Instrument Glossary Q](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-q/) - Qarish - Central Asian flute. Qsiba - Small reed flute. Morocco. Qengkari - Small hand-gong used in traditional Korean music and dance. Qin - A plucked zither also known as guqin. China. Qromatica - Patented modification of the traditional tambin, or Fula flute, created by Canadian musician Sylvain Leroux. The Qromatica added three finger holes
- [Musical Instrument Glossary P](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-p/) - Paah' puu'suk'pi - Hopi water gourd drum. United States of America. Pahu - The pahu or pa'u is a Polynesian bass drum made out of hollowed out coconut trunks, covered by either stretched shark skin, ray or calf skin. The pahu is played with the palms and fingers of the hand. Variations include the heiau
- [Musical Instrument Glossary L](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-l/) - Labi - 6-holed bamboo flute of the Hani community of Yunnan, China. Source: Laurent Jeanneau. Lahe - 3-stringed small lute of the Hani community of Yunnan, China. Source: Laurent Jeanneau. Lahute - One-stringed instrument in the lute family, tuned in fifths. A folk instrument of the Kosovar Albanians. Lajas de piedra - Chips of stone.
- [Hungarian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/hungarian-music/) - The Republic of Hungary is located in Central Europe, northwest of Romania. Border countries: Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine. Traditional Hungarian Music In the late 1970s, a dance house folk music movement took place in Hungary. Ferenc Sebô and Béla Halmos, members of Sebô Band, visited remote villages in Transylvania and elsewhere where
- [Musical Instrument Glossary K](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-k/) - Kabaro - Popular single or double-headed drum. Played with the hands. Also known as kebaro or kebero. Ethiopia. Kabosy - A short lute in the shape of a box. Madagascar. Kaen - Thai mouth organ. Kagura suzu - A hand held bell tree composed of three levels of jingle bells. Japan. Kaiambarambo - A bundle
- [Musical Instrument Glossary T](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-t/) - Tabala - Large camel-skin drum. Mauritania. Tabla 1. A pair of Indian classical music drums. The smaller, higher-pitched one is called the tabla. The other, larger bass drum is called bayan. Both have a head made from two layers of goat skin. Acclaimed tabla players include Zakir Hussain, Bickram Ghosh, Anindo Chatterjee, Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari,
- [Palestinian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/palestinian-music/) - Palestine is located in the Middle East and consists of occupied territories in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian Musical Genres imlolaah (also imlolah, imlalah) - Traditional Palestinian genre largely reserved for women. The onomatopoeia derives from the repeated addition of the letter ‘L’ between consonants. (source: Reem Kelani). Palestinian Musicians Adel SalamehAdnan JoubranIssa BoulosLe
- [Puerto Rican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/puerto-rican-music/) - Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic. It is an an unincorporated territory of the United States. Puerto Rican Music The city of Ponce is the birthplace of the genre called plena and also some of the most celebrated Puerto Rican musicians in recent history, including
- [Musical Instrument Glossary I](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-i/) - Iakitxá - A meter-long indigenous trumpet played by the Fulnios Indians of Pernambuco. Brazil. Ibeka - Thumb piano of the Kalai (Bakelle) people. Gabon. Icheche - Igede shakers made from woven straw and leather that are filled with pebbles. Nigeria. Ichigenkin - Smallest of the Japanese kotos. It has one string stretched over a slender
- [Argentine Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/argentine-music/) - Argentina is located in southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay. In the 1990s, singer Soledad Pastorutti, who was in her late teens, revolutionized the folk music scene of her country. She introduced the genre to the younger generations Argentine musical genres The Chacarera is an Andean folk dance from
- [Somali Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/somali-music/) - Somali traditional music has been passed down through generations and is still alive today. This music has its roots in the Somali people's nomadic lifestyle, which has been shaped by their environment and culture. In Somali tradition, poetry is given more prestige than music, as demonstrated by the fact that poets are primarily remembered for
- [Russian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/russian-music/) - Russia is a large transcontinental country located in Europe and Asia, bordering numerous nations in Europe, Central Asia and East Asia. Introduction to Russian Music Despite the fact that the hallmark of Russian ethno-music to the world is the group Huun-Huur-Tu from Tuva Republic, the Russian territory is home to about 40 indigenous peoples in
- [Guinea Bissauan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/guinea-bissau-music/) - The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal. Jeli Culture in Guinea-Bissau The jelis, also known as griots, are traditional troubadours originating in West Africa. These wandering minstrels have been a crucial part of the country's cultural heritage for centuries, serving as the keepers of
- [Musical Instrument Glossary A](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-a/) - Abeng - an animal horn used as trumpet in Ghana. In Haiti and Jamaica, the trumpet is made from a cow's horn. Accordion- A free reed instrument with a keyboard. It was developed in Saxony (Germany) and Bohemia (Czech Republic) and is now common throughout the world in many traditions. Various types include piano and
- [Jamaican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/jamaican-music/) - Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba In the late 1950s, Edward Seaga founded the label WIRL (West Indies Recording Limited) and signed Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Slim Smith, along with the duo Joe Higgs and Roy Wilson, who scored the massive 1959 ska hit "Manny Oh"
- [Greek Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/greek-music/) - The Hellenic Republic of Greece is located in southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey. Greek Musical Genres Rebetiko [also spelled rembetiko and rebetika], the “Greek blues”, is a musical genre that lies at the crossroads of East and West, an apt reflection of the region
- [Colombian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/colombian-music/) - Colombia is located in northwestern South America and shares borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Colombian Music Los Llanos Orientales are vast plains that stretch from Colombia into Venezuela. The mestizo people that inhabit these savannas on the great Orinoco River are descendants of Spanish settlers, African slaves and indigenous people (also known
- [Algerian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/algerian-music/) - Biographies and discographies of Algerian musicians.
- [Musical Instrument Glossary R](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-r/) - Rabab -Short-necked fiddle from North Africa that is used in classical Arabic music. It is also found in India, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Latin America under different names such as rebab, rbab soussi, rababa, rebaba, rababah, rabel, rabé, rebel, rabil, raben, rabec, rebec, rabeca, rebeca, rebeb, rebeba, rabebillo, rebequim, rabequim, rabecao, arrabil,
- [Musical Instrument Glossary N](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-n/) - Nabal - Straight brass horn, about 114 cm long, used in Korean nongak rural traditional music as well as daechwita (military processions). The nabal signals the beginning and end of nongak performances. Also known as napal. Nagado-daiko - Long-bodied drum with a body made out of wood and cow-skin head. Also known as miya daiko
- [Norwegian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/norwegian-music/) - Norway is located in northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden. Norwegian folk Music Norway is a small country where individual artists can have an decisive effect on the development of folk music. The fact that musicians from different musical spheres are interested in the Norwegian folk music
- [Musical Instrument Glossary S](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-s/) - International musical instrument glossary. Instruments that begin with the letter s.
- [Musical Instrument Glossary H](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-h/) - Hachi - Japanese cymbals used in Buddhist ceremonies. Hackbräde - Swedish hammered dulcimer. Haegum - Korean two-string spiked fiddle. The haegum appears in four sizes, just like in the western fiddle family. The three smaller sizes are called so haegum, chung haegum and tae haegum. The largest version is called cho haegum. Häjedalspipa - Swedish
- [Indian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/indian-music/) - The Republic of India is located in southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Myanmar (Burma) and Pakistan. Indian Music Two music traditions co-exist in India, that of the North (Hindustani) and of the South (Carnatic). They share the same basic systems but differ greatly in the instruments used, by
- [Musical Instrument Glossary Z](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-z/) - Zaabia - A small gourd rattle of the Dagomba people. Ghana. żafżava - Maltese friction drum. Zambomba - Ancient friction drum made out of clay or wood, used in Christmas songs. Also known as pandorga. Spain. Zampogna - Neapolitan bagpipe with 2 drones and 2 conical chanters. Italy. Zampoña - Andean pan flute. Peru, Bolivia,
- [Papuan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/papuan-music/) - Papua New Guinea is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Traditional musical instruments include the hollowed log; the garamut slit-drum; water gongs; kundu (generic name for drums) in various forms, cylindrical, conical, or hourglass; paired flutes; kanggur (gourd horns); kurudu (wooden trumpets); dige (long bamboo trumpets); bamboo mouth harps; wooden stomping tubes;
- [Sao Tomean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/sao-tomean-music/) - Sao Tome and Principe (São Tomé e Príncipe) is an African island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea in the eastern Atlantic, west of Gabon. The islands have a small, diverse population. Residents include Creoles, descendants of Portuguese colonists and African slaves, Cape Verdean and Mozambican contract laborers working on the island’s coffee and
- [Mongolian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/mongolian-music/) - Mongolia is located in northern Asia, between China and Russia Traditional Mongolian Music Mongolian music greatly differs from Western music. A dissimilar thought system and way of perceiving time and space constituted the foundation for the development of different musical traditions in Mongolia and in the West. Traditional Mongolian music displays great internal diversity determined
- [Iranian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/iranian-music/) - Iran is located in western Asia, bordering Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Iranian Music and Genres Classical Persian Music Advar Advar (Cycle) is a rhythmic form used for centuries as a foundation of composition in Iranian music and some other music cultures in the Middle East. The approach to this concept is
- [American Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/american-music/) - Introduction to American roots music. Biographies and discographies of American musicians involved in world music or roots music.
- [Moroccan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/moroccan-music/) - The Kingdom of Morocco is located in northwestern Africa. Berber Music Berbers, the original inhabitants of Morocco, are world famous for their biting and stimulating rhythms, which inspired today's trance music. The Hungarian composer Béla Bartók went to Morocco to make field recordings and the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin made albums with local musicians.
