WORLD TREASURES MUSIC

January 23, 2021

‘Hybla La Ola Interior: Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticsm 1983-1990’ is set for March release on Bongo Joe Records – the label returns to compiling unheard gems from Spain

Bongo Joe Records release Hybla by Finis Africae, ahead of a new double LP, La Ola Interior: Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticsm 1983-1990, featuring 20 tracks selected from a fertile period of electronic music production in mainland Spain. It’s out on March 5th. The label’s previous exploration in Spain, La Ola Contra, honed in on…
January 22, 2021

Kebidoo is South Africa born but her hybrid pop results from international inspirations – crafted potently by Nigeria-based producer GreenBaker – and is a multimedia feast

Tshego was born in 1996 in Mafikeng, a small town about four hours west of Johannesburg. Her music blends together iconic mostawako (a South African hip-hop) and kwaito songs by the likes of HHP and Khuli Chana; early 2000-era underground grime – acquired while living in the UK (Brough, near Hull); k-pop artists like BLACKPINK;…
January 21, 2021

Lion’s Drums reworks priceless field recordings of the Kagabas People in isolated Sierra Nevada mountain villages, North Colombia – where Kagabas society is steeped in song

Kagabas is the name of the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Santa Marta, Colombia and also the name of the new album by Lion’s Drums – the result of Harold Boué’s week-long expedition and subsequent recordings of Kagaba society and their habitat. Lead single Alouatta (hembra) is out now. Kagabas is…
January 21, 2021

João Selva drops modern Brazilian tropicalismo on lead single ‘Navegar’ – with producer and multi instrumentalist Bruno Patchworks – ahead of forthcoming album for Underdog Records

João Selva’s new single Navegar, with the late 60s sound of Brazilian tropicalismo and fused with funk fuel, is from his forthcoming album for Underdog Records (out April 2nd). We could all do with a bit of sunshine in our lives right now and this is a lovely song, and really swings. Starting from his…
January 19, 2021

Angel Bat Dawid, Brahja, International Anthem, Jazz & Milk, Ill Considered, Tamil Rogeon, Rob Mazurek Exploding Star Orchestra – LISTEN (WTM winter jazzlights)

Here’s a mix covering the best of jazz that came out towards the back end of 2020. One of the best live albums of last year was from Angel Bat Dawid. International Anthem remained one of the leading labels in the world – there were other magical moments from a range of artists. It was…
January 8, 2021

Roots with Barney Rachabane – revived for the first time by Frederiksberg Records – captures a unique time of exploration in South Africa’s mid-’70s jazz scene, opening the door for future fusion

Roots is another must-hear chapter of the progressive South African Jazz scene – this reissue of the self-titled 1975 album is from the ever-trusty, Frederiksberg Records and features Barney Rachabane. Rachabane, described by Paul Simon as “one of the most soulful saxophone players in the world”, was born in Alexandra township on the fringe of…
January 8, 2021

‘Masikini Naye Mtu (The Poor are Also People)’ is the sensational DIY jam by local Tanzanian heroes, Jamaica Mnanda – their hyper rap style is going global from the streets of Dar es Salaam

Woah, this was a very very very welcome email to kickstart 2021, Masikini Naye Mtu (The Poor are Also People) by Jamaica Mnanda – a Tanzanian collective firing Mchiriku style, unique to Dar es Salaam and made up of a singer, drums, chair, maracas and Casio keyboard player – is out today. The powerful sound…
January 8, 2021

Omar Khorshid kicks off 2021 for Wewantsounds – this reissue of collector’s classic ‘We Want Love’ is an instrumental masterpiece, by one of the greatest guitarists ever

Omar Khorshid is one of the greatest guitar players of the Arab world – so naturally, one of the best to pick up the instrument and grace our planet – and this much needed reissue of We Want Love is a must from Wewantsounds. The label’s Arabic series of albums has grown very consistently, blessing our…
December 23, 2020

Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has been detained for more than 1,000 days – ‘El Amiis El Karoo (The Flannel Shirt)’ by Ramy Essam highlights #FreeGalal and #IwantToBreathe campaigns

El Amiis El Karoo (The Flannel Shirt) is the latest single and video from Egyptian rock artist and human rights activist, Ramy Essam – it was released to mark 1,000 days of imprisonment of Egyptian poet, Galal El-Behairy. Galal has been imprisoned in Egypt since the 2018 release of the song Balaha, which he wrote…
December 23, 2020

Ink Project release gothic soul gem ‘The End feat. Fifi Rong’ – following first acclaimed single with vocalist, Coreysan – ahead of forthcoming album ‘Rhythm Spirit’, out February 2021

Brighton-based producer Ink Project (aka Jez Lloyd) presents the second single from forthcoming album Rhythm Spirit, released February 26th, 2021, on limited edition vinyl and digital. Ink Project’s first single – featuring Bristol-based, Trinidadian-born artist, Coreysan – attracted plaudits from BBC 6 Music, RTE, Crack Magazine, Self-Titled, Indie Shuffle, NPR, Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, Don…