songlines magazine, january 2013
come together – bassekou kouyate
The coup d’etat in March became the unexpected, surreal and dramatic backdrop to the recording of master ngoni player Bassekou Kouyaté’s latest album. MORE
Songlines magazine, October 2011
Fatoumata Diawara
Fatoumata Diawara is the latest rising Malian singing star. She chats to Rose Skelton and explains about how she found her voice. MORE
songlines magazine, August 2010
dedicated followers – cheikh Lo and Carlou D
Religious songs praising Islamic leaders are hugely popular in Senegal. Rose Skelton talks to two of the country's biggest stars – both loyal Baye Fall followers – Chikh Lo and Carlou D. MORE
the guardian, 23 July 2010
sufi's choice – cheikh lo
With his love-it-or-hate-it guitar style, soaring voice and Islamic mysticism, Senegalese star Cheikh Lo has always been a one-off. Rose Skelton met him. MORE
songlines magazine, march 2010
Here's looking at you, kidjo!
Angelique Kidjo is fast gaining a reputation as not only a formidable singer, but also one of Africa's leading female role models. MORE
songlines magazine, march 2009
gangbe brass band
What do you get when you mix West African ritual music with colonial marching band traditions? Rose Skelton finds out with Benin’s Gangbé Brass Band. MORE
arise magazine, 2009
wandering star – keziah jones
Emerging from the underground, Keziah Jones, the continent-hopping creator of bluefunk, is getting the chance to shine. MORE
froots magazine, may 2008
Muntu Valdo
The Cameroonian player is a rare example of a musician making more than a lawyer. Rose Skelton explains... MORE
songlines magazine, june 2007
Malouma
She's one of Mauritania's few female politicians, an advocate of equal opportunities and arguably the country's leading musician. She's also survived years of persecution and a media blackout because of her outspoken views. Rose Skelton meets the 'Light of the Sahara'. MORE
songlines magazine, november 2006
Kora Haze – Ba Cissoko
The kora group from Guinea are giving this most traditional of instruments the Jimi Hendrix treatment. Rose Skelton talks to them about their new album. MORE
brussels airline magazine, november 2006
the soul of senegal: Youssou N'Dour
African music has been planted firmly on the world's map thanks to the success if Grammy award-winning artist Youssou N'Dour. Rose Skelton reveals that he hasn't forgotten his roots in Senegal, as he tirelessly campaigns to develop Africa. MORE
froots magazine, March 2006
The War Chief – tiken jah fakoly
Tiken Jah Fakoly's ancestors were war chiefs, and that's how he sees himself, denouncing corrupt politicians across Africa, rewarded by being the soundtrack to nations. Rose Skelton gets her 15 minutes with him in sunny...Gateshead. MORE
froots magazine, 2006
Julia Sarr
The Senegalese singer's album with guitarist Patrice Larose impresses Rose Skelton. MORE
Froots magazine, 2006
Zjansiyoum Henok
From Ethiopia, but he's now one of Stockholm's African musical treasures, reckons Rose Skelton. MORE