- [Ukrainian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ukrainian-music/) - Ukraine is located in eastern Europe, bordering Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus, Russia, the Black Sea, Moldova and Romania. Typically, traditional Ukrainian music is divided into one of two broad categories: ritual and non-ritual. Ritual folk songs are normally older and include incantations, lamentations, calendar songs, and wedding songs. Non-ritual songs include dumy, or historical and
- [Japanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/japanese-music/) - Japan is located in Eastern Asia. It is an island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula. Tsugaru-shamisen The words Tsugaru-shamisen denote both an ancient folk idiom whose origins hark back to a snowy, rural region of northern Japan, and to the rustic, banjo/lute-like instrument on
- [Nigerian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/nigerian-music/) - The Federal Republic of Nigeria is located in western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. Nigerian Musical Genres Afrobeat - One of Nigeria's most influential musical genres since the 1970s is Afrobeat. It's a fusion of highlife, jazz, and Nigerian African percussion characterized by frequent jams, abundant percussion and the use
- [Pakistani Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/pakistani-music/) - The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is bordered to the north by China, west by Afghanistan and Iran, east by India, and south by the Arabian Sea. Qawwali Music Qawwali is a musical tradition that dates back to the late 13th century. It is characteristically associated with Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam propagated throughout the
- [Sudanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/sudanese-music/) - Sudan is located in eastern Africa, bordering Libya, Egypt, the Red Sea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, The Central African Republic and Chad. For centuries, Sudan has been a significant crossroads between African and Arabic music. The Nile River runs through the country; it is regarded as the lifeblood of the region. Sudanese music is the
- [Ugandan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ugandan-music/) - Uganda is located in East African, bordering South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Ugandan Musicians Bernard KabandaGeoffrey OryemaLawrence OkelloMaurice KiryaSamiteSarah NdagireSebunjo Joel Ugandan Musical Instruments Ugandan musical instruments include: ennanga (harp); endongo (lyre); adungu (arched harp); endere (notched flute); endingidi (1-stringed violin); amadinda (xylophone); likembe (thumb piano); embaire (log
- [Malian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/malian-music/) - The Republic of Mali is in Western Africa, southwest of Algeria. Border countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal. Mali is a country known for its jalis (or jelis), oral historians also known as griots and the traditions of the kora (West African harp), the ngoni lute and bala (west African xylophone),
- [Chinese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/chinese-music/) - China is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam. Chinese musical genres Taoist music - In China, Taoism, including its music, was originally taught from master to pupil, from generation to generation. According to historical archives, the Taoist temples in
- [Azerbaijani Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/azerbaijani-music/) - The Republic of Azerbaijan is located in southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range. Mugam from Azerbaijan – Mystical Songs The mugam classical music of Azerbaijan (similar to the related Arab-Persian maqam) is shaped by the complex modal system that bears the
- [Finnish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/finnish-music/) - Finland is located in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Sweden, Norway and Russia. Finnish music One of the biggest bodies of work about Finnish music was carried out by Erkki Ala-Konni (1911-1996), the legendary professor of the Department of Folk Tradition (nowadays Department of Music Anthropology) at the University of Tampere. Ala-Konni collected around
- [Armenian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/armenian-music/) - Armenia is a former Soviet republic in the Caucasus, bordered by Georgia in the north, Azerbaijan in the east, Turkey in the west and Iran in the south. It is in a region between Asia and Europe. Armenian Music The duduk double-reed woodwind is Armenia's most famous musical instrument. It's made of apricot wood and
- [Angolan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/angolan-music/) - Biographies and discographies of Angolan musicians.
- [Latvian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/latvian-music/) - Latvia is located in Eastern Europe, bordering Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Latvian Music The resurgence of the folklore movement in Latvia began in the early 1980s. At the time the movement was more of a political statement than a musical trend. Singing and plying was inevitably linked to Latvian history, archeology, ethnography, mythology and
- [Albanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/albanian-music/) - Albanian folk music and artist biographies
- [Musical Instrument Glossary Y](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-y/) - Yanggum - Hammered dulcimer. Korea. Yaogu - Temple or flower drum. China. Yaraki - One of the aboriginal names for the didjeridu. Australia. Yataga - A 13-stringed Mongolian and Buryat plucked zither constructed as a box with a convex rectangular surface and an end bent towards the ground. The yataga resembles an elongated harp laid
- [Musical Instrument Glossary X](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-x/) - Xafoon - A small bamboo saxophone made in Maui (Hawaii) by saxophonist Brian Wittman. Xalam - Traditional musical instrument from West Africa with 1-5 strings. The xalam name is used in the Serer language. It is also known as khalam in Wolof. Similar instruments are found throughout West Africa. Xel-xuur - Mouth harp made out
- [Musical Instrument Glossary U](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-u/) - Ubah - A low-pitched Igede wooden drum, covered with skin at one end. Nigeria. Ubo - Igbo thumb piano made with a decorated gourd. Nigeria. Ud - Short-necked Middle Eastern and North African pear-shaped lute with 11-13 strings. It is one of the most important instruments in Arabic, Turkish and Persian classical music. There are
- [Portuguese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/portuguese-music/) - Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain. Fado The impassioned fado is Portugal's best-known musical genre. For an in depth look at fado, read: The Passionate Story of Fado. Madeiran Music For a long time, Madeiran traditional music was a forgotten pearl. It existed only in the oral
- [Store](https://worldmusiccentral.org/store/) - World Music Central Store You can find most of the recordings, books, videos and other items we review in the Amazon store. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- [Yemeni Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/yemeni-music/) - Yemen is a country located in the middle East, bordering Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. Yemeni Musicians Badavi Zubayr
- [Western Sahara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/western-sahara/) - The Western Sahara in located in northwestern Africa, bordering Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Atlantic Sea. It is a disputed territory under Moroccan control. Saharawi Musicians Aziza Brahim (interview)Baba Salama SaidMariem Hassan
- [Vietnamese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/vietnamese-music/) - Vietnam is located in southeast Asia, bordering Cambodia, Laos, China and Pacific Ocean. Vietnamese Musicians Hà Nội DuoKhac ChiPhong NguyenThomas Thuân Dang Vu
- [Jordanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/jordanian-music/) - Jordan is located in the Middle East, bordering Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Jordanian Musicians: Farah SirajNaser MusaRuba Saqr
- [Showcases](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/showcases/) - The following are showcases of special interest to traditional and contemporary world music artists. Showcases are usually short concerts designed to expose new or little known artists to music industry professionals. Atlantic Music Expo Babel Med EXIB Música Folk Alliance globalFest Mundial Montreal Porto Musical South By Southwest Without Borders WOMEX
- [Uruguayan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/uruguayan-music/) - Uruguayan Musical Genres Uruguay is located in southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina (west) and Brazil (east). Candombe defines both a rhythm and a dance of African origin from Uruguay. It is derived from the Bantu words ka and ndonge, which means a "meeting of blacks." Tango - although commonly associated
- [Tunisian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/tunisian-music/) - Tunisia is located in northern Africa, bordering Algeria, the Mediterranean Sea and Libya. Musical genres include a nearly forgotten form of trance music called Stambeli. This music was performed in the isolated mountainous region of Seliana, in northwest Tunisia Tunisian Artists Amina AnnabiAmine and Hamza M’RaihiAnouar BrahemDhafer YoussefEmel MathlouthiLamia BediouiLotfi BouchnakSmadj (Jean-Pierre Smadja)Sonia Mbarek Related
- [Trinidadian and Tobagan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/trinidadian-and-tobagan-music/) - The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a group of islands located in the Caribbean between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela. Steel Bands In the many years since the steel pan was invented in Trinidad, it has become a symbol of politics, religion, and class-struggle. Every year, just before
- [Togolese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/togolese-music/) - Togo is located in West Africa, bordering Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin and the Gulf of Guinea. Togolese Music and Dance Togo has more than two hundred different traditional and folk dances. Some of these include: Kpehouhuon - a warlike dance of rich colors and great artistic quality, much appreciated by the public.Jokoto - a royal
- [Tibetan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/tibetan-music/) - Directory if Tibetan musicians
- [Tanzanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/tanzanian-music/) - Tanzania is located in eastern Africa, bordering Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Lake Victoria, Kenya, the Indian Ocean, Mozambique, Malawi Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tanzanian Musical Genres Taraab - A form of classical Arabic music developed in East Africa, especially rooted in Zanzibar (Tanzania). Arabic music was transported to East Africa by merchants through
- [Tajik Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/tajik-music/) - Tajikistan is located in Central Asia and shares borders with Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Tajik Music Shashmaqam is the best known of a series of classical vocal and instrumental repertories that flourished in the great cities of Central Asia: Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent, Khiva, Qoqand. The roots of Shashmaqam are linked most strongly with historically
- [Taiwanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/taiwanese-music/) - Taiwan is located in eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China. Taiwanese Musicians Betel Nuts BrothersInka MbingLin Sheng-xiangLo SirongMia HsiehShu-ni TsouTang-Hsuan LoWild Fire Music Troupe
- [Syrian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/syrian-music/) - Directory of Syrian musicians
- [Swiss Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/swiss-music/) - Switzerland is located in Central Europe, bordering France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Swiss Musicians 1001 WaysAndreas BaerCaroline TalloneCorazon LatinoEnsemble KaboulGregoire MaretMercadonegro
- [Swedish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/swedish-music/) - Sweden is located in northern Europe, between Finland and Norway. Musical Instruments The nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish instrument that has been played, in one form or another, for more than 600 years and barely escaped extinction in the mid-1900s. Interest in the nyckelharpa and its music exploded all over the world in recent years,
- [Surinamese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/surinamese-music/) - Surinamese Musical Genres Kawina - A type of Creole folk music from Surinam, related to winti. Kawina arose at the end of the 19th century after the abolition of slavery in 1863. At the beginning of the 20th century kawina developed into a major form of popular music for people from the city and the
- [South African Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/south-african-music/) - South Africa is located in southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and the Indian Ocean. In their quest for separation of the races the former apartheid regime in South Africa inadvertently laid the basis for a significant music archive. The original thinking behind the recordings made by the
- [Slovenian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/slovenian-music/) - Slovenia is located in Central Europe, bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. In 2017, the Slovenian Music Information Center (SIGIC) released a compilation with the leading world music (including traditional and contemporary folk music acts) acts in Slovenia. The album, titled Tuning Into the World, provided an opportunity to lend an ear to the musical
- [Slovak Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/slovak-music/) - Slovak musicians, musical instruments and folk and world music genres.
