WOMEX 2014 Celebrated 20th Anniversary in Santiago de Compostela

Budiño at WOMEX 2014 opening concert - Photo by Eric van Nieuwland
Budiño at WOMEX 2014 opening concert – Photo by Eric van Nieuwland

 

The largest annual world music expo, WOMEX, ended yesterday in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  The event featured five days of showcases, trade fair and conference sessions.

WOMEX 2014 organizers report an increase from last year in attendees, with 2,400 delegates from over 90 countries. The Trade Fair included 280 booths. Professionals discussed the global music scene in 22 Conference sessions; and delegates and the public listened to over 60 musical acts on 7 stages as part of the WOMEX Showcase Festival.

 

Portuguese fado star Mariza, recipient of the WOMEX 2014 Artist Award, performing at WOMEX 2014 Award Ceremony - Photo by Eric van Nieuwland
Portuguese fado star Mariza, recipient of the WOMEX 2014 Artist Award, performing at WOMEX 2014 Award Ceremony – Photo by Eric van Nieuwland

 

After 20 years, it is heartwarming to see that the community continues to grow and work together in even more innovative ways,” said WOMEX Director Alex Walter. “Santiago de Compostela has been a very worthy host of our anniversary edition, helping us showcase the impact WOMEX has had on the global music scene – not only in numbers but in terms of recognition, confidence and a common culture.”

 

Ed Motta WOMEX 2014 showcase Thursday night - Photo by Jacob Crawfurd
Ed Motta WOMEX 2014 showcase Thursday night – Photo by Jacob Crawfurd

 

Tribu Baharu WOMEX 2014 showcase - Photo by Jacob Crawfurd
Tribu Baharu WOMEX 2014 showcase – Photo by Jacob Crawfurd

 

Vitor Bello from WOMEX 2014’s local partners Nordesía summarized the event from the local perspective: “After 18 years promoting Galician music to WOMEX delegates, we are so proud that this edition has been a satisfactory experience for all of us. We thank all the WOMEXicans who decided to share with us their final stretch of the Camino.”

 

WOMEX 2014 trade show - Photo by Yannis Psathas
WOMEX 2014 trade show – Photo by Yannis Psathas

 

The next edition of WOMEX will take place in Budapest, Hungary from Wednesday, 21 to Sunday, 25 October 2015.

Author: World Music Central News Room

World music news from the editors at World Music Central

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