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The single cover for "Xam Xam" by Cheikh Ibra Fam features the artist standing against a textured, two-toned wall—light tan on top, faded mauve below. Dressed in a geometric-patterned robe of teal, orange, black, and cream, he gazes to the side beneath a brown fedora. His left hand is slightly raised, adorned with beaded bracelets.

Music videos

Cheikh Ibra Fam Honors Wisdom in “Xam Xam”

Cheikh Ibra Fam, the acclaimed Senegalese artist, has released “Xam Xam,” the first single from his upcoming album Adouna (Life), set for release in October…

Bab L' Bluz Photo credit Robyn Skinner. A photo of the band leader playing live.

Tour Announcements

Bab L’ Bluz Brings North African Grooves and Psychedelia to USA

World Music Central News Room April 10, 2025 No Comments Bab L’ Bluz world fusion world music

(headline image: Bab L’ Bluz – Photo by Robyn Skinner) Fresh off a successful UK headline tour, Moroccan-French quartet Bab L’ Bluz launches their first-ever…

The album cover for Jam It Is by Jamateurs features a design with abstract, colorful splashes and doodles reminiscent of Joan Miró’s style. The title is prominently centered in large black lettering, while the subtitle reads “Two and a Half Minutes of Improvisational Music.” The band's name, "Jamateurs," appears in a handwritten script above the title.

Music videos Single reviews

Highly Professional

Tom Orr April 8, 2025 No Comments Dub Jamateurs world fusion world music

An American collective that goes by the name Jamateurs has a tune called “Jam It Is” that’s hard to classify. What I hear in it…

Album reviews

Changing Rhythms: Alsarah & The Nubatones Navigate New Musical Terrain

Madison Quinn April 8, 2025 No Comments Alsarah Alsarah & The Nubatones Sudanese music world fusion world music

Alsarah & The Nubatones — Mawasim Altariq – Seasons of the Road (self-release, 2025) Alsarah & The Nubatones have unveiled their third studio album, Seasons…

The single cover for HoAgnan's "Mama Afreeka" features an earthy painting that merges a tree with the shape of the African continent. The tree’s roots and branches form intricate black lines against a textured backdrop of ochre, rust, teal, and gold. The title “Mama Afreeka” appears in large, stylized block letters—“Mama” in sage green, “Afreeka” in brick red. The artist’s name, “HoAgnan,” stands at the top in classic serif type with a soft shadow.

Music videos Single reviews

Gettin’ Freeky

Tom Orr April 4, 2025 No Comments African music Hoagnan saxophone world fusion world music

With a style rather reminiscent of Manu Dibango, France’s Hoagnan gives us “Mama Afreeka,” which starts off jazzy before bringing in an African undercurrent that…

The album cover for Ithaca by Lullahush features a close-up photograph of tangled seaweed in various shades of brown, black, and translucent white. In the bottom left corner, the album title Ithaca and artist name Lullahush are displayed in a stylized Celtic-inspired font, framed by an intricate knotwork design.

Album reviews

Homeward Sound: Lullahush Reimagines Irish Tradition in “Ithaca”

Ryan Emmert April 4, 2025 No Comments Celtic music folktronica Lullahush world fusion world music

Lullahush – Ithaca (Future Classic, 2025) Athens-based Dublin artist Lullahush is set to release Ithaca, his new album, on April 11, 2025. The record meshes…

Black and white photo of Violeta Veinte holding her violin, smiling.

Artist Profiles

Violeta Veinte, a Multifaceted Musician with a Curious Soul

Angel Romero March 30, 2025 No Comments Castilian folk music fiddle Spain Spanish music Violeta Veinte violin world fusion world jazz world music

Gifted violinist, singer, and composer Violeta Díez Díez, better known artistically as Violeta Veinte, was born in Segovia, Spain. She began studying violin at six…

Visa For Music 2025 banner. A purple colored collage of photos of various artists.

Events Showcases

Morocco’s Visa For Music Showcase Deadline Extended for 2025

World Music Central News Room March 29, 2025 No Comments Middle Eastern music Moroccan music Morocco North African music Rabat world fusion world music

The application deadline for Visa For Music 2025, the leading showcase and professional market for music from Africa and the Middle East, has been extended…

The poster for Music Village 2025 features an illustration of a seated figure with long, flowing hair shaped like a circular halo. The figure appears to be meditating or opening a book. The event details are presented above the artwork, listing the workshop periods from August 18 to September 14, 2025, in Agios Lavrentios, Mt. Pelion, Greece.

Events

Greece’s Music Village Reveals 2025 Folk Tradition Workshops

World Music Central News Room March 29, 2025 No Comments Greece Greek music Music Village world fusion world music

Music Village returns for its 19th edition in Agios Lavrentios, Mt. Pelion, Greece, continuing its tradition of artistic collaboration in a setting renowned for its…

Orkney Traditional Music Project. A photo of children playing fiddle.

Events

Celebrating Island-Based Artists: Orkney Folk Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup

World Music Central News Room March 18, 2025 No Comments Celtic music Orkney Folk Festival Scottish music world fusion world music

The Orkney Folk Festival has announced its full lineup for 2025, featuring 60 acts from across the globe. Scheduled to take place from May 22…