Simon Emmerson (1956–2023)
Peter Gabriel remembers the life and musical career of Simon Emmerson.
Fri, 17 March 23
Rokia Koné receives two nominations in the All Africa Music Awards
Malian artist Rokia Koné has been nominated in two categories of this year's All Africa Music Awards. The 'AFRIMA' awards have been taking place since 2014, and is a platform that rewards excellence in the African music industry and showcases the cultural and entertainment uniqueness of Africa to the rest of the world.
Rokia Koné has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year for her single ‘Kurunba’ and Best Artist in African Traditional for the song ‘N’yanyan’, both of which feature on her debut album BAMANAN, released earlier this year.
Amongst the other artists receiving nominations this year is Afrobeats legends Burna Boy, Zakes Bantwini (South Africa) and Oumou Sangaré (Mali). The awards ceremony and associated events will take place in Lagos, Nigeria between 8th and 11th of December 2022.
BAMANAN by Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee was chosen as The New York Times Critic’s Pick upon its release in February. Songlines magazine wrote that the album was ‘sure to go down as a classic,‘ and The Face said ‘her deeply spiritual grooves and passionate lyrics have challenged the Malian psyche.’
Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee performed their first shows together in France last April, and will tour the UK and Europe in 2023.
Featured release
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Released 18 February 2022
It’s a voice that soars — pure, clear and true — above bass and synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves. A stop-you-in-your-tracks voice instantly familiar to anyone in Mali, West Africa: Rokia Koné, a.k.a the Rose of Bamako. On her debut album, she teams up with California-based rock producer Jacknife Lee to reimagine the Malian sound in ways both leftfield and beautiful.
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Further reading
Long-awaited release of Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté collaboration
The album is a spiritual meditation by two culture bearers of centuries-old musical traditions.
Fri, 24 March 23
Guitarist Salif Koné demonstrates three musical styles from Mali
Rokia Koné and Les Amazones d'Afrique's guitarist demonstrates Mandigue, Bamana & Tuareg music.
Mon, 02 May 22
Track of the day: ‘Sajanava’ by Jasdeep Singh Degun
Sajanava is taken from Jasdeep Singh Degun's debut album Anomaly.
Fri, 08 April 22