World Music Central’s Best World Music Albums of 2023

World Music Central presents its list of Best World Music albums of 2023 in alphabetical order. Additionally, we include the Best Rising Artists, Best Compilation and Best Live Album of 2023.

• Abby V – Aarambh – Sufiscore
• Aditya Prakash – Karnatik Roots – Yarlung Records
• Alam Khan, Arjun Verma, Jack Perla & Del Sol Quartet – The Resonance Between – Six Degrees & AMMP
• Ali Farka Touré – Voyageur – World Circuit Records
• Didon – Tunisian Tale – Electrofone Music
• Edgar Muzah – Son Of A Tribe: Royalty Edition – It Sounds Fresh
• Frigg – Perintö / Heritage – Bafe’s Factory
• Juan José Robles – Transiciones – self released
• Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté – The Sky Is The Same Colour Everywhere – Real World Records
• Kimi Djabaté – Dindin – Cumbancha
• Koum Tara – Baraaim El-Louz – Odradek Records
• Lucas Santtana – O Paraíso (NØ FØRMAT!, 2023)
• Mara Aranda – Sefarad en el corazón de Grecia – self released
• Mariana Masetto – Numina – Bumbunita música
• Martin Hayes and The Common Ground Ensemble – Peggy’s Dream – 251 Records
• Matthieu Saglio – Voices – ACT
• Plena Libre – Cuatro Esquinas (Four Corners) – GN MUSICA
• Santrofi – Deep into Highlife (live) – Outhere records
• Shakti – This Moment – Abstract Logix
• Yamandu Costa & Domingo El Colorao – De Vida y Vuelta – Bagual Productions

Best Rising Artists

• As Madalenas – As Madalenas – Jando Music / Via Veneto Jazz
• Casapalma – Montañesas – Raso

Best Compilation

Various Artists – Ears of the People: Ekonting Songs from Senegal and The Gambia – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Best Live Album

Mama Sissoko – Live – Mieruba