WOMEX Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of World Music Industry Gathering In Spain

WOMEX is a nomadic world music industry gathering that takes place annually in various locations in Europe. This year WOMEX celebrates its 20th anniversary from October 22 to 26 in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.

WOMEX first took place in Berlin in 1994. Now, 20 years later, WOMEX celebrates its anniversary with a well-established 5-day event that includes a conference, trade fair, showcase festival, awards, a dj summit and film screenings.

WOMEX – a short film

An important aspect of WOMEX is the Showcase Festival featuring artists from around the world. You can see all the performers and their nations of origin all the way back to 1994.

WOMEX gathered some thoughts on the anniversary from long-time participants. This tale from Gerd Kespohl, Director, Masala Festival seems a nice mix of art and business:

“I have been at every WOMEX that has taken place, without a break. I remember every year, but the most surprising experience was in Marseille. It was late and many people were dancing in the club-room of the venue. Suddenly I heard the voice of trumpets. I stopped dancing like some other WOMEXicans and we looked to the neighbour venue and enjoyed a Balkan Brass Band. They played in a way I never listened before. It was Fanfare Ciocărlia."

"So I decided to make contact with Helmut from Asphalt Tango and booked the band for our Masala-Festival, which is also 20 years old now. The audience has been so happy, and I booked Fanfare Ciocărlia again and again and they play in our Culture Center "Pavilion" now since more than 14 years. So that's my gratifying story about WOMEX.”

See WOMEX for more on this great gathering.

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