Folk up your dreams… with Zakia

DJ, broadcaster, writer and dreamer Zakia Sewell provides the soundtrack to your dreams - playing music to ease the mind, soothe the soul, and open portals to new dimensions.

This week Zakia indulges in a belated May Day celebration of sorts with lots of folk-filled sounds for your listening pleasure, as well as a visit from folk royalty - the American singer, collector, multi-instrumentalist and activist Peggy Seeger. At 90 years old, she has been a key part of the folk landscape for decades, performing on and releasing countless records since her debut back in 1955. Peggy shares reflections on her musical upbringing, her wild dreams of buffalos and ski jumps, and plays a few tracks that have been important to her over the years.

Elsewhere Zakia reaches for some sounds for early May - there’s a hauling shanty from the Georgia Sea Island Singers recorded by Alan Lomax, Lee Moses’ take on a sunshiney classic, and beautiful harmonies from The Staple Singers. There’s plenty of new releases, including Byzantine metal from Father Dionysios Tabakis, psychedelic meditations from Bristol’s Hawksmoor and homemade recordings from Eliana Glass. Plus, we nod to International Dawn Chorus Day with a Dreambience mix filled with birdsong.

We want to hear your dreams! Send in tales of your sleepy adventures to dreamtime@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on 03700 100 600.

A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 6 Music.