he November 2023 issue (#192) of Songlines is out now, filled with the best music happening around the world, and the stories behind that music. ‘Africa’s premier diva’ Angélique Kidjo talks grief, finding fresh challenges and the future of African music; we celebrate 50 years since Cuba’s most innovative group, Irakere, formed; Anoushka Shankar chats about a serene new album made with Arooj Aftab and Nils Frahm; we discover how The Mary Wallopers went from living off bread, beans and beer to being the new saviours of Irish rock’n’roll; Bebel Gilberto guides us through a very special Beginner’s Guide to her father, João Gilberto; we take a trip deep into Azerbaijan to discover mugham and speak to New Orleans’ new Grand Griot Chief Adjuah.

Our attention turns to South Korea as we interview noted Squid Game/Parasite composer Jung Jae-il and pansori pranksters Leenalchi; we also track down Ladaniva, a new French-Armenian group primed for glory with their multilingual Balkan pop; Nitin Sawhney chooses his favourite albums; and we find out about Corinne Bailey Rae’s radical new record, informed by the works of a Chicago artist. Plus all the usual news, listings, reviews, competitions and so much more.

Both physical and digital copies of the magazine will also come with our accompanying Top of the World compilation featuring our pick of the month’s best new music – Les Mamans du Congo & Rrobin, Bixiga 70, Onipa, No-No Boy, Ekiti Sound, Lalalar, Dengue Fever and more – as well as bonus tracks from Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain, Angélique Kidjo, Ladaniva and Anoushka Shankar to accompany our features.