- [Sierra Leone Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/sierra-leone-music/) - Sierra Leone is located in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, Guinea and Liberia. Sierra Leone Musicians Abdul Tee-Jay Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
- [Senegalese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/senegalese-music/) - Senegal is located in western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. Senegalese Musicians AfricandoAlain Alioune Agbo & Yvan AgboAlioune KasséAmadou FallBaaba MaalCheikh LôCheikh M'Baye and Sing Sing RhythmDaby BaldeDjanbutu ThiossaneDjibril N'diaye RoseDjimo KouyateDoudou N'Diaye RoseEl Hadj N'DiayeFallou DiengIbrahim Fall Diagne TchokooIbrahima BaIdrissa DiopIsmael LoLes Freress GuisseMalick Pathe SowMaria de BarrosMeissaMeta DiaNuru
- [Romanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/romanian-music/) - Romania is located in eastern Europe, bordering Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. Gypsy Music Romanian Gypsy musicians are known as the Lautari. They pass on their musical heritage from father to son for generation. They earn the basis of their livelihood through engagements at weddings, baptisms and other festive events. The failing economy of
- [Polish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/polish-music/) - Poland is located in eastern Europe, bordering Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Germany. Traditional musical instruments include burczybas (friction drum), hurdy gurdys (lira, lira kręcona, lira dziadowska, lira żebracza, lira wiejska), ligawka (long shepherd's horn), koza (bagpipe), kozioł (bagpipe), mazanki (fiddle), suka (fiddle), taraban (double headed skin drum), złóbcoki (carved fiddle) and
- [Panamanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/panamanian-music/) - Panama is located in southern Central America bordering Costa Rica and Colombia. Panamanian Musicians: Danilo PérezRubén Blades
- [Nigerien Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/nigerien-music/) - Niger is located in western Africa, bordering Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. Nigerien Musicians Abdoulaye Alhassane ToureBombinoEtran FinatawaLes Filles de IllighadadToumast
- [New Zealand Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/new-zealand-music/) - New Zealand is an island nation located in the southwest Pacific. Songs are called waiata by the Maori natives. Song styles include oriori (lullabies), waiata aroha (love songs) and waiata tangi (laments). Traditional Maori musical instruments include kōauau (short flute), nguru (small vessel flute), rehu (long flute), pūmotomoto (long flute), pōrutu (longer version of the
- [Nepalese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/nepalese-music/) - Nepal is located in South Asia, bordering India and China. Traditional music includes dohori, maithili, tamang selo, newa, sSalaijo, kauda, sorathi and chyabrung. Musical instruments include the damphu drum, tungna (lute), and dhime (drum). Nepalese Musicians Ani Choying DrolmaPeace Culture Group
- [Mozambican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/mozambican-music/) - Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania. Musical genres include marrabenta, timbila (named after the musical instrument), mapiko, and pandza. Musical instruments include the timbila wooden xylophone, the mbira and xitende (1-string musical bow). Mozambican Music Compilations Music from Mozambique (Folkways Records, 1980), Music from Mozambique, Vol.
- [Moldovan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/moldovan-music/) - Moldova is located in Eastern Europe and shares borders with Romania and Ukraine. Traditional musical instruments include the cimbalom, cimpoi, cobza, davul, kaval, nai (pan flute) and zongora. Moldovan Musicians Anatol StefanetSergiu PopaTrigon
- [Mexican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/mexican-music/) - Mexico is located in North America, bordering the United States, Belize and Guatemala. Mexican Musical Genres Banda, an upbeat music with a fast tempo and a heavy horn section. In its most traditional incarnation, banda sounds similar to polka, with a stomping two-note beat, a r Huapango - The Mexican Huapango is a descendant of
- [Mauritanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/mauritanian-music/) - Mauritania is located in northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara. Mauritanian Music The music of the griots or troubadours of Mauritania is called Azawan, and is a truly scholarly form of music. It follows strict theory and is played by professional musicians who have undergone a long and specialist
- [Malagasy Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/malagasy-music/) - Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of Africa. Madagascar is a cultural melting pot due to the countless number of people who passed through the island during their migrations (Arabs, Indians, Indonesians, Africans and Europeans). Traditional Malagasy Music Tsireko is especially performed during the funeral rites of the most venerable
- [Macedonian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/macedonian-music/) - The Republic of North Macedonia in located in southeastern Europe, north of Greece. The most popular traditional music instruments include the gajda (bagpipe), šupelka (flute), kemane (3-string fiddle), tambura (long-necked lute), zurla (double-reed horn), tapan (drum), kaval (flute), and the accordion. Brass Band Tradition In Macedonia, the strength of the brass band tradition led the
- [Lithuanian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/lithuanian-music/) - Lithuania is located in Eastern Europe, bordering Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia. Lithuanian folk music instruments include skrabalai (tuned wooden bells), skudučiai (panpipe) and kanklės (box zither). Lithuanian Musicians Pavel GiunterSutaras
- [Lebanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/lebanese-music/) - Lebanon is located in the Middle East, bordering Syria and Israel. Lebanese Musicians Abboud Abdel’AlBassam SabaCharbel RouhanaClaude ChalhoubFairuzGeorges BarbarMaurice ChedidMarcel KhalifeMay NasrRagheb AlamaSouhail KasparWadih Al-Safi
- [Kyrgyz Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/kyrgyz-music/) - The Kyrgyz Republic is located in Central Asia, west of China. Kyrgyz Music Kyrgyz music is rooted in the sensibility of nomads who inhabit a magnificent landscape of mountains, lakes, and pristine grasslands. During the Soviet era, however, much of this music was lost or adapted to European musical ideals. Kyrgyz Musicians: Bakyt ChytyrbaevNurak AbdrakhmanovTengir-Too
- [Kuwaiti Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/kuwaiti-music/) - Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country located at the top of the Gulf, flanked by Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the north and Iran to the east. Kuwaiti Music Traditional music in Kuwait is a reflection of the country's diverse heritage. As a trading and pearling center, Kuwait attracted foreigners who left their
- [Korean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/korean-music/) - The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located in Eastern Asia. It occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Pansori Pansori is a form of musical storytelling of Korea. Pansori is performed by one singer (male or female) and one drummer. The drummer keeps the
- [Kenyan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/kenyan-music/) - Kenya is located in eastern Africa, bordering Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and stanza. Musical Genres Benga - In Luo, benga means something beautiful. Benga originated with Luo musicians coming from the area around Lake Victoria in western Kenya and was strongly influenced by the dance rhythms of the Lingala music of the Congo. Originally
- [Kazakh music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/kazakh-music/) - Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Kazakh musicians Ardak IssataevaUlzhan Baibussynova
- [Partners](https://worldmusiccentral.org/partners/) - World Music Central Partners WOMEX, the largest international annual gathering of world music professionals. Showcases, panels, conferences and trade show. Held in Europe in different locations. Transglobal World Music Chart, a monthly world music chart created by an international panel of world music writers and radio DJs.
- [Ghanaian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ghanaian-music/) - The Republic of Ghana is a country in West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Ghanaian Musical Instruments Ghanaian musical instruments include talking drums, atunpan, obrante (kpanlogo), kete, penpensiwa, gomme, fontonfrom, dawuro, blekete, dawuro, and seperewa, a traditional harp from the 18th century. Ghanaian rhythms Ghanaian rhythms include Nwomkro, Adowa, Kete,
- [Ivorian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ivorian-music/) - The Ivory Coast is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia. Ivorian Musical Genres Alloucou is a percussion driven musical genre from the region of Bété in the Ivory Coast. It inspired the popular dance music known as Zouglou. Coupé décalé is an upbeat sound of Ivory Coast, a
- [Italian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/italian-music/) - Italy is located in southern Europe, bordering France, Switzerland, Austrlia and Slovenia. Italian Musical Genres Pizzica - A popular dance from Salento, Italy. It is the precursor of the tarantella. The origin of the pizzica comes from the pizzicato, the bitten, farm workers that were bitten by the tarantula spiders. The pizzicate fell ill and
- [Israeli Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/israeli-music/) - Israeli Musicians Alaev familyAmos HoffmanAndraLaMoussiaBustan AbrahamChava AlbersteinDavid BrozaEmil ZrihanEssev BarFilfel GourgyHabrera HativitKol – Tof DuoLior ElmalehLubna SalameMuhammad Abu AjajNoaOfra HazaOri KaplanSameer MakhoulSara AlexanderSmadar LeviVira LozinskyYair DalalYasmin LevyYuval RonZohar Fresco
- [Iraqi Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/iraqi-music/) - Iraq is located in western Asia, bordering Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Iraqi Musicians Farida AliFawzy Al-AiedyIraqi Maqam EnsembleKazem Al-SaherMohammad GomarNaseer ShammaRahim Alhaj
- [Indonesian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/indonesian-music/) - The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago located in southeastern Asia, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Border countries: Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Indonesian Musical Genres Gamelan is a Javanese/Indonesian word for ensemble or orchestra. Traditionally, the Javanese gamelan was the basis of all Javanese performing arts: its music was essential
- [Honduran Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/honduran-music/) - Honduras is located in Central America with Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, bordering Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Garifuna music is found in the coastal Caribbean areas of Honduras. The most famous Garifuna artist in Honduras is Aurelio Martinez. Honduran Musicians Aurelio MartinezGuillermo AndersonJulio Zelaya
- [Guyanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/guyanese-music/) - Guyana is located in northern South America, bordering Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname. Guyanese Musicians Mad Professor
- [Serbian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/serbian-music/) - Serbia is located in eastern Europe, bordering Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Serbian Musicians Boban Markovic OrkestarBranco StoysinIvan TucakovLjiljana Buttler (obituary)Trio Balkan Strings
- [Haitian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/haitian-music/) - The Republic of Haiti is located in the Caribbean, occupying the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic. Haitian Musical Genres Compas - Dance genre that features brass, drums, guitars, bass and keyboards (also known as kompa) Rara is a form
- [Guinean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/guinean-music/) - Guinea is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Guinean Musicians Aboubacar CamaraAfrican VirtuosesAlpha Yaya DialloBa CissokoBembeya JazzEl Hadj Djeli Sory KouyateFode Lassana DiabateLes Espoirs De CoronthieMacire SyllaMomo Soumah (“Wandel”)Mory KanteN'Faly KouyatePrince DiabateSekou Diabate (“Diamond Fingers”)Sekouba Bambino Diabate
- [Guatemalan Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/guatemalan-music/) - Guatemala is located in Central America, south of Mexico. Guatemalan Music Garifuna music is one of the types of traditional music found in eastern Guatemala. Guatemalan Musicians Lenín FernándezMagda Angélica
- [German Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/german-music/) - The Federal Republic of Germany is located in Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark. Border countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. German Musicians 17 HippiesAnja LechnerCemîl QoçgîrîDaniel StelterDissidentenLulo ReinhardtRobert ZollitschRoman BunkaSarband
- [Georgian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/georgian-music/) - Georgia is a country in the Caucasus Mountains, between Europe and Asia. It shares borders with Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Georgian Musicians Hamlet GonashviliLela TataraidzeThe “Rustavi” Company
