World music magazine Songlines has just announced its annual Music Awards voted by Songlines readers and the general public. Best artist is Angélique Kidjo for Spirit Rising;  best group Lo’Jo for the album Cinéma el Mundo on World Village; the cross-cultural collaboration awards goes to Dub Colossus for their album Dub Me Tender Vol 1+2; and newcomer is Mokoomba for Rising Tide.

Lo’Jo’s Cinéma El Mundo issued by World Village in the autumn hits the spot for jazz fans as well and not just because Robert Wyatt crops up along the way. Lo’Jo, from Angers, have been round the block a bit with many albums under their belt already and so you’re in safe hands here. Funky, a mix of sounds, with a bit of chanson and dub Denis Péan’s voice is endearing as are the backing vocals of Nadia Nid El Mourid and Yamina Nid El Mourid. Open ended, socially conscious, and unpretentious, it’s no wonder they’re festival favourites in world-music land, and very jazz-friendly as well. ‘Tout est Fragile’ is the pick of the tunes but there are lots of good ones to dip into.