Around the World - Preview
2 May 2025
This Week
It’s a busy newsletter this week with features on the featured album Niepraudzivaya by Hajda Banda, Dubioza Kolektiv and their long tour starting today, first single from Cheikh Ibra Fam’s upcoming album "Adouna", The World Music Charts Europe and the Transglobal Music Chart for May and the new feature - If You Like Around the World You Might Like …”. This week Arne Berg’s Jungeltelegrafen on NRK (Norway).
You can also download this week’s running order and see the list of where and when to hear the show.
You can listen to the show on Mixcloud
Music From: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Uganda, and western Kenya.
Music By: Ado 阿洛, Adrian Raso & Fanfare Ciocarlia, Anoushka Shankar, Cassie and Maggie, Cheikh Ibra Fam, Dubioza Kolektiv, Estrellas de Buena Vista, Kankou Kouyate, Kasiva Mutua, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, Kazdoura, Lajkó Félix, Mo Laudi & Fatoumata Diawara, Mostar Sevdah Reunion, Natalia Lafourcade, Päivi Hirvonen, Piers Faccini & Ballaké Sissoko, Quartetto Areasud, Sauljaljui, Seu Jorge & Wilson das Neves, Vimma, Winyo & Fancy Fingers, and Yo Maps Yo.
This week’s featured album is Niepraudzivaya by Hajda Banda
Niepraudzivaya kalina - Hajda Banda / Гайда Банда
Hajda Banda (Гайда Банда) is a Polish-Belarusian folk music ensemble that emerged in the autumn of 2021. Founded by violinist Daria Butskaya, the band is dedicated to preserving and reimagining the traditional music of the Podlasie region in eastern Poland, western Belarus, and Polesye, a borderland area shared by Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus.
The group is celebrated for its authentic acoustic sound, using traditional instruments such as violin, hammered dulcimer, three-row Polish accordion, and frame drum. Their music is a vibrant blend of rural melodies, including polkas, waltzes, and traditional dances, which they perform with a modern twist while staying true to their roots.
Hajda Banda's album Niepraudzivaya [translates to "untrue" or "false" in English] was released on March 8, 2025. This is their second album, following their debut Hajda!. The album explores themes of daily struggles, such as family and romantic relationships, substance abuse, war, and violence, while also celebrating moments of joy through traditional dances, communal singing, and cultural exchanges1. It features 15 tracks and continues the band's tradition of blending acoustic sounds
The ensemble's members bring a wealth of experience from various folk music projects, enriching their performances with a depth of musical expertise. Since their inception, Hajda Banda has performed over 90 concerts, to audiences at prestigious festivals and intimate village gatherings.
Dubioza Kolektiv - Rakija y Ron feat. Adrià Salas (Video oficial)
Dubioza Kolektiv are heading out on a long European tour and I’m hoping to see them at least once (in Brno) maybe twice (when they come to Belfast). I first saw them play live at Balkan Most in Veszprém, Hungary in September 2023. They were tremendous! Details of their tour are below.
Dubioza Kolektiv is a dynamic and politically charged band from Bosnia and Herzegovina, formed in 2003. Known for their eclectic mix of musical styles, they blend elements of ska, punk, reggae, dub, hip-hop, and Balkan folk music. Their lyrics often tackle social and political issues, making them a voice for change and resistance in the region. Their music often addresses themes like corruption, nationalism, and social justice, resonating with audiences across Europe and beyond.
Over the years, they have gained a reputation for their high-energy performances and multilingual songs, which are performed in Bosnian, English, and other languages.
The video for Rakija Y Ron features Adrià Salas, a Spanish musician and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Catalan rumba and ska band La Pegatina. His band gained international recognition and was even nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2018 for their album Now or Never.
02 May2025 - 3-MajówkaWroclaw (Poland)
27 Jun2025 - Festival Arts'ScenicsLisle-sur-tarn (France)
04 Jul2025 - SOMMER AM KIEZAugsburg (Germany)
19 Jul2025 - OK Fest 2025Tjentište (Bosnia And Herzegovina)
25 Jul2025 - Castle - Kolpa Music FestivalKostel (Slovenia)
26 Jul2025 - Herzberg Festival 2025Fulda (Germany)
30 Jul2025 - The juergas Rock Festival 2025Adra (Spain)
07 Aug2025 - Taubertal-Festival 2025Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (Germany)
08 Aug2025 - Maraton Hudby BrnoBrno (Czechia)
09 Aug2025 - Festivalul LupilorTrebujeni (Moldova)
15 Aug2025 - Barba NegraBudapest (Hungary)
17 Aug2025 - LaRock MusicFestivalFlorești (Romania)
10 Sep2025 - LAV - Lisboa Ao VivoLisboa (Portugal)
11 Sep2025 - Revenidas S.c.Vilagarcía De Arousa (Spain)
12 Sep2025 - Sala La RivieraMadrid (Spain)
13 Sep2025 - Sala ApoloBarcelona (Spain)
04 Oct2025 - Exeter PhoenixExeter (United Kingdom)
05 Oct2025 - The FleeceBristol (United Kingdom)
08 Oct2025 - Electric BallroomCamden (United Kingdom)
09 Oct2025 - GorillaManchester (United Kingdom)
10 Oct2025 - The WarehouseLeeds (United Kingdom)
12 Oct2025 - Northumbria University Newcastle, City CampusNewcastle (United Kingdom)
13 Oct2025 - The Classic GrandGlasgow (United Kingdom)
15 Oct2025 - Belfast Empire Music HallBelfast (United Kingdom)
16 Oct2025 - The Button FactoryDublin (Ireland)
06 Nov2025 - PustervikGöteborg (Sweden)
19 Dec2025 - GasometerWien (Austria)
Cheikh Ibra Fam - Xam Xam (Official Music Video)
"Xam Xam" is the first single from Cheikh Ibra Fam’s upcoming album "Adouna." Infused with Caribbean zouk and Angolan kizomba, the song is a call to embrace knowledge as the most valuable treasure of all. With "Xam Xam", Cheikh Ibra Fam sets the stage for Adouna, an album that explores themes of migration, love, faith, and the universal human search for purpose. Over the next year, he will embark on a global tour, bringing his message of music, memory, and movement to audiences worldwide.