- [Czech Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/czech-music/) - The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is located in central Europe, bordering Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. On February 14th, 1990, the first shop and CD rental was opened under the name Indies on the Milady Horakove 25 street in Brno. After a year of the shop's existence, Indies Records label was founded with
- [French Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/french-music/) - The French Republic is located in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel in the west, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Spain, and the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast. France also has overseas territories that include French Guiana (South America), Guadeloupe (Caribbean), Martinique (Caribbean) and Reunion island in the Indian Ocean, east
- [Gambian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/gambian-music/) - Gambia is located in western Africa, bordered by Senegal. Traditionally, Gambian music was performer by jalis (griots). Jalis are singer-storytellers and instrumentalists who plays the kora, bala (balafon) and the bolonbata. Some famous jalis include Foday Musa Suso, Bai Konte, Papa Susso, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, Alhaji Bai Konte, Dembo Konte, Ma Lamini Jobate and Doudou
- [Filipino Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/filipino-music/) - The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeastern Asia, between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam and south of Taiwan. Filipino Music Ambahan music - highly developed traditional music and chanted poetry developed by the Hanunuo Mangyan of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Each poem consists of mostly seven-syllable lines that usually end
- [Estonian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/estonian-music/) - Directory of Estonian musicians
- [Danish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/danish-music/) - Denmark is a northern European country comprising the Jutland Peninsula and many islands. Copenhagen (København in Danish) is the capital of Denmark and the largest city in Scandinavia. As an important cultural and creative center in northern Europe, Copenhagen has an exciting world music scene. It is the home of World Music Denmark, an organization
- [Cape Verdean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/cape-verdean-music/) - Cape Verde is a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, 480 kilometers (300 miles) west of Senegal. Brief History The islands were uninhabited until the 1400s when the Portuguese navigators started to use Cape Verde as a trade base for ships moving goods and as their slaving stations on their way to
- [Canadian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/canadian-music/) - Canada is located in northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous United States of America Music in Canada Roots music in Canada includes the sound of the aboriginal inhabitants as well as the music
- [Costa Rican Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/costa-rican-music/) - Costa Rica is located in Central America. The Limón province in eastern Costa Rica is the home of Afro-Costa Rican culture. Calypso music is performed in the area. Costa Rican Music Costa Rican music is rooted in European musical traditions that arrived from Spain during the colonial and postcolonial period, Caribbean coastal Afro-roots music such
- [Cameroonian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/cameroonian-music/) - Cameroon is located in Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. Cameroon has produced lively dance music. The best known artist in the international scene is sax player Manu Dibango, whose 1970s hit song “Soul Makossa” became the first African song to reach the US top 40. Another well-known group
- [Uzbek Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/uzbek-music/) - The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, north of Afghanistan. Shares borders with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Uzbek Music The roots of Uzbek music go back to antiquity (4th century B.C.). It was Herodotus who wrote on the abundance of tribal songs and dances in the region that is currently Uzbekistan
- [Dutch Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/dutch-music/) - The Kingdom of Netherlands is located in Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, Germany and Belgium. In the summer of 2006, World Music Forum NL was founded as an open source for the Dutch world music sector. This network functioned as an easily accessible platform for labels, distributors, venues, media and educational institutions to advance
- [Irish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/irish-music/) - Ireland is located in Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. Irish Musicians Directory of musicians connected to Irish folk music or world music. Aine MinogueAlan KellyAltanAndy IrvineAnúnaAoife ClancyArty McGlynnBeginishBeogaBen SandsThe Bothy BandBreda SmythBrian Ó hEadhraBuilleCaoimhín VallelyCara DillonThe ChieftainsCiarán CurranCiarán TourishClannadCora SmythDamien StensonDanúDavid MunnellyDavy
- [Equatorial Guinean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/equatorial-guinean-music/) - Equatorial Guinea is located in Central Africa, bordering the Atlantic Sea, Cameroon and Gabon. Equatorial Guinean Musicians Hijas del Sol
- [Ecuadorian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/ecuadorian-music/) - Ecuador is located in northwestern South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Peru. Ecuadorian Musical Genres Andarele is a dance and musical genre of Afro-Colombian and Afro-Ecuadorean (in particular, from the province of Esmeraldas) origin. It is performed with marimba, bass drum, guaza, cununo drums ans and is sung by a soloist and chorus.
- [Croatian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/croatian-music/) - Croatia is located in southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Croatian Music Croatian Radiotelevision Tamburitza OrchestraEnsemble Lado - National Folk Dance Ensemble Of CroatiaKriesLidija BajukPatriaTamara Obrovac Croatian Music Books Playing It Dangerously - Tambura Bands, Race, and Affective Block in Croatia and Its Intimates by Ian MacMillen, Wesleyan
- [Comorian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/comorian-music/) - The Comoros is an archipelago near Africa’s east coast, in the Indian Ocean. There are two main musical genres found in the island: twarab and Comorian traditional music. Twarab (known as taarab in Zanzibar) is deeply influenced by the music of Zanzibar. Leading twarab artists include Sambeco (founded by Ahamada Mohamed), Belle Lumière, Chamsia Sagaf
- [Bosnian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/bosnian-music/) - Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in southeastern Europe, bordering Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Musical Genres Sevdah - This musical genre is characterized by various love moods: desire, hopeless, passion. Bosnian Artists Amira Medunjanin Divanhana
- [Bhutanese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/bhutanese-music/) - Bhutan is located in southern Asia, between China and India. Bhutanese Music Bhutan's traditional culture has continued fundamentally intact because of its remoteness from the rest of the world. Placed on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, its traditions are deeply rooted in Buddhism. Bhutanese Artists Druk Folk Musician
- [Cambodian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/cambodian-music/) - Cambodia is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. During the Khmer Rouge genocide in the late 1970s, an estimated ninety percent of Cambodian artists perished. Musical Genres Chapei (also spelled chapey) - Originally, the chapei tradition was transmitted by itinerant minstrel musicians, who wandered around towns, composing
- [Burundian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/burundian-music/) - Burundian Musicians Drummers of BurundiKhadja Nin
- [Beninese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/beninese-music/) - The Republic of Benin is located in Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo. Musical genres Agbadja is a rhythm hugely popular in Togo, Benin and Ghana, and is used mainly during burial ceremonies. It is based on three percussion instruments, each one of them with a different tone. Agbadja was
- [Burkinabe Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/burkinabe-music/) - Burkina Faso was once known as Upper Volta. It is located in western Africa, bordering Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Burkinabe Musicians Alif NaabaBadenya les Freres CoulibalyBurkina ElectricCheikh LoFarafinaFatoumata “Djeli Mama” Dembele
- [Bulgarian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/bulgarian-music/) - Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. Bulgarian Music Bulgarian vocal music is traditionally performed by women. Two groups of singers or two soloists alternate and complement one another. Probably the most distinctive feature of Bulgarian music is its immense rhythmical and metrical variety. It
- [British Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/british-music/) - Directory of British musicians connected to world music, including traditional folk music from the British Isles
- [Musical Instrument Glossary O](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-o/) - Oblente - Large standing drum. The principal drum of the Ga people. Ghana. Obonu - A set of hourglass royal drums from the Ashanti region West Africa. The obonu are played with stick during ceremonial and official occasions. They are also known as fontomfrom. Ghana. Obrenten - A single-headed, peg-tuned, hourglass-shaped master drum. Ghana. Ocarina
- [Belizean Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/belizean-music/) - Belize is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico. Garifuna music is one of the best-known types of music found in Belize. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Native Indians from the Caribbean. Belizean Musicians Andy PalacioDavid ObiGarifuna All Star BandMohobub FloresPaul NaborPen CayetanoRhodel "Rhodee" Castillo
- [Belgian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/belgian-music/) - The Kingdom of Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands. The city of Antwerp is located in Flanders. Antwerp is an ancient coastal city known for its commerce. A well-known cultural institution, the Wereldculturencentrum Zuiderpershuis (Centre for World Cultures) and the Sfinks World Music Festival have made
- [Belarusian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/belarusian-music/) - The Republic of Belarus, formerly a part of the Soviet Union, is surrounded by Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Covered largely by forests and lakes, it is rich in wildlife and crisscrossed by major rivers such as the Dnieper. Belarus can trace its origins back to when it was a district in
- [Bangladeshi music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/bangladeshi-music/) - Bangladesh in located in South Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Myanmar (Burma) and India. Baul Music Baul music is one of Bangladesh and India's most fascinating musical genres. The Baul are mystic minstrels, traditional poets, singers, and storytellers, from Bengal (eastern India and Bangladesh). With their flowing saffron robes, long jet black hair,
- [Austrian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/austrian-music/) - Austria is located in Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia and shares borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Austrian Musicians Marwan AbadoBallycottonGulay & The Ensemble ArasJoe ZawinulMarika Falk
- [Australian Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/australian-music/) - Australia is a continent in Oceania, between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Adelaide, in southern Australia, was designated in 2015 as City of Music in Australia and is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Adelaide is the home of WOMADelaide, Australia’s biggest world music festival. Australian Musicians Big Sky (Noel
- [Scottish Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/scottish-music/) - Biographies and discographies of Scottish musicians
- [Musical Instrument Glossary E](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-e/) - Eesti torupill - Estonian bagpipe. Edakka - An hourglass shaped drum beaten with one stick from Kerala. India. Egbong - A wooden drum with a baritone voice used by the Igede people of Nigeria. It forms a set of three with Okpirih and Ubah. Ekende - Congolese thumb piano with 9 iron tongues. Ekón -
- [Musical Instrument Glossary W](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/musical-instrument-glossary/musical-instrument-glossary-w/) - Wandindi -A one-string bowed lute. Also known as orutu. Kenya. Wa Patala -Curved wood xylophone with bamboo plates. Myanmar. Washboard -The washboard is a corrugated device, typically made of metal, for cleansing clothes. It is used as a rhythm instrument by scraping the board with a piece of metal, one's hand and nails, or other
- [Glossaries](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/glossaries/) - World Music Central's editors have compiled a set of glossaries related with world music. These include the flowing: Musical genre glossary (under construction)Musical instrument glossary, World Music Central's alphabetical glossary of international musical instruments.
