Sonny Singh Celebrates Sikh Spiritualism with Pop on ‘Chardi Kala’
Red Baraat’s Sonny Singh celebrates Sikh spiritualism with more than a dash of Western pop’s global power on Chardi Kala, but its dependence on pop balladry weakens it.
world music
The Good Ones’ ‘Rwanda…You See Ghosts, I See Sky’ Reaches Staggering Depths
The Good Ones’ raw truths and achingly beautiful music reach staggering depths on Rwanda… You See Ghosts, I See Sky.
Supergroup Congotronics International Dazzle on ‘Where’s the One?’
Congotronics International, a supergroup of Konono Nº1 and Kasai Allstars members and guests, make their recorded debut with Where’s the One? It’s phenomenal.
Pierre Kwenders Blends Rumba, Rock, and R&B on ‘José Louis and the Paradox of Love’
Pierre Kwenders’ José Louis and the Paradox of Love is inventive and heartfelt. Kwenders isn’t simply blazing a narrow trail but opening up a cosmos.
Oumou Sangaré Sings True Blues on the Brilliant ‘Timbuktu’
For as much as “Malian blues” is thrown around in talking about everything from Tinariwen to Touré, Oumou Sangaré’s Timbuktu truly delivers on such a phrase.
The Ano Nobo Quartet Introduce Us to Their Lively Folk Acoustics
The Ano Nobo Quartet engage heart and mind alike in their intricate debut, tapping into an acoustic folk vein bound to hit close to home for many listeners.
Amadou & Mariam’s 10-Year-Old ‘Folila’ Has Always Been a Masterpiece
In collaborating with hip indie acts, Amadou & Mariam met with critical rebuke. Ten years on, Folila is a masterpiece that bridges the gap between two sonic worlds.
Zimbabwean Sungura Fortifies the Spirit on Gonora Sounds’ ‘Hard Times Never Kill’
Gonora Sounds’ Daniel Gonora sings about economic crises, tragic deaths, and social struggles from his personal history and the lives of those around him.
Rokia Koné’s Vocal Artistry Reaches a Global Audience with Solo Debut ‘Bamanan’
On Bamanan, Rokia Koné spreads messages of hope, resistance, and history that further cement her relevance as simultaneously a performer and commentator.
Kasai Allstars Release Vivid Video for Khalab’s Afrofuturist Remix (premiere)
In an electric new video, Kasai Allstars’ constant beats, gorgeous scenery shots, and Khalab’s Afrofuturist beats come together at top speed.
Imarhan Return with Luminous Desert Rock on ‘Aboogi’
Desert rock’s Imarhan have always been strongest for their subtleties, and never more so than on the immaculately crafted tracks of Aboogi.
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The 10 Best Global Music Albums of 2021
In talking about music as global, it’s critical to understand movement as a part of it. The albums on this list are all products of global musical encounters.