Currently based on Reunion Island, Cheikh Ibra Fam was born Cheikh Ibrahima Ousmane Fame, is a Senegalese musician celebrated for his unique blend of Afropop, funk, jazz, soul, and roots music. Growing up in Dakar, Senegal, he was immersed in the Baye Fall spiritual tradition and Afro-Cuban rhythms, which shaped his musical identity. His early influences included Otis Redding and Orchestra Baobab, where he performed for six years before launching his solo career.
If you like Around the World you light also like …
Jungeltelegrafen
NRK (Norway)
Arne Berg is a passionate advocate for global music and has been a prominent figure at NRK, Norway's national broadcaster, since 1996. He is best known for his work on the radio programme Jungeltelegrafen, which has been a staple of NRK's P2 channel for over two decades. The show explores "the other music"—genres and sounds that often fall outside mainstream radio playlists, such as African rap, Portuguese fado, and desert blues.
THE CHARTS
World Music Charts Europe
This is the chart for May 2025 - see more at World Music Charts Europe
Be part of our community also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/worldmusicchartseurope).
WORLD MUSIC CHARTS EUROPE
May 2025
1 BAGOLA prev month: 1
Trio da Kali • Mali • One World Records
2 THE DEVIL RIDES AGAIN prev month: ---
Adrian Raso & Fanfare Ciocarlia • Canada/Romania • Asphalt Tango Records
3 NIEPRAUDZIVAYA prev month: ---
Hajda Banda • Poland/Belarus • self released
4 LIVE! prev month: ---
Boubacar Traoré, Vincent Bucher & Jeremie Diarra • Mali/France • Büro Käser
5 MODAS NOVAS E ALGUMAS VELHAS prev month: ---
Omiri • Portugal • Repasseado
6 UNA OPORTUNIDAD MÁS DE TRIUNFAR EN LA VIDA prev month: 3
Los Piranas • Colombia • Glitterbeat
7 AL ALBA prev month: ---
Matthieu Saglio & Camille Saglio • France • ACT
8 ESTRELLAS DE BUENA VISTA – LIVE IN HAVANA prev month: ---
various artists • Cuba • One World Records
9 MEYBAHAR prev month: 4
Meybahar • Hungary/Greece • Fonó
10 WHEELS OF ÖMON prev month: ---
Kuunatic • Japan • Glitterbeat
11 MAKING MOVES prev month: 2
Santrofi • Ghana • OutHere Records
12 DREAMSCAPES prev month: 10
Frigg • Finland • Bafe’s Factory
13 WATERSONG prev month: ---
Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico • Greece • ECM
14 MAA PALAA prev month: ---
Päivi Hirvonen • Finland • Nordic Notes
15 GHOYOUM prev month: ---
Kazdoura • Canada/Syria/Lebanon • August 4 Records
16 THE GARDEN OF OTAVA prev month: ---
Barbora Xu • Czech Republic • Nordic Notes
17 SHARATIN prev month: ---
Ensemble Marani • Georgia/France • Buda Musique
18 O KIPOS prev month: ---
Nefeli Fasouli • Greece • self released
19 ABUNDANCIA prev month: 6
Maria Joao • Portugal • Galileo
20 N’DARILA prev month: ---
Kankou Kouyaté • Mali • One World Records
Compiled by Milan Tesar on behalf of the World Music Workshop of the European Broadcasting Union from playlists of 44 radio producers in 25 European countries.