- [Musician Biographies](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/) - A listing of musicians by country. Africa AlgeriaAngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonCape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadComorosDemocratic Republic of the CongoRepublic of the CongoIvory CoastEgyptEquatorial GuineaEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea BissauJibutiKenyaLesothoLiberiaLibyaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMauritiusMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaRwandaSao Tome and PrincipeSenegalThe SeychellesSierra LeoneSomaliaSouth AfricaSudanSwazilandTanzaniaTogoTunisiaUgandaSaharawi Arab Democratic RepublicZambiaZimbabwe Asia AfghanistanAzerbaijanBangladeshBahrainBruneiBhutanCambodiaChinaEast Timor (Timor-Leste)IndiaIndonesiaIraqIranIsraelJapanJordanKazakhstanKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLebanonMalaysiaMaldivesMongoliaMyanmar (Burma)NepalNorth KoreaOmanPakistanPalestinePhilippinesQatarSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSouth KoreaSri LankaSyriaTaiwanTajikistanThailandTurkeyTurkmenistanUnited Arab EmiratesUzbekistanVietnamYemen Caribbean ArubaCubaDominican RepublicHaitiJamaicaPuerto RicoTrinidad and Tobago Central America Belize Europe AlbaniaArmeniaBelarusBelgiumBosnia-HerzegovinaCzech RepublicDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyMacedoniaMoldovaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSlovakiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUK Middle
- [Congolese Music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/congolese-music/) - Congolese music includes music from the Republic of the Congo (former French Congo) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire and Belgian Congo). The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa. Popular musical genres include Congolese rumba and soukous. Soukous - Congolese musical genre that grew out of 1950s Cuban rumba
- [Music Contests](https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/music-contests/) - Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Songwriting contest dedicated to American roots and Americana music. www.MerleFest.org/CASC Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco de Córdoba Flamenco music contest held in Córdoba, Spain. The festival includes song, guitar and dance categories. www.nacionaldearteflamenco.es International Songwriting Competition An annual songwriting competition with cash and gear prizes. Covers multiple musical genres, including world
- [Venues](https://worldmusiccentral.org/venues/) - World Music Venues Music clubs, performing arts centers, cultural centers, universities, and other locations that present traditional and contemporary world music, Celtic music and other forms of roots music. Austria Sargfabrik Brazil Canada Cuba Casa de la Música Habana Casa de la Música Miramar France Cabaret Sauvage La Maroquinerie New Morning Germany Die Brotfabrik Haus
- [Links](https://worldmusiccentral.org/links/)

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## Tags

- [Reggae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/reggae/)
- [Afrobeat](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afrobeat/)
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- [Robert Plant](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/robert-plant/)
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- [Ethiojazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ethiojazz/)
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- [Chinese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chinese-music/)
- [Pakistani music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pakistani-music/)
- [Bio Ritmo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bio-ritmo/)
- [tango](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tango/)
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- [trance](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/trance/)
- [Afrocuban](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afrocuban/)
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- [son cubano](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/son-cubano/)
- [Bèlè](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bele/)
- [Martinique music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/martinique-music/)
- [Fahir Atakoglu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/fahir-atakoglu/)
- [Umbria Jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/umbria-jazz/)
- [Middle Eastern music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/middle-eastern-music/)
- [piano](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/piano/)
- [Eliza Carthy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/eliza-carthy/)
- [Karine Polwart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/karine-polwart/)
- [mestizo music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mestizo-music/)
- [Caribbean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/caribbean-music/)
- [Haitian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/haitian-music/)
- [Gualberto](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gualberto/)
- [Ricardo Miño](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ricardo-mino/)
- [Ariadna Castellanos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ariadna-castellanos/)
- [Saharawi music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/saharawi-music/)
- [Aziza Brahim](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aziza-brahim/)
- [violin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/violin/)
- [Mokoomba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mokoomba/)
- [Chilende](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chilende/)
- [Mukanda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mukanda/)
- [Korean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/korean-music/)
- [hulhyungeum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hulhyungeum/)
- [daegeum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/daegeum/)
- [taepyeongso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/taepyeongso/)
- [African music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/african-music/)
- [Ballake Sissoko](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ballake-sissoko/)
- [balafon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/balafon/)
- [New Orleans](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/new-orleans/)
- [Mardi Gras Indians](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mardi-gras-indians/)
- [South African music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/south-african-music/)
- [Afrika Mamas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afrika-mamas/)
- [a cappella](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/a-cappella/)
- [Mbube](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mbube/)
- [remix](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/remix/)
- [Dayme Arocena](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dayme-arocena/)
- [Octaves de la Musique](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/octaves-de-la-musique/)
- [awards](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/awards/)
- [Adana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adana/)
- [Turkish music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/turkish-music/)
- [Armenian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/armenian-music/)
- [duduk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/duduk/)
- [saz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/saz/)
- [meztizo music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/meztizo-music/)
- [The Long Road](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-long-road/)
- [Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sierra-leones-refugee-all-stars/)
- [Manno Charlemagne](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manno-charlemagne/)
- [western swing](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/western-swing/)
- [Hawaiian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hawaiian/)
- [rock and roll](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rock-and-roll/)
- [Armenia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/armenian/)
- [Kobani](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kobani/)
- [Yiddish music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/yiddish-music/)
- [Jewish music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jewish-music/)
- [Jamaican](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jamaican/)
- [soul](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/soul/)
- [Indian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/indian-music/)
- [Hebrew](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hebrew/)
- [Shye Ben Tzur](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/shye-ben-tzur/)
- [Jonny Greenwood](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jonny-greenwood/)
- [Rajasthan Express](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rajasthan-express/)
- [Radiohead](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/radiohead/)
- [world music charts](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/world-music-charts/)
- [Arabic music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/arabic-music/)
- [oud](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/oud/)
- [Quebecois](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/quebecois/)
- [Canadian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/canadian-music/)
- [Corsican polyphony](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/corsican-polyphony/)
- [Taiwanese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/taiwanese-music/)
- [erhu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/erhu/)
- [zhong ruan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zhong-ruan/)
- [Bollywood](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bollywood/)
- [Gnawa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gnawa/)
- [chaabi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chaabi/)
- [western classical music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/western-classical-music/)
- [Alif Naaba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alif-naaba/)
- [Autostrad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/autostrad/)
- [Jordanian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jordanian-music/)
- [Bombino](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bombino/)
- [Tuareg music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tuareg-music/)
- [Stranniki](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/stranniki/)
- [Russian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/russian-music/)
- [Slavic](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/slavic/)
- [gusli](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gusli/)
- [kalyuka](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kalyuka/)
- [jaleika](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jaleika/)
- [Aashish Khan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aashish-khan/)
- [sarod](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sarod/)
- [vodou](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vodou/)
- [maloya](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/maloya/)
- [gwoka](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gwoka/)
- [Tamil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tamil/)
- [Kenyan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kenyan-music/)
- [rocksteady](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rocksteady/)
- [ska](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ska/)
- [Bonnie Raitt](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bonnie-raitt/)
- [Flatt Lonesome](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/flatt-lonesome/)
- [Game of Thrones](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/game-of-thrones/)
- [Polish music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/polish-music/)
- [polka](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/polka/)
- [Tęgie Chłopy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tegie-chlopy/)
- [Cuban music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cuban-music/)
- [guajira](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/guajira/)
- [Eliades Ochoa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/eliades-ochoa/)
- [Maria Ochoa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/maria-ochoa/)
- [Romanian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/romanian-music/)
- [Jean Depara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jean-depara/)
- [Franco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/franco/)
- [soukous](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/soukous/)
- [Congolese rumba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/congolese-rumba/)
- [Zaire](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zaire/)
- [Democratric Republic of Congo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/democratric-republic-of-congo/)
- [Spanish music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/spanish-music/)
- [Guadi Galego](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/guadi-galego/)
- [Cristina Pato](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cristina-pato/)
- [La Banda Morisca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-banda-morisca/)
- [Davide Salvado](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/davide-salvado/)
- [candombe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/candombe/)
- [Latin American music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/latin-american-music/)
- [Malaga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/malaga/)
- [Picasso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/picasso/)
- [Colombian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/colombian-music/)
- [Puerto Rican music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/puerto-rican-music/)
- [Los Pleneros de la 21](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/los-pleneros-de-la-21/)
- [Chris Thile](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chris-thile/)
- [A Prairie Home Companion](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/a-prairie-home-companion/)
- [Ntjam Rosie](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ntjam-rosie/)
- [Camerronian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/camerronian-music/)
- [Zebunnisa Bangash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zebunnisa-bangash/)
- [Michael Winograd](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/michael-winograd/)
- [Ismael Quintana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ismael-quintana/)
- [Brazilian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/brazilian-music/)
- [choro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/choro/)
- [samba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/samba/)
- [Nordestino music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nordestino-music/)
- [French music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/french-music/)
- [chanson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chanson/)
- [Bassekou Kouyate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bassekou-kouyate/)
- [Malian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/malian-music/)
- [ngoni](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ngoni/)
- [Sekou Kouyate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sekou-kouyate/)
- [Joe Driscoll](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/joe-driscoll/)
- [Dagbon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dagbon/)
- [Ghana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ghana/)
- [Ghanaian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ghanaian-music/)
- [drumming](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/drumming/)
- [puppets](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/puppets/)
- [Granada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/granada/)
- [Gloomy Sunday](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gloomy-sunday/)
- [Wazimbo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/wazimbo/)
- [Matuto](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/matuto/)
- [Manolito Simonet y Su Trabuco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manolito-simonet-y-su-trabuco/)
- [Chango Spasiuk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chango-spasiuk/)
- [Billie Holida](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/billie-holida/)
- [Western Sahara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/western-sahara/)
- [American folk music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/american-folk-music/)
- [folk-rock](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/folk-rock/)
- [Buda Folk Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/buda-folk-band/)
- [Hungarian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hungarian-music/)
- [poetry](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/poetry/)
- [Wooly St Louis Jean](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/wooly-st-louis-jean/)
- [World Fiddle Day](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/world-fiddle-day/)
- [Dan MacDonald](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dan-macdonald/)
- [Mark Marczyk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mark-marczyk/)
- [Rosalyn Dennett](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rosalyn-dennett/)
- [Yosvani Castaneda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/yosvani-castaneda/)
- [Toronto](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/toronto/)
- [Nigerian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nigerian-music/)
- [Afro Celt Sound System](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-celt-sound-system/)
- [Simon Emmerson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/simon-emmerson/)
- [Valerie June](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/valerie-june/)
- [bluegrass gospel](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bluegrass-gospel/)
- [Bamboleo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bamboleo/)
- [Lula All Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lula-all-stars/)
- [Chris Austin Songwriting Contest](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chris-austin-songwriting-contest/)
- [EXIB](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/exib/)
