Mara!

Acclaimed worldwide for her distinctive voice, Mara Kiek is an authority on Bulgarian vocal technique, song, and folk music.

Her 35-year career has included performances and recordings in styles ranging from folk to early music, and rock to improvised music. Mara was female artist of the year in the Australian World Music Awards in 2000, and has been the recipient of two ARIA’s (Australian Recording Industry Awards).

In 1988, with the assistance of the Australia Council’s Performing Arts Board, Mara travelled from her native Australia to Bulgaria for six months of study in folk music, choral music, and conducting.

Upon her return to Sydney, she recruited around 40 singers and formed the Martinetsa Choir, modeling the ensemble after the magnificent Bulgarian state choirs. Martenitsa has since become one of the most highly regarded and innovative choirs in Australia.

Further reading

The Blind Boys of Alabama to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Americana Music Association

The cermony takes place on 18 September at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Bab L’ Bluz KEXP Session

During their North American tour in July 2024, Bab L' Bluz visited the studios of KEXP in Seattle to...

10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse

Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.

Track of the day: ‘IWAIWA FUNK’ by Bab L’ Bluz

French-Moroccan power quartet Bab L' Bluz, release the third track from their album Swaken.