The ‘Sounds of Malawi’ Are Vibrant and Varied
This work connects, bringing global audiences to a new understanding of creativity in Malawi. It deserves to be the first of many.
Global Music
Firas Zreik Is Enchanting with Modal Jazz on ‘Tarabesque’
Firas Zreik is a much-acclaimed composer and kanunist who draws on his Palestinian roots in his art. Tarabesque is a sparkling example of this work.
Fatoumata Diawara Creates Inspiring Pop on ‘Massa’
Fatoumata Diawara is a charismatic performer whose skill set has extraordinary breadth and depth, and Massa is her fullest demonstration of it thus far.
Khun Narin Take to the Studio for Stunning ‘III’
While all of Khun Narin’s records have been masterpieces, III is their best shot at mass exposure. If there’s any justice in the music industry, it might just pay off.
Ibrahim Maalouf Radiates Joy on ‘Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2’
Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2 finds Ibrahim Maalouf reaching out to a global family of fellow artists and lifting sounds of life and culture in Lebanon and beyond.
Odd Okoddo and Ogoya Nengo Give Their Dreamscape an Edge
Even in the ever-changing, ever-progressive realm of folktronica, the sounds of Odd Okoddo and Ogoya Nengo stand out here as exceptional.
Nana Osei Twum Barima Takes Us on a ‘Journey to the Unknown’
There’s a wonderfully guileless quality to the softness of Nana Osei Twum Barima’s steady voice that makes this album all the more touching in addition to its loveliness.
‘Ayam El Disco’ Highlights the Diversity of Egyptian Dance Music
Ayam El Disco celebrates and beautifully frames some of the music that kept people stepping lively in Egypt during the 1970s, 1980s, and even the 1990s.
Cocanha Set the Bar for Minority-Language Rock
That Cocanha can conjure sound paintings with little more than their mouths and a minority language shows they are in complete command of their journey.
Doctor Nativo Explores Maya Identity on ‘BarrioKandela’
Doctor Nativo explores Maya identity emphasizing contemporary Mexican genres alongside musical styles developed throughout the Central American region.
‘Léve Léve Vol. 2’ Highlights Lusophone Coalition
Focusing on puxa, Léve Léve offers a lively sonic exploration of liberation across the Black Atlantic, emphasizing building coalitions among Lusophone nations.
Angélique Kidjo Celebrates Joy and Holds on to ‘HOPE!!’
Angélique Kidjo’s spirits are remarkably high for 2026, and HOPE!! is ebullient against all odds. She faces the trials of the world and sings through them.