- [Evora](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/evora/)
- [Portugal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/portugal/)
- [João Afonso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/joao-afonso/)
- [Celina Da Piedade](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/celina-da-piedade/)
- [Há Lobos sem ser na Serra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ha-lobos-sem-ser-na-serra/)
- [Luis Peixoto](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/luis-peixoto/)
- [Carlos Malta](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/carlos-malta/)
- [Juan José Robles](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/juan-jose-robles/)
- [Portuguese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/portuguese-music/)
- [Veracruz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/veracruz/)
- [Mexico](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mexico/)
- [Los Pregoneros del Puerto](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/los-pregoneros-del-puerto/)
- [Mexican music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mexican-music/)
- [Frontera Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/frontera-festival/)
- [Chle.London](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chle-london/)
- [Cultura Profetica](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cultura-profetica/)
- [Os Mutantes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/os-mutantes/)
- [Michael Pluznick](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/michael-pluznick/)
- [jembe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jembe/)
- [djembe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/djembe/)
- [Francisco Aguabella](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/francisco-aguabella/)
- [conguero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/conguero/)
- [M'Toro Chamou](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mtoro-chamou/)
- [m’godro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mgodro/)
- [Mayotte](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mayotte/)
- [The Buena Vista All Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-buena-vista-all-stars/)
- [Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manuel-guajiro-mirabal/)
- [Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pedro-pablo-gutierrez/)
- [Ignacio “Mazacote” Carrillo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ignacio-mazacote-carrillo/)
- [Manuel “Guajirito” Mirabal Plasencia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manuel-guajirito-mirabal-plasencia/)
- [Alberto “La Noche” Hernández](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alberto-la-noche-hernandez/)
- [Locos Por Juana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/locos-por-juana/)
- [soca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/soca/)
- [champeta](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/champeta/)
- [viola campaniça](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/viola-campanica/)
- [cavaquinho](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cavaquinho/)
- [M.A.K.U. Soundsystem](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/m-a-k-u-soundsystem/)
- [Afro-Colombian](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-colombian/)
- [Nano Stern](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nano-stern/)
- [Mariola Membrives](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mariola-membrives/)
- [Duarte](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/duarte/)
- [Kalakan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kalakan/)
- [Karyna Gomes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/karyna-gomes/)
- [Guinea Bissau](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/guinea-bissau/)
- [Basque music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/basque-music/)
- [Nueva Canción Chilena](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nueva-cancion-chilena/)
- [Lara Bello](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lara-bello/)
- [Jaqueline](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jaqueline/)
- [Mel Semé](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mel-seme/)
- [Projeto Alma](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/projeto-alma/)
- [La Corrala](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-corrala/)
- [Zeca Baleiro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zeca-baleiro/)
- [bossa nova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bossa-nova/)
- [MPB](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mpb/)
- [Musica Popular Brasileira](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/musica-popular-brasileira/)
- [Oumar Konate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/oumar-konate/)
- [Cape Breton](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cape-breton/)
- [Venezuelan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/venezuelan-music/)
- [Venezuelan cuatro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/venezuelan-cuatro/)
- [La Colectiva Corazón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-colectiva-corazon/)
- [Luiz Caracol](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/luiz-caracol/)
- [Zaira Franco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zaira-franco/)
- [C4 Trio](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/c4-trio/)
- [Dona Jandira](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dona-jandira/)
- [Lorraine Klaasen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lorraine-klaasen/)
- [DakhaBrakha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dakhabrakha/)
- [Ukrainian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ukrainian-music/)
- [trade show](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/trade-show/)
- [Orquesta Típica Fernández Fierro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/orquesta-tipica-fernandez-fierro/)
- [El Arranque](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/el-arranque/)
- [Buenos Aires Negro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/buenos-aires-negro/)
- [Melingo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/melingo/)
- [Alberto Carrión](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alberto-carrion/)
- [Corinne Bailey Rae](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/corinne-bailey-rae/)
- [Guy Clark](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/guy-clark/)
- [progressive country](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/progressive-country/)
- [outlaw country](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/outlaw-country/)
- [Tejano music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tejano-music/)
- [Meringue](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/meringue/)
- [Kompa Kreyol](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kompa-kreyol/)
- [Vodou Jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vodou-jazz/)
- [Glatt&Verkehrt](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/glattverkehrt/)
- [Elito Revé y su Charangón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/elito-reve-y-su-charangon/)
- [Barbarito Torres](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/barbarito-torres/)
- [The Nile Project](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-nile-project/)
- [Yom](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/yom/)
- [clarinet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/clarinet/)
- [Kepa Junkera](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kepa-junkera/)
- [Sorginak](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sorginak/)
- [Les Danses Folkloriques Haitiennes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/les-danses-folkloriques-haitiennes/)
- [Michel Lamartiniere Honorat](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/michel-lamartiniere-honorat/)
- [music seminars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/music-seminars/)
- [master-classes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/master-classes/)
- [Efrén López -hurdy gurdy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/efren-lopez-hurdy-gurdy/)
- [zanfona](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zanfona/)
- [bouzouki](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bouzouki/)
- [tanbur](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tanbur/)
- [kamancha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kamancha/)
- [kanun](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kanun/)
- [nyckelharpa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nyckelharpa/)
- [Labyrinth Musical Workshop](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/labyrinth-musical-workshop/)
- [Alborosie](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alborosie/)
- [Nana Simopoulos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nana-simopoulos/)
- [Miramar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/miramar/)
- [Sylvia Rexach](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sylvia-rexach/)
- [Mbaraka Mwinsheshe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mbaraka-mwinsheshe/)
- [Orchestra Super Volcano](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/orchestra-super-volcano/)
- [Tanzanian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tanzanian-music/)
- [Blueskank](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/blueskank/)
- [Razaguaya](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/razaguaya/)
- [Nora Norman](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nora-norman/)
- [Caetano Veloso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/caetano-veloso/)
- [Gilberto Gil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gilberto-gil/)
- [Tropicalia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tropicalia/)
- [Alfredo Rodriguez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alfredo-rodriguez/)
- [Reem Kelani](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/reem-kelani/)
- [Palestinian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/palestinian-music/)
- [King Sunny Adé](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/king-sunny-ade/)
- [Orlando Julius](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/orlando-julius/)
- [DJ Rich Medina](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dj-rich-medina/)
- [Raging Fyah](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/raging-fyah/)
- [Jamaican music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jamaican-music/)
- [Alentejo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alentejo/)
- [Oumou Sangaré](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/oumou-sangare/)
- [Ana Alcaide](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ana-alcaide/)
- [Sephardic music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sephardic-music/)
- [Griselda Sanderson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/griselda-sanderson/)
- [Sundanese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sundanese-music/)
- [Balbarda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/balbarda/)
- [Alma Afrobeat Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alma-afrobeat-ensemble/)
- [Transglobal World Music Chart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/transglobal-world-music-chart/)
- [Maarja Nuut](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/maarja-nuut/)
- [Estonian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/estonian-music/)
- [trance music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/trance-music/)
- [Josemi Carmona](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/josemi-carmona/)
- [Javier Colina](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/javier-colina/)
- [Bandolero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bandolero/)
- [La Negra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-negra/)
- [Jorge Pardo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jorge-pardo/)
- [boleros](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/boleros/)
- [Lakou Mizik](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lakou-mizik/)
- [Roberto Tombesi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/roberto-tombesi/)
- [melodeon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/melodeon/)
- [Italian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/italian-music/)
- [Randy Valentine](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/randy-valentine/)
- [Damily](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/damily/)
- [Malagasy music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/malagasy-music/)
- [tsapiky](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tsapiky/)
- [Adele](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adele/)
- [Seu Jorge](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/seu-jorge/)
- [Kamasi Washington](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kamasi-washington/)
- [Ravel](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ravel/)
- [Debussy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/debussy/)
- [New Music Concepts academic conference](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/new-music-concepts-academic-conference/)
- [sound engineering](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sound-engineering/)
- [music teaching](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/music-teaching/)
- [cultural studies](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cultural-studies/)
- [gome drum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gome-drum/)
- [kpalongo drums](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kpalongo-drums/)
- [chene](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chene/)
- [calabash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/calabash/)
- [axatse](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/axatse/)
- [gankogui](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gankogui/)
- [djun djun](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/djun-djun/)
- [brekete drum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/brekete-drum/)
- [tama](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tama/)
- [talking drum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/talking-drum/)
- [Nii Okai Tagoe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nii-okai-tagoe/)
- [The Baboons](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-baboons/)
- [José Antonio Rodríguez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-antonio-rodriguez/)
- [Manolo Sanlucar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manolo-sanlucar/)
- [Paco Cepero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/paco-cepero/)
- [Diego Cortes Amaya "Dieguito de Morón"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/diego-cortes-amaya-dieguito-de-moron/)
- [Domi Serralbo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/domi-serralbo/)
- [Dani de Morón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dani-de-moron/)
- [José Quevedo "Bolita"](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-quevedo-bolita/)
- [Jesús Guerrero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jesus-guerrero/)
- [Diego del Morao](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/diego-del-morao/)
- [Manuel Montero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/manuel-montero/)
- [Chico Gallardo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chico-gallardo/)
- [Víctor Monge “Serranito”](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/victor-monge-serranito/)
- [José Valencia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-valencia/)
- [Macarena de la Torre](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/macarena-de-la-torre/)
- [RL Burnside](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rl-burnside/)
- [Charles Bradley](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/charles-bradley/)
- [Charles Caldwell](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/charles-caldwell/)
- [Semer Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/semer-ensemble/)
- [Dagadana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dagadana/)
- [John Coltrane](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/john-coltrane/)
- [Charles Lloyd](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/charles-lloyd/)
- [Vicente Amigo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vicente-amigo/)
- [Juan Carmona](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/juan-carmona/)
- [Estrella Morente](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/estrella-morente/)
- [Farruquito](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/farruquito/)
- [El Pele](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/el-pele/)
- [Carmen Linares](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/carmen-linares/)
- [Mayte Martín](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mayte-martin/)
- [Sonya Mazumdar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sonya-mazumdar/)
- [Jung-Hun Lee](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jung-hun-lee/)
- [Patrick Lee-Thorp](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/patrick-lee-thorp/)
- [Connie de Jongh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/connie-de-jongh/)
- [Udo Dahmen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/udo-dahmen/)
- [Basem Abuarab](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/basem-abuarab/)
- [Sarah El Miniawy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sarah-el-miniawy/)
- [Castilla-La Mancha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/castilla-la-mancha/)
- [Vigüela](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/viguela/)
- [Ishumar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ishumar/)
- [Inerane](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/inerane/)
- [Gerardo Nuñez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gerardo-nunez/)
- [Ulf Wakenius](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ulf-wakenius/)
- [flamenco jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/flamenco-jazz/)
- [Miguel Angel Cortes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/miguel-angel-cortes/)
- [Jose Maria Gallardo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-maria-gallardo/)
- [Lamaya Flamenca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lamaya-flamenca/)
- [Ana Pilar Corral](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ana-pilar-corral/)
