The 30th edition of WOMEX, held this year in Manchester, was a blast—an intense, incredible learning experience, a place to meet and greet, to engage in profound discussions about music, the world, and the struggles of communities around the globe, and to truly understand how music can be the answer. I left with a sense of hope that there are possible solutions but also with an even greater awareness that the world is burning. From speaking to a Swedish composer and an Irish singer who has performed in Riverdance to discussing the power of naming a women-led record label “La Peluquería Records” (The Hairdressers’ Records), learning about the work of “In Place of War,” and delving into the issues facing the UK’s music sector (I say sector rather than industry on purpose), I departed with friendships I know will be part of my journey for years to come. I also had the privilege of spending time with several true legends of world music.
With over 2,800 delegates from more than 125 countries—including musicians, composers, groups, promoters, record labels, creators, DJs, producers, radio stations, festivals, government representatives, and many others—WOMEX was truly diverse. Thanks to an Arts Council bursary, I attended WOMEX as an Arts Council delegate, receiving ample information and support for the expo as well as an invitation to the UK music network event at the conference. Another highlight was catching up with delegates from various places, including time spent with the Chilean delegation and meeting legendary figures in Chilean music, such as Alfredo Troncoso, the manager of iconic Chilean groups Inti Illimani and Quilapayún, and the wonderful Wanda Flor, who manages the amazing Anita Tijoux and MC Millaray (whom we had the privilege of hosting last year at LA FERIA).
Orchestra Baobab live at WOMEX 2024 (photo by Francisco Carrasco)
WOMEX prides itself on connecting people, music, and artists in world music, a goal it achieved remarkably well at this 30th edition. Here are some of the highlights of the four-day event. I couldn’t attend everything, as that would have been an impossible feat, but I did my best to experience as much as I could and to meet as many people as possible in my quest to make the bursary worthwhile and deserved.
Chilean delegation in front of the CHILEMUSICA stand at WOMEX 2024 (photo by Esteban Perez)
On the first day, CHILE Música hosted a reception, enabling me to quickly connect with many people from Chile’s music industry, including my colleague and Luma Creation’s Production Manager, Esteban Perez. The Arts Council and British Underground organised the HORIZON Reception to welcome UK delegates (Horizon is the umbrella network for the UK countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, as well as the Republic of Ireland at WOMEX). I had many interesting conversations, which I am confident will bear fruit in the future.
I attended the welcoming showcase and reception of Manchester Music City (including a speech by Andy Burman) at the Bridgewater Hall. There were over 50 music showcases from more than 75 countries. I managed to attend 10 during the week, including performances by Sara Curruchich from Guatemala, Orchestra Baobab from Senegal, House of Waters from Japan/Argentina/USA, and many more.
There were over 250 stalls from around the world, including country stalls, record labels, management companies, agencies, networks such as the UK Folk Network, and more. I was able to discuss potential collaborations with the Canada Music Network, Colombia’s representative from the Ministry of Culture, and radio stations from Chile, Spain, South Africa, and Brazil. I also met artists from across Latin America, both those based in their home countries and others in the diaspora.
One of the highlights for UK delegates was the UK World Music Network event, which lasted for three very fast hours. During this time, we discussed a wide range of issues, needs, concerns, and possibilities. I connected with many colleagues and spoke with several of the Arts Council’s officers, including Claire Mera-Nelson, Head of Music at ACE.
WOMEX is a chance to create lasting connections, share experiences and knowledge, and learn that many artists, organisations, festivals, and networks have so much to share with us. I am sure that we will continue this journey and grow as a cultural, musical, international, and ethical organisation, with many partners whom we first met at the 30th edition of WOMEX in Manchester.
By Francisco Carrasco
Womex 2024 – Luma Creations CEO and Creative Director Francisco with other delegates
