Sublimely Gracious NES
NES – Ahlam (ACT Music, 2019) Ahlam (dream in Arabic) is the beautifully-sculpted new album by NES, a trio of virtuoso musicians based in the…
Sarazino Explores Plobal Pop
Sarazino – Mama Funny Day (Cumbancha, 2018) Ecuador-based Algerian singer, world traveler and producer Sarazino has released Mama Funny Day, a toe-tapping album where he…
Artist Profiles: Orlek
The group Orlek has its domicile in Zagorje ob Savi, in the heart of the mining area in the center of Slovenia. The name Orlek…
Artist Profiles: Sukar
1990 was the first functioning year for the group Sukar, made up of active members of tamburitzza orchestras from Ljubljana at the time. These artists,…
Artist Profiles: Terrafolk
Founded by violinist Bojan Cvetreznik, Terrafolk was created at the end of 2000, while improvising at a festival in Slovenia. The band includes musicians that…
Artist Profiles: Abdullah Ibrahim
Some knew him as Dollar Brand, others by his adopted moniker of Abdullah Ibrahim, which he began using in the late 1960s after his conversion…
Timelessly Crafted Songs of Resilience
Various Artists – A Woman’s World – Songs of Resilience & Hope (ARC Music, 2018) Songs of Resilience & Hope highlights songs from triumphant female…
Artist Profiles: Dizu Zungulu Plaatjies
The son of an African herbalist, vocalist, percussionist and dancer Dizu Zungulu Plaatjies was born on 5 February 1957. His parents called him Zungulu, ‘the…
Artist Profiles: Mzwandile Qotoyi
Mzwandile Qotoyi – Bass & piccolo marimba, African drums, percussion, vocals, and dance. Born on 12 November 1951, in Langa, multi-instrumentalist Mzwandile Qotoyi is known…
Artist Profiles: Simpiwe Matole
Simpiwe Matole – Soprano marimba, vocals, dance/acrobatics. Born on 29 May 1963, Simpiwe Matole is the only boy in a family of daughters and was…