“Jane Cornwell gets the full diva treatment from Sezen Aksu in Istanbul, who incredibly ā after almost 40 years in the business ā is about to launch her first ever international release. Plus, we explore the Queen of Turkish popās impressive career to date.”
Interview with Sezen Aksu for Songlines.
Programme notes for Rain Dogs Revisited event at the Barbican.
Programme notes for Oumou Sangare at the Barbican.
“Whether youāre looking to soak up the musical vibe in an English country field, or fancy venturing somewhere more exotic, thereās a wealth of festivals taking place this year. We highlight some of our favourites…”
My rundown of the best summer festivals in 2011 for Songlines.
“The Gnawa of Morocco are famed for their deep, soulful music and their healing and trance powers. To see the maalem spirit masters in action, Jane Cornwell visits the Gnawa Festival in Essaouira and Torben Holleufer witnesses trance in action at a religious festival.”
“Dancing, gossiping and flirting are part of life in Santiago de Cuba.”