WOMEX announces first batch of artists for Porto event

The line-up includes 26 artists who will perform at eight venues in the Portuguese city of Porto from 27 to 31 October, including Casa da Musica, Teatro Rivoli, Porto Coliseum, Tenda Praca de D João, Teatro Nacional de São João, Teatro Sá da Bandeira, Hard Club and Cinema Passos Manuel.

Artists representing Africa are Al Bilali Soudan (Mali), Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy (Ghana), Bab L'Bluz (Morocco/France), Ebo Krdum (Sudan/Sweden), Manou Gallou (Cote d’Ivoir/Belgium), Mazaher (Egypt), Nakibembe Xylophone Troupe (Uganda), Neuza (Cape Verde) and Pongo (Angola/Portugal).

Artists from countries outside of Africa include Aragaki Mutsumi (Japan), Sofía Rei (Argentina/US), Tolgahan Çoğulu & Sinan Ayyıldız Duo (Turkey), Chalanes Del Amor (Chile/Mexico), Dongyang Gozupa (South Korea), Ghetto Kumbé (Colombia), Hudaki Village Band (Ukraine), Kosy (Poland) and Rangamatir Baul (India), among others.

“As countries across the world are slowly opening up their borders and allowing music and cultural events to take place once again, we believe it is our mission to serve, help and bring as much of the global music community together as possible,” WOMEX said.

"We strongly believe, more than ever, that it is essential to continue providing our platform for the creative and cultural sector, for artists and music business operators. Due to ever-changing circumstances, travel restrictions and an unpredictable future, the final line-up may vary from the full jury selection. However, the programme will be balanced with world-class artists and speakers from regions with unrestricted travel.”

This year, for the second time, the WOMEX jury met digitally to select the participating artists.

The final line-up will be announced in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, registration for the event in Portugal is ongoing here.