Global Sonics

16/07/2025

What’s the buzz? Solo Diarra’s beautiful debut album “Yimenga” has been picked up by radio stations around the globe. We love it!
Released by Global Sonics on May 23.

10/07/2025

01/07/2025

Mariama Ndure / Radio France - we absolutely love it!

"Beginning again", a sublime tune that mixes jazz, hip-hop and traditional music from West Africa (...) a great tribute to her ancestors" - FIP

13/06/2025

GET MARIAMA NDURE'S ALBUM ON VINYL

Vinyl enthusiasts, Mariama Ndure's wonderful debut album "Rituals" is being released on vinyl soon. Get 12 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album on vinyl the moment it’s released.

“The album is gorgeous…I am obsessed” China Moses, Jazz FM

Pre-order right here :

12 track album

01/06/2025

Solo Diarra / NRK P2

Did you miss Arne Berg’s really nice talk with Solo Diarra (in English) yesterday about his newly released album “Yimenga” on Global Sonics, then click👇

Warmly recommended!

Solo Diarra - en griots fortelling Den burkinabeiske grioten Solo Diarra debuterer med nesten meditativ musikk, men med et dramatisk bakteppe. Sverre Indris Joner vinner kubansk «Spellemann».

28/05/2025

TAMOO: DEBUT ALBUM FROM SIDSEL WALSTAD & IBOU CISSOKHO

Musicians Sidsel Walstad (harps) and Ibou Cissokho (kora, vocals) were introduced to each other when they were invited to Global Oslo Music's podcast series "Artists meet artists" in 2022. The meeting between them revealed two very different musical worlds, which they shared generously about, among other things, their instruments, musical profiles and careers, as well as that they played for each other. It was a particularly warm meeting that ended with a desire for a collaboration. Global Oslo Music therefore commissioned a work by Ibou, who has written a lot of music for his own projects, for the duo. For the recording of the piece world-renowned percussionist Sidiki Camara joined them. The music is arranged and produced by Sindre Hotvedt. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jock Loveband at Urban Sound Studios. Released by Global Sonics. Funded by the Arts Council Norway.

Have a listen!

Listen to Tamoo by Sidsel Walstad, Ibou Cissokho.

23/05/2025

YIMENGA: DEBUT ALBUM FROM SOLO DIARRA

Solo Diarra was born into a respected griot family from Burkina Faso, inheriting a rich musical heritage passed down through generations. From a young age, he was initiated into this millenary musical tradition, mastering traditional West African instruments including the djembe, ngoni, balafon, and calabash.

In 2015, Solo released his first EP, marking the beginning of his recording career. His new album "Yimenga" represents his debut solo album, an innovative afro-fusion project that skillfully blends traditional West African sounds with contemporary jazz influences.

For over a decade, Solo has made Oslo, Norway his home, where he has become a fixture in the local music scene. He has performed at prestigious concert halls and festivals throughout the region, captivating audiences with his virtuosic playing and cultural authenticity. Beyond performing, Solo is also a skilled craftsman who hand-builds traditional instruments, preserving ancient techniques and knowledge.

Throughout his career, Solo Diarra has dedicated himself to a dual mission: safeguarding the ancient musical traditions of his ancestors while simultaneously exploring new artistic expressions that bridge cultural divides. This commitment to both preservation and innovation defines his unique contribution to world music.

"Yimenga" has music by Solo Diarra, Ivan Blomqvist, Nosizwe Baqwa

Musicians:
Solo Diarra - vocals, ngoni, percussion
Nosizwe Baqwa - lead and background vocals
Ivan Blomqvist - piano, keys, background vocals
Sankung Jobarteh - acoustic and electric Guitar
Oua-Anou Diarra - flute

Recorded at Oslo:Fuzz by Ivan Blomqvist
Produced and mixed by Ivan Blomqvist
Master by Espen Høydalsvik

Funded by The Arts Council Norway

Released by Global Sonics

Have a listen!

Listen to Yimenga by Solo Diarra.

09/05/2025

NEW SOLO PROJECT FROM OMBELINE CHARDES OUT TODAY!

"Volume I" is the first record of my solo project. It is a personal exploration of narrative instrumental music, where I serve as both composer and performer. As a violinist, I also recorded the viola and an instrument I created: the viocello, which looks like a viola but sounds like a cello, as well as the piano and vocals, layering each part to craft immersive, cinematic soundscapes. Every piece tells a story without words, driven by emotion and texture where the strings are the "queens". This project reflects my passion for blending tradition with innovation, creating a unique sonic world shaped entirely by my hands and imagination." - Ombeline Chardes

Recorded and mixed @ Urban Sound Studios by Jock Loveband. Additional mix and mastring by Maxsel. Released by Global Sonics. Have a listen!

Listen to Volume 1 by Ombeline Chardes.

02/04/2025

Out today: Mariama Ndure's ‘Janha Bou Nioul (Brown Girl)’ - Last Nubian Remix released by Global Sonics.

A daughter of Gambian immigrants, Mariama Ndure’s diverse upbringing in Norway has greatly influenced her artistry, allowing her to blend the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage with elements of jazz, hip hop, soul, and improvisation.

Reflecting the journey of reclaiming her voice and identity while honoring her ancestral roots, Mariama’s debut album ‘Rituals’ is scheduled to be released internationally this summer on LP and as a digital deluxe version with exclusive bonus tracks.

The closing track from the album, ‘Janha Bou Nioul (Brown Girl)’, has been remixed by Brixton based producer Last Nubian. Bridging the gap between house, broken beat and jazz; his remix transforms Mariama’s delicate yet emotionally powerful song into a defiant, club ready mantra.

Have a listen!

Listen to Janha bou nioul (Brown girl) by Mariama Ndure, Last Nubian.

28/03/2025

Maria Lotus' track PLING is wrapped in a retro sound that effortlessly blends the classic vibes of old-school hip hop with a touch of jazz. The "pling" sound in Maria Lotus' track serves as a powerful wakeup call, emphasizing the truth behind the lyrics. It acts as a sonic cue, drawing attention to the weight of the lyrics and reinforcing the track’s emotional core.

Produced by Niwin
Written by Maria Karlsen
Performed by Maria Lotus
2025 Global Sonics

Have a listen!

Listen to Pling by Maria Lotus.

14/03/2025

SECOND SINGLE FROM ALRIGHT MELA OUT TODAY

Laaribi or the Moor (the blue men of the desert) played a major role in the transport of slaves during the slave trade.. They used the trade routes of the Arab empires, crossing the desert along the West African coast.
Among the gnawas (descendants of slaves), these Moors also helped to enslave their ancestors.
Since then, so as not to forget this dramatic episode, Gnawa musicians have included this story in their repertoire.

Have a listen!

Listen to Layli by Alright Mela.