Songlines Awards Concert - 23 November 2012 - Barbican London

Songlines Magazine put on a concert of winners of its awards at the Barbican, London. This was the first time they had done this. It was a great opportunity to see and hear something new as well as Tinariwen, an existing favourite. The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 9 December on 'World on 3'

Fatoumata Diawara

Winner - Best Newcomer

Fatoumata opened with an acoustic number. She has an amazing voice. Her band joined her for the rest of the set. They were great fun, getting the crowd singing, clapping and waving. Another singer joined Fatoumata for harmonies and also played an impressive, exotic looking array of percussion instruments. A particular favourite was a song called "war" about peace.

Anoushka Shankar

Winner - Best Act

Anoushka's band were introduced as vey multi-cultural. The set fused and played with flamenco and classical Indian music. The band included a flamenco singer and guitarist and they opened with a song sung in Spanish but translated from an Indian poem. A number of the songs played with structures and tones that were common to both cultures. The Flamenco musicians left the stage and the set ended with a more traditional Indian song which allowed for solos from each musician.

Tinariwen

Winner - Best Band

Tinarewen were on fine form with their desert blues rock. The band blend traditional sounding singing ad melody with rock instruments. The lead switched between 3 frontmen who seamlessly picked up their guitar and main vocals from one another. The crowd were clearly fans and went wild when the band were presented with their award.