Bluegrass is the sound of the Appalachian Mountains. So connected is it, to the history and heart of its environment, that the music rings with an authentic soulful edge. Each song unfolds a story, typically told with bittersweet honesty and humour. Listen out for banjos, mandolins and violins, as well as bouncing rhythm sections, and powerfully expressive voices. This Rough Guide features some of the greatest contemporary Bluegrass artists, from Ricky Skaggs to Kathy Mattea. Read on for the full press release. Read more »
News
Independent record label Kanaga System Krush (K.S.K.) releases Wassoulou Foli with drumming virtuoso Amadou ‘Taga’ Sidibe and friends featuring ‘Tu’ Sinayoko. Hot on the heels of grassroots label K.S.K.’s last release Dambe Foli this past Fall, they follow-up with another powerful album Wassoulou Foli. Featured, Sogonikun Djembe traditional Wassoulou music at its best, boasting of the talent emanating from this musically rich region. 
Press Release: Excitement building as East Africa’s number one music festival draws closer. The 9th edition of the annual Sauti za Busara music festival in Zanzibar is scheduled to take place from 8 – 12 February 2012. After receiving over 600 applications to participate from artists in more than sixty countries, around 31 groups were selected to perform on the main stage in Zanzibar’s Old Fort. Previous years editions have featured renowned acts such as Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga (DRC/ Kenya), Bi Kidude (Tanzania), Thandiswa (South Africa), Bassekou Kouyate (Mali) and Didier Awadi (Senegal). Read on for this year's line up. 
In advance of their album " Folila" in March 2012, Amadou & Mariam have released four advanced tracks including Dougou Badiaon a digital EP Available from the Nonesuch store. Over the course of the last several years, Amadou & Mariam’s music has become increasingly expansive, while remaining anchored by their trademark West African blues-rock. Manu Chao and Gorillaz front man Damon Albarn, in addition to their longtime producer/manager Marc-Antoine Moreau, have produced their recordings. Read on for more details and the full press release. 
Grammy winning Carolina Chocolate Drops are all set for a third full length album. "Leaving Eden" produced by Budder Miller will be released on February 27th on the Nonesuch Label. ‘Old-time music never sounded so current.’ Los Angeles Times ‘Everything old is new again for the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the dazzlingly eclectic roots-music outfit. You just don't see a lot of old-time string bands mix in hip-hop with the bones, jugs, fiddles, kazoos and banjos’. Dallas Morning News Read on for the full press release. 
Now in their fourth year, the Songlines Music Awards endeavour to celebrate and acknowledge the myriad of musical talent across the world that has been featured in Songlines magazine. Voting for the 2012 Awards is now open in four categories: Best Artist, Best Group, Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Newcomer. 
After the acclaimed release of his latest album ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise’ (Because Music) and his rave appearances at the Royal Festival Hall and on BBC 2’s Later with Jools Holland earlier this year, Seun Anikulapo Kuti returns to the UK for two live appearances in November. Seun Anikulapo Kuti will be appearing with his fourteen-piece band, Egypt 80, on the following dates: GondwanaSound: other content and links
Mixtape of the Month
Latest News
Upcoming Events
-
6th February 2012
-
5th - 16th February 2012
-
11th - 18th February 2012
-
8th March 2012
-
22nd March 2012
