The first set of Jury-selected Showcase artists that will be performing for the 29th edition of the event is now unveiled. From 25 to 29 October 2023, the vibrant city of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, will come alive with various sounds, rhythms, and cultures as musicians and music professionals from across the globe gather to celebrate diversity and musical creativity. The 20 artists announced today already represent 25 different countries, confirming an extensive range of musical styles.
Today's line-up announcement includes the Cuban-born singer and virtuoso cellist melding jazz, classical music and the colours of Latin America, Ana Carla Maza (Cuba/Spain); a future-crashing fusion of griot vocals, Burkinabé instruments with the industrial sounds of punk electro-guitar and drums, Avalanche Kaito (Burkina Faso/Belgium); bringing electric Afro-pop, top psychedelic guitars, and danceable beats from the southern Wassoulou region of Mali are Bamba Wassoulou Groove (Mali); from the Indian desert, Barmer Boys (India), merging organic roots-trad with the devotional music of mystical Sufism involving passionate poetry with mesmerizing music and melodious notes combined to induce an ecstatic state; and Kutu (Ethiopia/France) fusing Ethiopian rhythms, improvisations, and poems with the traditional Azmari vocals in an electro-mystical Ethio-trance - to name a few artists!
WOMEX has always been dedicated to providing an open and equal platform for artists from around the world representing diverse musical styles, cultures, transcending borders and genres. This year's showcase performances already represent a wide range of sounds and there is more to come with our upcoming artist announcements.
WOMEX Jury and Programme
Curated by a team of experts, the line-up guarantees to entertain audiences and showcase the incredible talent of emerging and renowned artists. With an inclusive call for proposals that welcomes artists from around the world, the programme is meticulously picked by the independent WOMEX Jury, also known as the '7 Samurai.' This illustrious panel consists of five experts dedicated to selecting Showcase proposals and two visionary minds focused on shaping the Conference.
Each year, WOMEX receives over a thousand proposals from diverse regions worldwide, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of global music. The rigorous selection process ensures that the final program represents artists from all areas, artistic excellence and cultural diversity.
Collaborating closely with the WOMEX showcase team, a dedicated curator puts together the Club Summit line-up, which will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
The first set of Jury-selected WOMEX 23 Showcase artists are:
79rs Gang (USA)
Ana Carla Maza (Cuba/Spain)
Avalanche Kaito (Burkina Faso/Belgium)
Bamba Wassoulou Groove (Mali)
Barmer Boys (India)
DefMaa MaaDef (Senegal)
Elshan Ghasimi (Iran/Germany)
Erini (Greece/USA)
Francesco Loccisano - Marcello De Carolis “chitarra battente duo" (Italy)
Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys (Canada)
Killabeatmaker (Colombia)
Kin'Gongolo Kiniata (DR Congo)
Kutu (Ethiopia/France)
Liraz (Israel/Iran)
Matt Carmichael (UK)
Puuluup (Estonia)
Roger Damawuzan (Togo/France)
Symbio (Sweden)
Teo Collori & Momento Cigano (Slovenia)
Widad Mjama & Khalil Epi (Morocco/Tunisia/France)
You can listen to all the WOMEX 23 Jury-selected Showcase artists on Spotify.
Registrations for WOMEX 23 in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, are open. Register with Summer Rate to get the reduced price. Registration information and link here.
article posted by:Gideon Elfgen, Piranha Arts