The Global Countdown
Fernando Augusto Pacheco explores global music charts, highlighting the best—and quirkiest—hits from around the world.
Latest Episodes
A celebration of Egyptian pop
Fernando Augusto Pacheco listens to the Egyptian charts, from pop king Amr Diab to the genre-bending Tul8te.
Portugal
This week on The Global Countdown, Monocle Radio’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco looks at the top five songs in Portugal.
Latin Grammy Awards special: Five artists to know
Monocle Radio’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco picks five artists nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards that you should know, from Argentinean duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso to Venezuelan band Rawayana.
The new J-pop wave
Fernando Augusto Pacheco listens to the top five singles in the Japanese charts, from Snow Man’s ‘Charismax’ to new girl group Hana.
The best of Catalan pop
Fernando Augusto Pacheco listens to the best of Catalan pop, from icons such as Joan Manuel Serrat to pop diva Rosalía.
The Senegalese charts are big on romance
Monocle Radio’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco looks at the top five songs in Senegal, including a mixture of romantic ballads and plenty of Mbalax, the country’s traditional dance music.
The art of the Brazilian telenovela soundtrack
Fernando Augusto Pacheco listens to Brazil’s best-selling telenovela soundtracks and considers their cultural importance.
Why Madonna’s seminal ‘Ray of Light’ influenced the sound of 2025
Fernando Augusto Pacheco explores how Madonna’s 1998 album, ‘Ray of Light’, influenced the sounds of 2025 from Addison Rae to FKA Twigs.
‘The Global Countdown’ looks at music worldwide, including ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Monocle Radio’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco looks at the top songs worldwide, from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ to a ballad that is the song of the summer.
Nigeria: One of the world’s most exciting music markets
Fernando Augusto Pacheco listens to the Nigerian music charts, featuring global megastars Burna Boy, Wizkid and Asake.
