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 Lawan Hosseini 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

Instrumental icons

There’s a striking and refreshing humili about our cover star this issue, Kayhan Kalhor, when he concludes his interview by saying he’s never had any ambitions but simply plays music for people’s enjoyment. Kalhor is a master of the kamancheh (a bowed instrument, sometimes called a spike fiddle) and he is fiercely proud of upholding the musical traditions and culture of his homeland, Iran. He speaks candidly about his many and varied musical collaborations, and about the inevitabili of “getting pulled into politics, whether you like it or not,” he says (p24).

Readers who have seen Kalhor perform in concert will, I’m sure, agree that it can be a transcendental and emotional experience. I’ve been lucky enough to see him several times, particular highlights being his concert playing his Silent City album with the terrific string quartet Brooklyn Rider and another with saz player Erdal Erzincan at the much-missed Babel Med expo in Marseille. Kalhor rarely speaks onstage, hiding beneath a sweeping grey fringe as he hunches over his instrument, playing with such intensi that his bow becomes a blur.

So I’m thrilled that Kalhor will be the recipient of the WOMEX Artist Award (p23) – a much deserved acknowledgement of his tireless advocacy of Iranian classical music. I’m also delighted that he’s just confirmed to play at next year’s Songlines Encounters Festival together with fellow Iranian and master of the plucked setar, Kiya Tabassian. Three other musicians this issue have also become synonymous with their instruments: sindhi sarangi player Lakha Khan (p19), santoor player Shivkumar Sharma (p94) and Stella Chiweshe who plays the Zimbabwean mbira (p103). It’s a roll call of instrumental virtuosi .

“It can be a transcendental and emotional experience”

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

Oliver Craske Oliver is a writer and editor from London. His biography of Ravi Shankar, Indian Sun, will be published by Faber & Faber in spring of next year. He profiles Shivkumar Sharma on p94.

Garth Cartwright Garth is a journalist and author of several books including Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians. Read his report from Romania on p34 and his interview with Gruff Rhys on p90.

Alex de Lacey Alex is a musicologist and lecturer based at Goldsmiths Universi , focusing on hip-hop practice from around the world. This issue he reports on the changing nature of the record label on p44.

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 152 › SONGLINES 03