In conjunction with the Songlines World Music Awards — winners are announced in Songlines magazine today — we have four tracks by winning acts for Times readers* to download free.
Best group: Amadou & Mariam
The blind Malian blues duo's story is incredible. But it's their catchy, upbeat musical fusion of pop and West African sounds that is winning over audiences.
Free download: Compagnon de la Vie from the album Welcome to Mali, released by Because
(www.amadou-mariam.com)
Best artist: Rokia Traoré
The Malian singer slips into another gear on her latest album, released after a five-year hiatus. She might be of slender build, but there's no doubting the power and intensity of her vocals.
Free download: Tounka from the album Tchamantché on Nonesuch
(www.nonesuch-uk.com)
Cross-cultural collaboration: Jah Wobble & the Chinese Dub Orchestra
Think dub-heavy reverb and Chinese vocals accompanied by traditional instruments. A bold sonic experiment from the former bass player with Public Image Ltd that really works.
Track: Happy Tibetan Girl from the album Chinese Dub on 30 Hertz Records
(www.30hertzrecords.com)
Newcomer: Kiran Ahluwalia
Ahluwalia is an international globetrotter: an Indian born, Canada raised and New York based singer of ghazal music. Wanderlust is a beautifully crafted album and her first main international release.
Track: Jo Dil from the album Wanderlust on World Connection
(www.worldconnection.nl)
* Downloads are limited to the first 10,000 readers
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