David Pratt

Antologia Vol.2  confirms that África Negra as São Tomé and Príncipe’s most important and influential band and, more importantly, brings more of their sparkling melodies, pulsating bass lines and African-influenced puxa music to a wider audience.

The inherent musicality of Afghan Music In Exile: Mashhad 2022 make it the perfect gateway into Afghanistan’s rich musical history and an essential conduit for ensuring that the voices of the artists involved are heard and not forgotten.

With Maisha, The Zawose Queens have delivered a debut album that is not only vibrant and spirited but also, at times, electrifying. The traditional sounds of their ancestors, blended with modern-day electronic sounds, signal a new era.

L’Etrangleuse’s Ambiance Argile is a richly hypnotic album filled with raw energy. It touches on folk, DIY punk, postpunk, krautrock, and electric desert blues, and the rapport and connection between musicians belie their relatively short existence as a quartet.

Jason McNiff has always written music on his terms; this is especially evident on Everything’s A Song. He has once again delivered an album of the finest contemporary roots music; it’s another absolute gem.

Soundway return with another great compilation, Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora, shining the spotlight on the innovative and creative Ghanaian burger highlife of the 80s.

Leyla McCalla’s ‘Sun Without The Heat’ is a consummate, original album that is Janus-like in its ability to communicate both sorrow and joy. Its shifting moods, musical styles, and influences make for a beautifully varied and rewarding listen.

With Congo Funk!, Analog Africa have captured the essence and spirit of Congolese music, which saw the rumba elevated to new heights. The 14 tracks showcase the indelibly funky grooves that electrified audiences at the time and have obviously stood the test of time.

Afrobeat music from Chile might sound incongruous, but whether you are a fan of the genre or are new to it, ignoring Grietas, the latest release from Newen Afrobeat, would be a mistake, such is its driving power, authenticity, and message.

Mawja, the latest album from the Sahrawi songwriter, musician and activist Aziza Brahim, finds her expanding her musical influences…it’s a compelling listen and truly representative of music without frontiers.

As part of their 85th anniversary, Topic Records reissue Martin Carthy’s self-titled debut solo album on vinyl – an iconic, almost peerless release, read why this album is as essential a listen now as it was in 1965.

Natascha Rogers’ ‘Onaida’ is a laid-back and immensely satisfying album. She has created a personalised aural space reflecting motifs such as her Native American ancestry, spirituality, compassion, humanity, the natural world, and womanhood—one to savour.