African music

The universal language of music

Music dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar

An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
Music from Niger: Bombino's album 'Sahel'

The musical expression of a people's pain

Like many Tamasheq musicians and many of his people, Niger-born Bombino has spent a lot of time in exile. On his latest album, "Sahel", he sings of the pain of exile and the importance for a people of holding on to its culture and values
Music of the Sahel

Jarama – echoes of the Sahara

It's a long way from Hungary to Morocco, both geographically and culturally. For expatriate Moroccan Said Tichiti, the distance finally caught up with him in 2018. Stuck musically and seeking inspiration he and two of his Chalaban band mates made the long trip to his former home. New release "Jarama" is the musical outcome
Aziza Brahim's "Mawja"

The voice of Western Sahara

Aziza Brahim's childhood as a Sahrawi refugee in Algeria naturally shaped her music, but as her latest album, "Mawja" shows, while she has not forgotten where she comes from, she has long since tuned her ears to a world beyond the camp perimeters
Contemporary Algerian music

A Franco-Arabic acoustic duet

Djazia Satour is one of the most eminent Algerian vocalists of our time. Her new stage project sees her performing her songs in a duo setting with pianist Pierre-Luc Jamain and bringing to life the sounds and tonal colour of her childhood home.
Interlacing cultures

Music of the Nile

The Nile Project was a multinational music collective inspired by a river. It sang songs in a variety of styles and languages about life along and with the Nile. Like many projects in the region, it failed because of politics. By Katharina Wilhelm Otieno
Music: Universal Echoes by Kuné

An impactful message from Canada's Global Orchestra

The musicians in the Canadian music ensemble Kuné come from a diverse array of traditions and cultures. On their new album, they share their concern for our planet's future in a collection of glorious tracks. By Richard Marcus
Noori & His Dorpa Band's "Beja Power"

Defiant in the face of repression

"Beja Power" by Noori & His Dorpa Band is a scintillating introduction to one of the oldest and least known cultural traditions in Sudan and Africa. Rather than slavishly recreating music from the past, the band plays with diverse influences to stunning effect. By Richard Marcus
Album review: Imarhan's "Aboogi"

Looking beyond the horizon

"Aboogi", on the City Slang label, is the latest release from Imarhan. Hailing from southern Algeria, Imarhan are one of the many bands that have emerged from the Tameshek diaspora. They see their music as a chance to preserve the culture and history of their people. By Richard Marcus
Album review: Ben Aylon's "Xalam"

More than a one man tribe

Ben Aylon’s debut international album sees him elevate the traditional music and instruments of Senegal and Mali into a fresh contemporary setting. Seven years in the making, "Xalam" features the late, great Malian diva Khaira Arby and sabar drumming legend Doudou Ndiaye Rose. By Richard Marcus
Boubacar "Badian" Diabate's "Mande Guitar: African Guitar Series Vol 1"

Acoustic guitar played with passion and joy

"Mande Guitar: African Guitar Series Vol 1" by Boubacar "Badian" Diabate is the first release on the Lion Songs Records label just established by esteemed music journalist Banning Eyre. Primarily an album of solo guitar tracks, each song on the album is a different exploration of Diabate's virtuosity. By Richard Marcus
Album review: Anansy Cisse's "Anoura"

A joyful tonic for the pandemic-weary

Anansy Cisse's new release "Anoura" – literally 'the light' – is not only a fine example of Malian music, but the story behind the album is also a microcosm of the struggles facing Malians, especially musicians, in the strife-ridden country. By Richard Marcus