Editor-in-chief Simon Broughton Publisher & Managing Director Paul Geoghegan Editor Jo Frost Deputy Editor & Reviews Editor Alexandra Petropoulos Art Director Paulina Stopka Advertisement Manager James Anderson-Hanney Online Content Editor James McCarthy Editorial Assistant Spencer Grady News Editor Russ Slater Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Marketing Manager John Barnett Cover Image Tatenda Chidora 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 The fairytale rise of Zoë Modiga The last two South African acts to grace the cover of Songlines – Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela – were undeniable global superstars, so it seems fitting that this issue we’re featuring someone who may still be an unfamiliar face to many, but is fast becoming one of the country’s rising stars: Zoë Modiga. In the feature on p22 she talks about her second album, Inganekwane, which means ‘Fairytale’ in her native isiZulu language. It’s an expansive work that showcases Modiga’s impressive vocal range and cements her status as a new voice who is championing the importance of identi and language. As she tells Jane Cornwell, “this is me looking back and being appreciative of where I come from.” This reminded me of something Masekela said in his last feature (in #133, in 2017): “I advise every kid to check out their past because without a past you’re in limbo.” By coincidence in that same year Modiga, who had just released her debut, performed at the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival. Here’s hoping that once international touring resumes, we’ll be able to experience her much talked about live show. Here in the UK, the resumption of live music in venues is facing yet more challenges, given the latest restrictions and local lockdowns so it would seem there’s a long way to go before we’re back to pre-COVID gig going. Folk musician Sam Sweeney paints a bleak picture in his Soapbox (p81) about the future for musicians who are being forced to take up other professions due to COVID-19. His piece raises many pertinent questions to all of us as music consumers about how we need to re-evaluate our consumption of art if we want to continue to enjoy the wealth of musical talent this country has to offer. Finally, please do make sure to check out the bonus CD from MOST (see p9), the first of a series of three compilations showcasing the incredible diversi of music from the Balkans. Zoë Modiga is fast becoming one of South Africa’s rising stars Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting: www.songlines.co.uk/ carbon-offsetting Jo Frost, editor CBP001802 CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE www.markallengroup.com 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, 2020. 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 David Hutcheon In 1991 David toured with Seoul’s SamulNori, and ever since has kept an ear on Korea; he says, “it’s a nation forever anticipating turmoil, the music reflects this.” Read his interview with ADG7 on p36. Emma John Emma is a journalist and author. Her year in the US as a bluegrass fiddler is the subject of her book Wayfaring Stranger. This issue she investigates bluegrass and its role in the culture wars (p28). Frank Kinsey Frank is a London-born writer based in Bogotá, Colombia. He regularly reports on music and sociocultural themes from throughout Colombia and Latin America. Read his Dispatch from Bogotá on p77. 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. @SonglinesMag facebook.com/songlines instagram.com/songlinesmag www.songlines.co.uk ISSUE 162 › SONGLINES 03