The Latest Breaking News from World Beat

More than The Mouse Boys

Malawi is not well known internationally for its traditional and popular music, although that may change with the release of a fascinating contemporary compilation Sounds Of Malawi Vol.1 (Hen House Studios).

Bangkok Post · Aug 7

Rockin' in the Free World

Last year, World Beat went to the annual Boon Phra Wet Festival in Roi Et City in Isan. The three-day event celebrated one of the monthly merit-making ceremonies -- heet sip song -- with parades, huge dance performances (10,101 dancers on the streets), Buddhist sermons and nightly molam stages for…

Bangkok Post · Jul 24

Keep it cool

Japanese fusion band of Tropique has released its second studio label, a follow-up to the band's surprising debut Buster Goes West (Electric Cowbell Records). Released in May, the new album Looking For My Foot Foot is on the new Japanese label Pepei Records.

Bangkok Post · Jul 10

Tunes for the chill season

The music scene has been given a boost this year with the return of tourists and the reopening of entertainment venues. Festivals are returning to the provinces this month and the local circuits for rock and luk thung are back, too. The summer festival season in Europe, Japan and North…

Bangkok Post · Nov 8, 2022

Nostalgia from Somalia

Mogadishu in Somalia in the mid-1980s was a crossroads where Africa, Asia and Europe joined, where hotels like the Al-Uruba competed with other luxury venues to host some of the Indian Ocean's most potent popular music. Situated right on Lido beach, the distinctive Al-Uruba building with Arabic and Somali architectural…

Bangkok Post · Oct 24, 2022

Womad festival returns in style

In 1982, the first Womad music festival was held in Shepton Mallet, UK. The organisation, which stands for World Of Music Arts And Dance, was set up in 1980 by English rock star Peter Gabriel (Genesis), Thomas Brooman, Bob Hooton, Mark Kidel, Stephen Pritchard, Martin Elbourne and Jonathan Arthur.

Bangkok Post · Aug 29, 2022

African releases enchant

The World Beat desk has been inundated with new releases in the past few weeks as record labels begin to get back on track. Three outstanding albums from Africa have been playing regularly on the World Beat sound system: Pape Nziengui's Kadi Yombo (Awesome Tapes From Africa); Rokia Kone and…

Bangkok Post · Jan 31, 2022