This issue’s cover star is Colombian-Canadian singer Lido Pimienta, who talks about her music and activism. We also announce all the nominations for this year’s Songlines Music Awards. Other features include an interview with El Khat’s bandleader Eyal el Wahab about his group’s latest deep dive into their Yemeni roots; Syrian qanun player Maya Youssef discussing her new album, a meditation on the concept of home; a feast of Georgian polyphonic singing with Iberi, celebrating the tradition of toasting; catching up with Frigg, the Nordgrass veterans commemorating 20 years of music making; My World interview with Kenyan author Mukoma Wa Ngugi; a Beginner’s Guide to one of Norway’s most celebrated Hardanger fiddle players, Annbjørg Lien; plus all the latest news, concert reviews, CD and world cinema reviews.

This month’s Top of the World album (available as a CD and download) includes Riley Family Band, Yungchen Lhamo and LYRE LYRE, plus an extra five bonus tracks featuring music from Monsieur Doumani, Juanita Euka and Lido Pimienta.

Buy this single issue below or subscribe here. To discover more music from Bosnia to Mongolia, Israel to Zanzibar, and the artists who champion the traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion music of their roots, subscribe to Songlines, your must have guide to the extraordinary world of music and culture.