- [Mercedes Ríos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mercedes-rios/)
- [Vicky Romero](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vicky-romero/)
- [Cristina Braga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cristina-braga/)
- [Brandenburger Symphoniker](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/brandenburger-symphoniker/)
- [harp](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/harp/)
- [Modern Samba Quintet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/modern-samba-quintet/)
- [Pape Cheikh Diouf](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pape-cheikh-diouf/)
- [Senegalese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/senegalese-music/)
- [mbalax](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mbalax/)
- [A. R. Rahman](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/a-r-rahman/)
- [A.C. Reed](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/a-c-reed/)
- [saxophone](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/saxophone/)
- [Rhiannon Giddens](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rhiannon-giddens/)
- [Billy Bragg](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/billy-bragg/)
- [Wilco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/wilco/)
- [Amjad Ali Khan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amjad-ali-khan/)
- [Rahim AlHaj](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rahim-alhaj/)
- [Amaan Ali Khan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amaan-ali-khan/)
- [Ayaan Ali Khan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ayaan-ali-khan/)
- [Abdeljalil Kodssi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdeljalil-kodssi/)
- [Mlouk el Hawa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mlouk-el-hawa/)
- [Nass Marrakesh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nass-marrakesh/)
- [Moroccan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/moroccan-music/)
- [Abdullah Chhadeh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdullah-chhadeh/)
- [qanun](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/qanun/)
- [Syriana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/syriana/)
- [Abhijit Pohankar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abhijit-pohankar/)
- [chillout](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chillout/)
- [Baluji Shrivastav](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/baluji-shrivastav/)
- [Africa Oye](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/africa-oye/)
- [Mbongwana Star](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mbongwana-star/)
- [Pat Thomas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pat-thomas/)
- [Sona Jobarteh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sona-jobarteh/)
- [Aaron White](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aaron-white/)
- [flute](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/flute/)
- [American Indian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/american-indian-music/)
- [Native American music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/native-american-music/)
- [Aaron Bebe Sukura](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aaron-bebe-sukura/)
- [Abboud Abdel'Al](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abboud-abdelal/)
- [Lebanese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lebanese-music/)
- [Abby Newton](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abby-newton/)
- [cello](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cello/)
- [Celtic music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/celtic-music/)
- [Abby Surya Djai](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abby-surya-djai/)
- [Congolese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/congolese-music/)
- [Abdel Gadir Salim](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdel-gadir-salim/)
- [Sudanese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sudanese-music/)
- [Abdel Karim Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdel-karim-ensemble/)
- [Muwashaha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/muwashaha/)
- [nay](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nay/)
- [Abdel Wright](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdel-wright/)
- [Abdelkader Saadoun](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdelkader-saadoun/)
- [Algerian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/algerian-music/)
- [Rai](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rai/)
- [Kabyl](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kabyl/)
- [Berber](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/berber/)
- [mandola](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mandola/)
- [bendir](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bendir/)
- [darbuka](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/darbuka/)
- [Abdoulaye Diabate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdoulaye-diabate/)
- [Sierra Leonean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sierra-leonean-music/)
- [Abdul Tee-Jay](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdul-tee-jay/)
- [Abdullah Ibrahim](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abdullah-ibrahim/)
- [Abhijit Banerjee](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abhijit-banerjee/)
- [tabla](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tabla/)
- [Abhiman Kaushal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abhiman-kaushal/)
- [Abhisek Lahiri](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abhisek-lahiri/)
- [Abhishek Basu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abhishek-basu/)
- [Sufi music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sufi-music/)
- [ghazal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ghazal/)
- [kafi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kafi/)
- [Abida Parveen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abida-parveen/)
- [Abigail Washburn](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abigail-washburn/)
- [Abiogenesis](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abiogenesis/)
- [Naga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/naga/)
- [Aboubacar Camara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aboubacar-camara/)
- [Guinean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/guinean-music/)
- [Abrasevic-Valjevo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abrasevic-valjevo/)
- [Abu Araki al-Bakheit](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/abu-araki-al-bakheit/)
- [Les Ambassadeurs](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/les-ambassadeurs/)
- [Les Fantaisistes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/les-fantaisistes/)
- [Acetre](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/acetre/)
- [Extremadura](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/extremadura/)
- [perantones](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/perantones/)
- [rondas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rondas/)
- [tonadas festivas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tonadas-festivas/)
- [pindongos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pindongos/)
- [alboradas extremeñas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alboradas-extremenas/)
- [Achilla Orru Apaa-Idomo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/achilla-orru-apaa-idomo/)
- [lokembe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lokembe/)
- [Ugandan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ugandan-music/)
- [Acquaragia Drom](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/acquaragia-drom/)
- [Gypsy music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gypsy-music/)
- [Roma music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/roma-music/)
- [altarello](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/altarello/)
- [tarantellas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tarantellas/)
- [pizzica](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pizzica/)
- [tammurriata](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tammurriata/)
- [Sardinian polyphony](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sardinian-polyphony/)
- [Actores Alidos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/actores-alidos/)
- [Adalberto Alvarez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adalberto-alvarez/)
- [Adalberto Santiago](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adalberto-santiago/)
- [Adam Rudolph](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adam-rudolph/)
- [Adam Solomon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adam-solomon/)
- [chela](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chela/)
- [chakacha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/chakacha/)
- [Adama Yalomba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adama-yalomba/)
- [Adassa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adassa/)
- [dancehall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dancehall/)
- [reggaeton](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/reggaeton/)
- [Ensemble Marani](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ensemble-marani/)
- [Georgian polyphony](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/georgian-polyphony/)
- [timba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/timba/)
- [cha cha cha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cha-cha-cha/)
- [bachata](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bachata/)
- [Addys D’Mercedes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/addys-dmercedes/)
- [Adel Salameh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adel-salameh/)
- [Adel Shams Eddine](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adel-shams-eddine/)
- [Al-Kindi Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/al-kindi-ensemble/)
- [riqq](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/riqq/)
- [Adikanfo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adikanfo/)
- [atunpan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/atunpan/)
- [obrante](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/obrante/)
- [kpanlogo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kpanlogo/)
- [kete set](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kete-set/)
- [penpensiwa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/penpensiwa/)
- [gomme](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gomme/)
- [fontonfrom](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/fontonfrom/)
- [dawuro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dawuro/)
- [blekete](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/blekete/)
- [seperewa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/seperewa/)
- [Trio Joubran](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/trio-joubran/)
- [Mahsa Vahdat](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mahsa-vahdat/)
- [Iranian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/iranian-music/)
- [Adjagas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adjagas/)
- [yoik](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/yoik/)
- [Sami music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sami/)
- [Aditya Kalyanpur](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aditya-kalyanpur/)
- [Adnan Joubran](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adnan-joubran/)
- [Adrian D'Souza](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adrian-dsouza/)
- [Adriana Varela](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adriana-varela/)
- [Amjad Sabri](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amjad-sabri/)
- [The Sabri Brothers](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-sabri-brothers/)
- [Betel Nuts Brothers](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/betel-nuts-brothers/)
- [Taiwan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/taiwan/)
- [1001 Ways](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/1001-ways/)
- [Swiss music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/swiss-music/)
- [Shirley Smart](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/shirley-smart/)
- [Melange](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/melange/)
- [Mediterranean music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mediterranean-music/)
- [Jim Boyd](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jim-boyd/)
- [Lalo Zanelli](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lalo-zanelli/)
- [Dorantes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dorantes/)
- [Marina Heredia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/marina-heredia/)
- [Sarah Aroeste](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sarah-aroeste/)
- [ladino](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ladino/)
- [Pevarlamm](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pevarlamm/)
- [Breton music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/breton-music/)
- [Galician music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/galician-music/)
- [Robert Glasper](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/robert-glasper/)
- [Gulaza](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gulaza/)
- [Israeli music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/israeli-music/)
- [Yemenite music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/yemenite-music/)
- [Riccardo Tesi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/riccardo-tesi/)
- [Lucilla Galeazzi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lucilla-galeazzi/)
- [Elena Ledda](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/elena-ledda/)
- [Ginevra di Marco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ginevra-di-marco/)
- [Gigi Biolcati](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gigi-biolcati/)
- [Andrea Salvadori](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/andrea-salvadori/)
- [Alessio Lega](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alessio-lega/)
- [Adrianne Greenbaum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adrianne-greenbaum/)
- [Tony Allen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tony-allen/)
- [Voodoo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/voodoo/)
- [Adriel Gonzalez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adriel-gonzalez/)
- [Daniel Johnson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/daniel-johnson/)
- [Peter Olsen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/peter-olsen/)
- [Afenginn](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afenginn/)
- [Balkan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/balkan-music/)
- [Scandinavian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/scandinavian-music/)
- [Affro-Muzika](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/affro-muzika/)
- [African Fiesta](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/african-fiesta/)
- [Tabu Ley Rochereau](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tabu-ley-rochereau/)
- [Dr. Nico](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dr-nico/)
- [Sam Mangwana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sam-mangwana/)
- [African Revolution Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/african-revolution-band/)
- [Africando](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/africando/)
- [Afrikali Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afrikali-band/)
- [Liz Vice](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/liz-vice/)
- [neo-gospel](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/neo-gospel/)
- [neo-soul](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/neo-soul/)
- [Afro-Brazilian](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-brazilian/)
- [Elza Soares](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/elza-soares/)
- [La Mar de Músicas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-mar-de-musicas/)
- [Cheickh Lo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cheickh-lo/)
- [Ketama](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ketama/)
- [Toumani Diabate](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/toumani-diabate/)
- [Amir John Haddad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amir-john-haddad/)
- [Duke Performances](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/duke-performances/)
- [Anoushka Shankar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/anoushka-shankar/)
- [Zakir Hussain](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/zakir-hussain/)
- [The Earls of Leicester](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-earls-of-leicester/)
- [Jerry Douglas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jerry-douglas/)
- [Duke University](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/duke-university/)
- [Afro Cuban All Stars](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-cuban-all-stars/)
- [son montuno](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/son-montuno/)
- [Afro-Cuban jazz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-cuban-jazz/)
- [danzón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/danzon/)
- [Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-latin-jazz-orchestra/)
- [Agatsuma](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/agatsuma/)
- [Japanese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/japanese-music/)
- [Tsugaru-Shamisen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tsugaru-shamisen/)
- [9Bach](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/9bach/)
- [Welsh music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/welsh-music/)
- [Lalah Hathaway](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lalah-hathaway/)
- [Giuliano Gabriele](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/giuliano-gabriele/)
- [Adama Dramé](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/adama-drame/)
- [Burkina Faso](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/burkina-faso/)
- [Mamadou Kelly](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mamadou-kelly/)
- [ethereal folk](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ethereal-folk/)
- [Rioghnach Connolly](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rioghnach-connolly/)
- [Stuart McCallum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/stuart-mccallum/)
- [The Breath](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-breath/)
- [Agnes Buen Garnas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/agnes-buen-garnas/)
