Songlines Encounters returns to Kings Place for its 15th anniversary, this time as an extended series of events across 2026. Dedicated to showcasing music from around the world, Songlines Encounters highlights cultural richness across continents and creates space for extraordinary international artists to be heard. This first wave features music from Mali, Armenia, Burundi, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Occitania and more.
The series opens with British-Burundian singer Muco, reimagining medieval folk songs and poetry with his new project, Book of Voices. Then legendary Malian ngoni lute player Bassekou Kouyaté and his wife, revered griot singer Amy Sacko, perform as part of their first ever tour to the UK as a duo. Winner of Best Group at the Songlines Music Awards 2024, Mostar Sevdah Reunion – decode and represent over 400-year-old traditional music from Bosnia and Herzegovinia. Soon after, French minimalist duo, Cocanha (Caroline Dufau and Lila Fraysse), draw polyphonic songs from the traditional Occitan repertoire. Armenian tar player, singer and composer Miqayel Voskanyan completes the first wave, bringing his modernised jazz-influenced version of the plucked tar to the UK for the very first time.
As ever, the festival is proudly presented in partnership with one of the world’s leading global music magazines, Songlines and will feature more exciting additions to come.
The curation of Songlines Encounters is supported by the 1900 Building 1900bldg.com