world music | World Music Central

Events

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…

Viren Neel Reds and Blues cover artwork. An image of a couple embracing.

Music videos

Viren Neel Splashes “Reds And Blues”

World Music Central News Room October 3, 2025 No Comments Reggae Viren Neel world music

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…

The album cover features a black-and-white photo of Junior Murvin standing outdoors near cars and a warehouse, framed by a blue grid background decorated with stars. His name, “Junior Murvin,” appears in large black-and-white letters at the top. On the left, a circular badge reads “Cool Down the Heat” in blue, red, and black text.

Album reviews

King Jammy Revives Junior Murvin’s 80s Work

Joe Nash October 3, 2025 No Comments Junior Murvin Reggae world music

Junior Murvin – Cool Down The Heat (Greensleeves Records, 2025) Cool Down The Heat is a top of the ladder posthumous set, produced and newly…

The album cover for #Anónimas & Resilientes by Voces del Bullerengue features a colorful illustration of four people gathered under a thatched-roof hut. Two women play drums, one woman dances with a traditional skirt, and another gestures while standing beside them. A small yellow dog lies in the foreground. Bright plants, trees, and a crescent moon frame the scene, while the album title appears prominently above the hut and the group’s name is displayed at the bottom.

Album reviews

Circle Of Matriarchs: Voces Del Bullerengue Spins A 360° Second Album

Angel Romero October 2, 2025 No Comments bullerengue Colombian music world music

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…

Concert reviews

Experiencing the 32nd Annual Lotus Festival in Bloomington, Indiana

Daryana Antipova October 2, 2025 No Comments House of Waters Lotus World Music & Arts Festival Puuluup world music Zar Electrik

The 32nd Annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival lit up Bloomington from September 25 to 28, 2025, and once again transformed the city into…

Music videos

Portuguese Fado Star Carminho Unveils Balada do país que dói Video

World Music Central News Room October 1, 2025 No Comments Carminho fado Portuguese music world music

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…

The album cover for Maame by Cheikh Lô shows the artist seated with a guitar, smiling as he plays. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and patterned robe, set against a surreal desert landscape with red sand, rocky formations, a barren tree, and a glowing full moon in a starry night sky. The design combines earthy tones with cosmic blues and purples.

Charts

Cheikh Lô Takes the Number One Spot on Transglobal World Music Chart for October 2025

World Music Central News Room October 1, 2025 No Comments African music Cheikh Lô world music

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.…

Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté - Toumaro. A color photo of the duo around a microphone with a red background.

Charts

Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté Repeat #1 on World Music Charts Europe – October 2025

World Music Central News Room October 1, 2025 No Comments Hawa Kasse Mady Diabate Kassé Mady Diabaté Malian music world music

The album Toumaro by Hawa & Kasse Mady Diabaté continues to dominate the World Music Charts Europe for the month of October 2025. Kassé Mady…

The single cover for El Duende Callejero’s “Será” features a glittering pink disco-style background. The four band members appear dressed in matching white suits and ties, gazing in different directions. The title “SERÁ” dominates the top in a bold gradient font shifting from purple to blue, accented with sparkles.

Music videos

El Duende Callejero Releases “Será,” A Flamenco Pop Single About Transformative Love

World Music Central News Room September 30, 2025 No Comments El Duende Callejero Flamenco flamenco pop world music

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,…

Album reviews

Alienda Breathes New Life Into Asturian Traditions with Spirited Debut

Angel Romero September 30, 2025 No Comments Alienda Asturian music Celtic music Spanish music world music

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…