- [Jan Garbarek](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jan-garbarek/)
- [Norwegian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/norwegian-music/)
- [Norway](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/norway/)
- [Agricantus](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/agricantus/)
- [Italy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/italy/)
- [Sicily](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sicily/)
- [Ahmed Omar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ahmed-omar/)
- [Aicha Mint Chighaly](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aicha-mint-chighaly/)
- [Mauritanian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mauritanian-music/)
- [Mauritania](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mauritania/)
- [Aidan O’Rourke](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aidan-orourke/)
- [Scotland](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/scotland/)
- [Ahmed el Salam](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ahmed-el-salam/)
- [ud](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ud/)
- [Arab-Andalusian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/arab-andalusian-music/)
- [Akim El Sikameya](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/akim-el-sikameya/)
- [Algeria](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/algeria/)
- [Ali Slimani](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ali-slimani/)
- [Beihdja Rahal](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/beihdja-rahal/)
- [nuba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nuba/)
- [kuitra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kuitra/)
- [Cheb i Sabbah](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cheb-i-sabbah/)
- [electronic music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/electronic-music/)
- [Cheb Mami](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cheb-mami/)
- [Clannad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/clannad/)
- [Seckou Keita](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/seckou-keita/)
- [Kate Rusby](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kate-rusby/)
- [Brian Kennedy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/brian-kennedy/)
- [Capercailie](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/capercailie/)
- [Cheb Nasro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cheb-nasro/)
- [Salim Fergani](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/salim-fergani/)
- [Cheikha Rimitti](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cheikha-rimitti/)
- [Habib and Hassina Guerroumi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/habib-and-hassina-guerroumi/)
- [Hamid Baroudi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hamid-baroudi/)
- [Hasna el Becharia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hasna-el-becharia/)
- [Gnawa music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gnawa-music/)
- [Ilyes](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ilyes/)
- [Khaled](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/khaled/)
- [Khaled Habib](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/khaled-habib/)
- [William Bell](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/william-bell/)
- [Esszencia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/esszencia/)
- [Tcha Limberger](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tcha-limberger/)
- [Kalotaszeg](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kalotaszeg/)
- [Transylvania](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/transylvania/)
- [Nadara](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nadara/)
- [Ágnes Herczku](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/agnes-herczku/)
- [Nikola Parov](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nikola-parov/)
- [Tárkány Művek](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/tarkany-muvek/)
- [The Góbé Orchestra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-gobe-orchestra/)
- [Kudsi Ergüner](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kudsi-erguner/)
- [Turkey](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/turkey/)
- [Musicport Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/musicport-festival/)
- [Afro-Haitian Experimental Orchestra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-haitian-experimental-orchestra/)
- [Haiti](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/haiti/)
- [Nuits d’Afrique](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nuits-dafrique/)
- [Khalida Azzouza](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/khalida-azzouza/)
- [Mad Sheer Khan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mad-sheer-khan/)
- [dilruba](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dilruba/)
- [El Lebrijano](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/el-lebrijano/)
- [Spain](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/spain/)
- [Montreal International Jazz Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/montreal-international-jazz-festival/)
- [Lila Downs](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lila-downs/)
- [Ceu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ceu/)
- [Baba Zula](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/baba-zula/)
- [Daby Toure](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/daby-toure/)
- [Cassandra Wilson](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cassandra-wilson/)
- [Vancouver Folk Music Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vancouver-folk-music-festival/)
- [Maurice El Medioni](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/maurice-el-medioni/)
- [Jewish Andalusian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jewish-andalusian-music/)
- [Moh Alileche](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/moh-alileche/)
- [Mona Boutchebak](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mona-boutchebak/)
- [Naziha Azzouz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/naziha-azzouz/)
- [Pierre Bensusan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pierre-bensusan/)
- [Rachid Taha](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rachid-taha/)
- [Souad Massi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/souad-massi/)
- [Umalu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/umalu/)
- [Idir](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/idir/)
- [Bonga](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bonga/)
- [Angolan music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/angolan-music/)
- [Angola](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/angola/)
- [Derito](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/derito/)
- [Gato Bedseyele](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gato-bedseyele/)
- [Lulendo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lulendo/)
- [Te Macedo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/te-macedo/)
- [Waldemar Bastos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/waldemar-bastos/)
- [Captain Cougar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/captain-cougar/)
- [Finland](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/finland/)
- [United Nations Conference on Climate Change](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/united-nations-conference-on-climate-change/)
- [Climate Change](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [environmental awareness](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/environmental-awareness/)
- [Ricky Kej](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ricky-kej/)
- [Frances Fisher](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/frances-fisher/)
- [Rosanna Arquette](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rosanna-arquette/)
- [Shinzo Abe](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/shinzo-abe/)
- [Soweto Gospel Choir](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/soweto-gospel-choir/)
- [Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pandit-vishwa-mohan-bhatt/)
- [Jennifer Gasoi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jennifer-gasoi/)
- [Beninese music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/beninese-music/)
- [Jason Moran](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jason-moran/)
- [Sullivan Fortner](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sullivan-fortner/)
- [Aaron Diehl](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aaron-diehl/)
- [Brazil](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/brazil/)
- [Alê Kali](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ale-kali/)
- [Estonia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/estonia/)
- [Amós Lora](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amos-lora/)
- [Soy Loco Por Ti America](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/soy-loco-por-ti-america/)
- [Antoine Dougbé](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/antoine-dougbe/)
- [Gangbe Brass Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gangbe-brass-band/)
- [Gnonnas Pedro](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gnonnas-pedro/)
- [Agbadja](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/agbadja/)
- [juju](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/juju/)
- [Aditya Prakash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/aditya-prakash/)
- [Mythili Prakash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mythili-prakash/)
- [Maletak](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/maletak/)
- [Eliseo Parra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/eliseo-parra/)
- [Jose Luis Montón](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-luis-monton/)
- [Josete Ordoñez](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/josete-ordonez/)
- [Germán Diaz](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/german-diaz/)
- [Sinkane](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sinkane/)
- [Sudan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sudan/)
- [Thalma de Freitas](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/thalma-de-freitas/)
- [Music Maker Blues Revue](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/music-maker-blues-revue/)
- [Shai Tsabari](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/shai-tsabari/)
- [Forde Traditional and World Music Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/forde-traditional-and-world-music-festival/)
- [Forde](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/forde/)
- [Mamadou Kelly and Ban Kai](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mamadou-kelly-and-ban-kai/)
- [njarka](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/njarka/)
- [horse](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/horse/)
- [East Jerusalem West Jerusalem](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/east-jerusalem-west-jerusalem/)
- [Jerusalem](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jerusalem/)
- [Palestine](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/palestine/)
- [David Broza](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/david-broza/)
- [Steve Earle](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/steve-earle/)
- [Muhammad Mughrabi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/muhammad-mughrabi/)
- [Mira Awad](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mira-awad/)
- [Rastafari](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rastafari/)
- [Max Romeo](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/max-romeo/)
- [Jamaica](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jamaica/)
- [Jewish Culture Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jewish-culture-festival/)
- [Krakow](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/krakow/)
- [Poland](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/poland/)
- [Ashley MacIsaac](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ashley-macisaac/)
- [Fdler](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/fdler/)
- [Jay "Sticks" Andrews](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jay-sticks-andrews/)
- [Canada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/canada/)
- [Bulgarian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bulgarian-music/)
- [Amaan Ali Bangash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/amaan-ali-bangash/)
- [Ayaan Ali Bangash](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ayaan-ali-bangash/)
- [Elmira Darvarova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/elmira-darvarova/)
- [José Menese](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-menese/)
- [The Bills](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-bills/)
- [Afro-Peruvian](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/afro-peruvian/)
- [Peruvian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/peruvian-music/)
- [Susana Baca](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/susana-baca/)
- [Julien Jacob](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/julien-jacob/)
- [Rasbawa](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rasbawa/)
- [Refugees for Refugees](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/refugees-for-refugees/)
- [Billie Holiday](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/billie-holiday/)
- [Jose James](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jose-james/)
- [Sabrang](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sabrang/)
- [Sudeshna Bhattacharya](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sudeshna-bhattacharya/)
- [Graig Earle](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/graig-earle/)
- [Jonas Johansen](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jonas-johansen/)
- [Sundar Viswanathan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sundar-viswanathan/)
- [Avataar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/avataar/)
- [Al Andalus Ensemble](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/al-andalus-ensemble/)
- [Bossacucanova](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bossacucanova/)
- [lounge](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lounge/)
- [Vieux Kante](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vieux-kante/)
- [kamele ngoni](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/kamele-ngoni/)
- [Rio Olympics](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rio-olympics/)
- [Olympics](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/olympics/)
- [Richard Bona](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/richard-bona/)
- [Cameroonian music](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cameroonian-music/)
- [Cameroon](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cameroon/)
- [bass](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bass/)
- [Monobloco](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/monobloco/)
- [Cabruêra](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/cabruera/)
- [Boogarins](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/boogarins/)
- [DJ Luiz Santos](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dj-luiz-santos/)
- [Dengue Dengue Dengue!](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dengue-dengue-dengue/)
- [Graveola](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/graveola/)
- [Ten Strings and A Goatskin](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/ten-strings-and-a-goatskin/)
- [Pádraig Duggan](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/padraig-duggan/)
- [Mixel Ducau](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mixel-ducau/)
- [Caroline Phillips](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/caroline-phillips/)
- [Bidaia](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/bidaia/)
- [Siama Matuzungidi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/siama-matuzungidi/)
- [Jordi Savall](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/jordi-savall/)
- [Hespèrion XXI](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/hesperion-xxi/)
- [La Capella Reial de Catalunya](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/la-capella-reial-de-catalunya/)
- [Batida](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/batida/)
- [Young Paris](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/young-paris/)
- [Rainforest World Music Festival](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/rainforest-world-music-festival/)
- [Auli](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/auli/)
- [Broukar](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/broukar/)
- [Derek Gripper](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/derek-gripper/)
- [Dol Arastra Bengkulu](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dol-arastra-bengkulu/)
- [Dya Singh](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/dya-singh/)
- [Krar Collective](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/krar-collective/)
- [Lan Dieu Viet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/lan-dieu-viet/)
- [Naygayiw Gigi](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/naygayiw-gigi/)
- [Nukariik](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/nukariik/)
- [Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/pat-thomas-kwashibu-area-band/)
- [Shanren](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/shanren/)
- [Stelios Petrakis Quartet](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/stelios-petrakis-quartet/)
- [Teada](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/teada/)
- [Vassvik](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vassvik/)
- [Violons Barbares](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/violons-barbares/)
- [Vocal Sampling](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/vocal-sampling/)
- [Alena Murang](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/alena-murang/)
- [Gendang Melayu Sri Buana](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/gendang-melayu-sri-buana/)
- [Mathew Ngau](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/mathew-ngau/)
- [Sape’ Sarawak](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/sape-sarawak/)
- [The Thunder Beats of Nanyang Wushu Drums](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/the-thunder-beats-of-nanyang-wushu-drums/)
- [Unique Arts Academy](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/unique-arts-academy/)
- [1Drum](https://worldmusiccentral.org/tag/1drum/)