[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe
Traditional and folk music has a charm that’s different from works categorized into genres like rock, jazz, or R&B, doesn’t it? It’s like you catch a glimpse of a world different from where you are now… scenes you can’t quite put into words start to unfold in your heart.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a wide variety of folk music loved around the world.
From pieces brimming with exotic flair to songs that feel surprisingly familiar, we’ve gathered a truly broad selection! Listen to the tracks featured here and open a new door.
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[Music of the World] A Guide to Folk Music: Collection of International Folk Songs (11–20)
Shoshorōza
This is a piece of traditional music passed down by South African workers—a gem infused with the spirit of those who labored in the mines.
Structured in a call-and-response format, it powerfully conveys the workers’ solidarity and their hope for a better future.
Traditional African rhythms are interwoven with distinctive onomatopoeia that imitates the sound of a steam locomotive, stirring the listener’s heart.
In 1995, Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s album “Shosholoza with the Team Shosholoza” drew major attention, and in 2009 the song was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Invictus.” It’s a track that gives you courage when your heart feels close to breaking or when you want to face forward together with your companions.
QuimbaraCelia Cruz
A treasure of Latin music whose powerful Latin rhythms and passionate vocals stir the soul.
As one of the signature works of Celia Cruz—the “Queen of Salsa” who captivated the world—this track was included on the 1974 album Celia & Johnny.
Incorporating elements of traditional Cuban guaguancó and rumba, it embodies the essence of Afro-Cuban music and was added to the U.S.
National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014.
It was also featured in the 2006 film Miami Vice and the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, continuing to be loved across generations.
Highly recommended for those interested in foreign cultures and music, and for fans of passionate dance music.
AoibhneasLúnasa
Known as innovators of Irish traditional music, Lúnasa’s performances leave a fresh yet powerful impression, like a wind sweeping across lush green hills.
The first track on their 2001 album “The Merry Sisters of Fate” is a masterpiece that seamlessly fuses three traditional reels woven by flute, fiddle, and uilleann pipes.
Showcasing the group at their very best—honed since their formation in 1997 and over 2,500 live shows across more than 36 countries—this work expresses the essence of Irish music through a modern sensibility.
It’s a must-listen not only for those just getting into traditional music but also for devoted fans of Celtic music.
Coconut Liqueur
We present authentic world music by PAN NOTE MAGIC, whose refreshing sound captures the breezes of the tropics.
As a Japanese steel pan orchestra, their work brilliantly conveys the musical styles of the Caribbean.
With a dynamic seven-piece steel pan ensemble and Latin rhythms crafted by drum set and percussion, they vividly evoke the liberating atmosphere of the islands.
This piece appears on the album “MAGIC HOUR” and was released in August 2012.
It has also been used as BGM on the popular Nippon TV variety show “Itte Q! To the Ends of the Earth,” coloring scenes set in tropical locations and resorts.
This track makes you feel as if you’re sipping a cool cocktail on the beach while gazing at the sea—perfect for relaxing moments.
Cariñoso
Choro is a Brazilian folk music genre born in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro.
Often called the jazz of Brazil, it predates jazz as an improvisation-centered style.
It also influenced later hallmark Brazilian genres such as bossa nova and samba.
As a prototype of bossa nova, it’s notable for its very gentle, cohesive melodies.
There are elements that resonate with modern French chanson as well, making it a great recommendation for those who enjoy that style.
O Sole Mio
Italy’s representative music “canzone,” right? It’s a genre with a somewhat vague definition, but this time I’d like to introduce it as Italian popular music created from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Canzone is often sung in an operatic style and is well known worldwide.
“’O Sole Mio” is one of the most famous pieces among them, and it even appears in textbooks in Japan.
It’s not a folk song, but if you want to get to know Italy’s good old music, be sure to check it out.
[World Music] Recommended Ethnic Music: A Collection of Folk Songs from Around the World (21–30)
Noites Cariocas
Choro is a musical genre that took root in Brazil in the 1800s.
There aren’t strict rules for how it must be performed or composed, but improvisation is a general hallmark.
Because it has roots in the Czech folk dance “polka,” the two share similarities in aspects like form.
Jacob do Bandolim’s “Noites Cariocas” is a beloved classic of the choro repertoire that has been cherished for many years.
Incidentally, samba is said to have developed from choro.
