Editor-in-chief Simon Broughton Publisher & Publishing Director Paul Geoghegan Editor Jo Frost Assistant Editor Charlotte Algar Art Director Paulina Stopka Advertisement Manager James Anderson-Hanney Online Content Editor James McCarthy Reviews Editor Alexandra Petropoulos News Editor & Editorial Assistant Jim Hickson Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Sub Editor Emma Baker Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Executive Hayley Sigrist Cover image Estefany Gonzalez Contributing Editors Jane Cornwell, Mark Ellingham & Nigel Williamson Subscriptions Director Sally Boettcher Editorial Director Martin Cullingford CEO Ben Allen Chairman Mark Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: 0800 137 201 Overseas: +44 (0)1722 716997 subscriptions@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING +44 (0)20 7501 6683

WELCOME

Fun, festivals and friends

For the Songlines team, summer equates to festival season, kicking off at the end of June with our annual pilgrimage to the behemoth that is Glastonbury (see p17). Soweto’s BCUC were there and once again reaffi rmed why they are the South African band everyone is talking about. If you’ve not heard or seen them yet, then check out the feature (p34) for an idea of what makes them so special. Another band whose album I’ve had on repeat are this issue’s award-winning cover stars, Orquesta Akokán (p28). This new Cuban-American big band have come up with the perfect summer soundtrack – an exuberant blast of brass and fiery percussion that transports you back to Cuba’s musical golden age, but with a fresh and modern approach. They’re definitely on my list of bands to check out at WOMAD and you can see what the rest of the Songlines team are looking forward to on p13.

If you’re coming to WOMAD, then do drop by our stands and say hello – or indeed, if you’re buying this for the first time at WOMAD, then welcome and I hope you’ll find plen here to enjoy, including the bonus CD from our friends at World Music Festival Chicago (p11).

It’s a bumper issue, namely to celebrate our 150th edition. No mean feat, given these tough economic times. This was made even more apparent when we got the news that fellow music mag and champion of all things folk and roots, fRoots, is suspending publication, having just marked their 40th anniversary. Its demise is a big loss to our small but passionate communi of folk and world music lovers. My sincere condolences and best wishes to editor Ian Anderson and the rest of the team.

“This CubanAmerican big band have come up with the perfect summer soundtrack”

Jo Frost, editor

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

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Songlines is published by MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd St Jude’s Church, Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0PB, UK +44 (0)20 7738 5454 info@songlines.co.uk www.songlines.co.uk © MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd, 2019. All rights reserved. No part of Songlines may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publishing director. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editor or Songlines advertisements in the journal do not imply endorsement of the products or services advertised. Please read our privacy policy, by visiting http:// privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will explain how we process, use and safeguard your data. ISSN 1464-8113. Printed by: Pensord Press Ltd, Blackwood, NP12 2A Record trade distribution Songlines 020 7738 5454 Newstrade distribution Seymour 020 7429 4000

Diane Coetzer Diane lives in Johannesburg where she’s spent the last 20 years writing about the fascinating diversi of South African music. Read her interview with the band of the moment, BCUC, on p34.

Edward Herbst An ethnomusicologist, composermusician and author of two books about Balinese music, Edward reports from the descendants of the gamelan musicians Attenborough recorded in 1956 on p50.

Claus Vittus A veteran Danish music journalist, radio host, and world and folk music podcaster, Claus is also a regular festival-goer and gives the lowdown on Denmark’s famed Tønder Festival on p94.

Songlines was launched in 1999 and is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only magazine to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identi . Delivered in both print and digital formats, Songlines, through its extensive articles and reviews, is your essential and independent guide to a world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.

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ISSUE 150 › SONGLINES 03