25 YEARS OF SONGLINES (FN)

25 Years of Songlines specifically refers to the 25th-anniversary celebration of Songlines, the world’s leading magazine for global music. Songlines magazine was launched in 1999 (its first issue featured a cover story on the Buena Vista Social Club). It hit its 25-year mark in March 2024.

To celebrate, they released a massive collector’s edition (#195) in March 2024. It looked back at the most influential artists, albums, and stories from the past quarter-century.

The anniversary coverage highlighted legends like Orchestra Baobab, Tinariwen, Mariza, Souad Massi, Lhasa, Taraf De Haidouks Gaye Su Akyol - Spell Songs Ali Farka Toure - Toumani Diabate - The Gloaming Ondatropica - Qawwali Flamenco - Mariza and Much more.

The 2024 festival at Kings Place in London was dedicated to this anniversary, featuring live performances from artists the magazine has championed for decades.