As Russia steps up plans for hosting the 2018 World Cup, sports minister Vitaly Mutko says the country will work to reduce racism among fans.

Smod (the acronym stands for their names Sam, Ousco, Dronsky and former member Mouzy) are a rap group from Bamako whose third album – the first to receive a UK release – is produced by Manu Chao, who first met the group when he was working on Dimanche à Bamako, by Sam's parents Amadou & Mariam.

Brazil is most famous for its samba and bossa nova, but these days what it does best is intelligent, innovative pop music.

An exemplary account of how Brazilian music found its keenest popular focus in the 1960s, as a chic, modernistic jazz-inflected pop form of remarkable stylistic integrity.

It may have become the epitome of laid-back cool, but, as a new book relates, the bossa nova was forged in turbulence. By Ian Burrell

Expectations might lead you to believe this is just another run-of-the-mill samba and bossa nova collection. Not at all.

A veteran artist has a history. And, it could be argued, a responsibility.

Reviewed by Sue Steward

Requiem in Blue is an ambitious, multi-disciplinary work in tribute to the composer's late brother, featuring sections of the Latin Mass in alliance with folk and jazz elements: in the opening "Introit & Kyrie", for example, Natacha Atlas's rendition of "Black Is the Colour of My True Love's Hair" presages the Latin text.

Conceived in the late 19th century, the orchestrion was a large contraption allowing various instruments to be played by one musician simultaneously through an ingenious series of mechanical relays.

Õÿö is Beninese diva Angelique Kidjo's celebration of her roots and influences, from early icons such as Miriam Makeba and the Togolese singer Bella Bellow to Santana – whose "Samba Pa Ti" brought the Saturday-night dances of her teenage years to romantic conclusions – and soul and funk legends such as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin and James Brown.

Kirsten Nematandani, the South African football president, is remaining tight-lipped on any possible successors to Joel Santana following the exit of the national coach.

Formed in Brazil in 1966, Os Mutantes combined pyschedelic rock with traditional Brazilian music to create a sound that has since found favour with artists as varied and influential as Beck, Byrne, Banhart and Kurt Cobain. But can the legend survive a new record, OM's first in 35 years?

Principally known for his keyboard works, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621) was also an accomplished madrigalist. Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam's three-disc set confirms his extraordinary facility for absorbing different styles, from the robust to the florid.