Albarn – Ian Birrell

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 found myself sitting next to his drummer, Saidou […]

Arts / Music

The term ‘world music’ is outdated and offensive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 real world too. From arts to science, from […]

Africa / Arts / Congo / Music

Music from the heart of the Congo

Published in The Independent (February 29th, 2008) The tiny stage was packed as a heavy, dancehall rhythm rumbled out into the Kinshasa night. There was Damon Albarn on […]

Africa / Arts / Mali / Music

Journey into the beating heart of Africa

Published in The Independent (October 13th, 2006) We ducked into a covered alleyway, where two elderly men with grizzled beards, skullcaps and indigo robes lay on straw mats. […]

Africa / Arts / Mali / Music

Songs of freedom

Published in The Independent (January 18th, 2004) The full moon was bathing the Saharan dunes in light as a middle -aged blind woman with two-tone braided hair and […]