Accessibility links
World World music and features from NPR news, NPR cultural programs, and NPR Music stations.

World

Music Interviews

Zap Mama: New World Soul

Zap Mama's CD Ancestry in Progress charts a path from African a capella to a global vision of soul. Leader Marie Daulne says her new songs weave vocal styles from Africa and the East with technologies and music of the West. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne.

Zap Mama: New World Soul

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4117476/4130528" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Review

Music Reviews

Tinariwen Makes Music a Powerful Weapon

Tinariwen formed in the refugee camps of Libya and Algeria. They've carried instruments and rifles in their lives, and fought for the freedom of their Tuareg people. Their music is a mix of North African blues and at times reggae-influenced. Chris Nickson reviews their CD, Amassakoul.

Tinariwen Makes Music a Powerful Weapon

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4129404/4129405" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music

Marcel Khalife, 'Dylan of the Middle East'

Lebanese oud virtuoso Marcel Khalife is known throughout the world as an artistic revolutionary and cultural icon — except in the U.S. Khalife hopes to change that on his current American tour. NPR's Neda Ulaby has a profile.

Marcel Khalife, 'Dylan of the Middle East'

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4122485/4123815" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Opinion

Daniel Pearl, Remembered Through Music

Thousands of musicians in 37 countries perform on Daniel Pearl Music Day to honor the journalist kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Pakistan. His mother, commentator Ruth Pearl, recalls her son's love of music and shares family recordings of Daniel playing the violin.

Daniel Pearl, Remembered Through Music

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4107714/4108784" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Education

French Lessons Keep Singer's Legacy Alive

American Carole Fredericks' soulful, bluesy voice made her a sensation in France in the 1990s. She died in 2001, but her songs are finding new life helping U.S. students learn the language Fredericks loved.

French Lessons Keep Singer's Legacy Alive

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/3857380/4080182" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music

Ottmar Liebert's 'Nouveau Flamenco' Guitar

Guitarist Ottmar Liebert made his name with music he dubbed Nouveau Flamenco — over the objections of the recording industry. The guitarist, born in Germany, says the music has more to offer than corporate labels can cover. We visit with Liebert for a performance and chat.

Ottmar Liebert's 'Nouveau Flamenco' Guitar

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4077400/4079560" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music

Eric Lutz: What Are You Listening To?

NPR's John Ydstie talks to Eric Lutz, a legislative assistant in Washington, D.C., for the latest edition of the feature "What Are You Listening To?" Lutz's selections include Brazilian pop and two styles of jazz.

Eric Lutz: What Are You Listening To?

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4057966/4058725" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Music News

Gays Protest Homophobic Dancehall Reggae Lyrics

Day to Day producer Christopher Johnson reports that many gay rights activists are protesting against some dancehall reggae artists who feature homophobic lyrics in their music. Artists and dancehall advocates say the conflict is based on a cultural misunderstanding.

Gays Protest Homophobic Dancehall Reggae Lyrics

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4050952/4050953" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">