Cut down doing the job he loved
Published by The Mail on Sunday (15th November, 2015) It is hard to think of anyone further removed from the... Read Full Article
The heartbeat of South Africa
Published by High Life (8th January, 2015) As we drive into Ivory Park, the sprawling township that clings to rolling... Read Full Article
Kings of the desert
Published in The Independent (December 6th, 2013) Under the blistering midday sun, two young musicians shook hands. ‘Would you like... Read Full Article
Why grandad rock still rolls
Published in The Guardian (June 29th) Two of the most powerful brands in popular culture merge on Saturday. The Rolling Stones,... Read Full Article
Music is vital to political struggle across Africa – not just in Mali
Published in The Observer (27th January, 2013) At dinner last month after a concert by the Congolese rapper Baloji, I... Read Full Article
Musicians of Mali fight for their nation’s soul
Published in The Independent on Sunday (January 20th, 2013) The image of Mali has long been a gentle one. It... Read Full Article
Mali’s magical music
Published in The Guardian (January 18th, 2013) This week, the world has finally focused on the tragedy that has befallen... Read Full Article
The term ‘world music’ is outdated and offensive
Published in The Guardian (March 23, 2012) Life’s a mashup these days, isn’t it? Not just online but in the... Read Full Article
Another top ten albums of 2011 list
Published on The Spectator website (December 18th, 2011) Picking my favourite albums this year reminded me of three things about... Read Full Article
We must stop treating world-class artists with such routine contempt
Published in The Observer (July 10th, 2011) Idrissa Soumaoro should have been rehearsing with the celebrated Malian musicians Amadou &... Read Full Article