WELCOME
Editor-in-chief Simon Broughton Publisher & Managing Director Paul Geoghegan Editor Jo Frost Deputy Editor & Reviews Editor Alexandra Petropoulos Art Director Juliet Boucher Advertisement Manager James Anderson-Hanney Online Content Editor James McCarthy Sub Editor & Online Content Writer Spencer Grady News Editor Russ Slater Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Sub Editor Emma Baker Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Assistant Emma Coull Cover Image Michael Barkmann & Donata Wenders (BVSC inset shot) 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
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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, 2021. 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 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 Marketforce (UK) Ltd 020 3787 9101
Thank you for the music
So much of what we cover in Songlines is all about the story behind the music. And there really isn’t a more heart-warming story than that of a group of veteran son cubano musicians given an opportuni for a fresh start who become world famous following the success of their album and a subsequent film.
Buena Vista Social Club have been featured innumerable times in the magazine but as the album’s 25th anniversary approaches, we felt the story warrants retelling, if only to marvel at its remarkable and ongoing legacy. Its release back in 1997 played a big part in the decision to launch Songlines and it certainly sparked my own curiosi in exploring music from around the world, which ultimately led me to joining Songlines.
However my time as editor comes to an end with this edition as, a er close to 20 years, I’m off to explore new ventures. I haven’t yet made it to Cuba but during my time at Songlines I have been incredibly lucky to visit and report from numerous countries and I leave with so many indelible memories – from attending a Sámi joiking contest in the Arctic Circle to getting soaked during a tropical downpour while watching the closing act at the aptly named Rainforest World Music Festival in Borneo.
Taking over the reins as editor is my colleague of close to ten years, Alexandra Petropoulos, so I wish her, the rest of the Songlines team and all our contributors the very best for the future.
It’s been a privilege to get to know so many artists from all over the world, discover their stories and music and share these with you, so thank you for supporting Songlines. Music will continue to be an intrinsic part of my life so I hope I’ll bump into some of you at a gig or festival sometime soon. Finally, thanks to all the musicians who have provided a glorious soundtrack along the way – it’s been an exhilarating sonic journey!
It’s been a privilege to get to know so many artists from all over the world
Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting:
www.songlines.co.uk/
carbon-offsetting
Jo Frost, editor
CBP001802
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
Chris Moss Chris has visited Cuba regularly since 1994, and written about the island’s contemporary art and music scenes. This issue, he speaks to the surviving members of Buena Vista Social Club (p20).
Tatiana Rucinska Based in Stockholm, Tatiana works under the moniker of DJ Aicha and has been the Songlines listings editor for 19 years. With restrictions finally easing, the Gig Guide makes its glorious return this issue on p77.
Mateusz Dobrowolski An NGO activist, musician and ex Polish Radio journalist, Mateusz writes about the vibrant Polish roots music scene. This issue he reports from Ostrava for the Czech Music Crossroads showcase (p67).
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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OCTOBER 2021 › SONGLINES 03