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Some notable albums below the official Top 20:
23 OUR CALLING prev month: ---
Ballaké Sissoko & Piers Faccini • Mali/UK • No Format
25 GOGOPOGO prev month: ---
Ghent Folk Violin Project • Belgium • Homerecords.be
27 LES VENTS BRULANTS prev month: 145
Ensemble Chakam • Iran/Palestine/France • L’Étoile Dit
29 SO KONO prev month: 74
Salif Keita • Mali • No Format
31 BALKÁNSKE STOPY prev month: 27
Petraš Projekt • Slovakia • Hlava XXII
32 KINIATA prev month: ---
Kin’Gongolo Kiniata • DR Congo • Helico
33 AT THE FEET OF THE BELOVED prev month: 21
Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali • Pakistan • Real World Records
34 EI NOI MUUT prev month: ---
Vimma • Finland • Nordic Notes
36 UNDERSTORIES prev month: ---
Julia Úlehla & Dálava • USA • PI Recordings
37 CARIBE DELUXE prev month: ---
Ana Carla Maza • Cuba • ACM Global Music
38 IN BETWEEN prev month: ---
Elana Sasson • USA/Iran/Kurdish • PKMusik
39 VOCAZIONI prev month: ---
Ra di Spina • Italy • Audioimage
41 OXYMORON prev month: ---
Shahab Tolouie Trio • Iran/Czech Republic • self released
42 ABDA prev month: 88
Aita mon Amour • Morocco/France • Shouka
43 EPSILON & THETA prev month: 126
Elsa Mouratidou • Greece • self released
44 RITUAL prev month: ---
Rita Donde • Cuba/Mexico • Ansonia Records
46 VAPOR prev month: ---
Sandra Martins • Portugal • Resonance Music
47 SHIMLI prev month: 54
Cynefin • UK (Wales) • self released
48 GOLD AND COAL prev month: ---
Cassie & Maggie • Canada • self released
50 AFRICAN WOMEN ARISE prev month: ---
Awa Khiwe • Zimbabwe • Outhere Records
1. Songhoy Blues · Héritage · Transgressive / Remote [3]
2. Trio Da Kali · Bagola · One World [1]
3. Kankou Kouyate · N’Darila · One World [10]
4. Savina Yannatou, Primavera en Salonico and Lamia Bedioui · Watersong · ECM [-]
5. Aïta Mon Amour · Abda · Shouka [15]
6. Nidia Góngora · Pacífico Maravilla · Positivo [-]
7. Mara Aranda · Sefarad en el Corazón de Bulgaria · Mara Aranda [-]
8. Park Jiha · All Living Things · Tak:til / Glitterbeat [5]
9. Ensemble Chakâm · Les Vents Brûlants · Ensemble Chakâm [9]
10. Adrian Raso & Fanfare Ciocărlia · The Devil Rides Again · Asphalt Tango [-]
11. Rizwan Muazzam Qawwali · At the Feet of the Beloved · Real World [6]
12. Thanos Stavridis & Drom · Fygame · Thanos Stavridis & Drom [-]
13. Alsarah & The Nubatones · Seasons of the Road · Alsarah & The Nubatones [17]
14. Ablaye CIssoko & Cyrille Brotto · Djiyo · Ma Case Prod [8]
15. Frigg · Dreamscapes · Bafe’s Factory [13]
16. Arat Kilo · Danama · Accords Croisés [4]
17. Jupiter & Okwess · Ekoya · Airfono [7]
18. Boubacar Traoré & Vincent Boucher & Jeremie Diarra · Live! · Boubacar Traoré [-]
19. Flook · Sanju · Flatfish [12]
20. Damily & Toliara Tsapiky Band · Fihisa · Damily [18]
21. Ensemble Marani · Sharatin · Buda Musique [-]
22. Kin’Gongolo Kiniata · Kiniata · Hélico [-]
23. Samba Touré · Baarakelaw · Glitterbeat [2]
24. Piers Faccini & Ballaké Sissoko · Our Calling · Nø Førmat! [37]
25. Mehmet Polat Quartet · Roots in Motion · AudioMaze [-]
26. Ra di Spina · Vocazioni · Agualoca [-]
27. Aboubakar Traoré & Balima · Sababu · Zephyrus [19]
28. Ukandanz · Evil Plan · Compagnie 4000 [20]
29. Matthieu Saglio & Camille Saglio · Al Alba · ACT [-]
30. De Mar y Río · Bailen y Gocen · Palenque [36]
31. Wimme + Rinne · Ivgu · Rockadillo [-]
32. Anouar Brahem · After the Last Sky · ECM [-]
33. Charles Maimarosia · Hote’ Hote’ · Wantok Musik [-]
34. L’Alba · Grilli · Buda Musique [22]
35. Awa Khiwe · African Women Arise · Outhere [-]
36. Shahab Tolouie Trio · Oxymoron · Shahab Tolouie [-]
37. Novalima · La Danza (Deluxe Version) · Six Degrees [14]
38. Farnaz Ohadi · Breath / Aliento · Air Music [-]
39. Al Andaluz Project · The Songs of Iman Kandoussi: Traditional Arabic Andalusian · Galileo Music Communication [16]
40. Ebo Taylor, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad · Ebo Taylor JID022 · Jazz Is Dead [23]
Download the chart as a PDF file