Call for artists: Mundial Montreal 2016 in Canada

Now in its sixth edition, Mundial has established itself on the North American scene as the place to be if you are working in the global music industry in any capacity. Competition for 25-minute showcase spots at Mundial Montréal is tight, with the showcase programme limited to approximately 34 spots. Besides the showcase performances, the event also offers an array of informative panel discussions and the opportunity to meet major players in the world music industry.

According to the organisers, “Our mission is to present the best world music artists from Canada, as well as international artists, to industry professionals and the Montreal public. Showcasing artists are selected from a blend of applications and invitations to create the right mix of emerging market-ready talent that reflects the needs of our talent buyer pool.”

Last year’s Mundial Montreal welcomed over 250 industry professionals, including 67 talent buyers from across Canada, the US, Europe, Mexico and Cuba. The event’s rapid growth as a major North American platform saw the 2015 edition expanding its official selection to showcase artists and delegates to cover not only North America and Europe but also Africa.

African artists to showcase in 2015 include Grammy-nominated Ghanaian reggae artist Rocky Dawuni, Algerian band Djmawi Africa, HAJAmadagascar & The Groovy People from the island of Madagascar (also a favourite at Africa Oyé in the UK) and Canada-based musicians Élage Diouf from Senegal and Just Wôan from Cameroon.

Other African acts to showcase at Mundial Montreal in the past include Chico Antonio (Mozambique), Maya Kamaty (Reunion), Moustafa Kouyaté (Mali) and Pierre Kwenders (DR Congo) in 2014, as well as South Africa’s Lorraine Klaasen and the pan-African collective Okavango African Orchestra in 2013.

According to the organisers, “More than ever, Mundial Montreal is building bridges with the rest of the world, providing export opportunities for Canadian artists to tour and develop their careers internationally while offering a strategic access for international artists to tap into the North American market.”

See highlights of the past years events in the retrospective video below

How to apply

To apply to showcase as this year’s Mundial Montreal, complete the online application form.

The application fee is 40 Canadian Dollars (US$31) and is non-refundable. Mundial Montréal does not provide support for travel, accommodation, per diems or catering. The organisers therefore strongly recommend that applicants secure funding for their travel before applying.

Artists applications opened on 15 February and close on Sunday 27 March 2016 at 5PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

For more information on the selection process, see the application FAQ.