WOMEX Announces First Set of 2007 Showcase Selections

Berlin, Germany – WOMEX organizers announced a first set of world music artists that have been selected to showcase in Sevilla. "We have an especially diverse selection this year, the most diverse in many, many years," said a WOMEX spokesperson.

The 7 judges, known as the Seven Samurai, were reduced to six, as  Mario Pacheco was not able to attend. There were over 600 proposals to listen to and debate. With so much talent around, it was a tough decision for the selection committee. The first choices were announced today:

3 Canal (Trinidad & Tobago)
Badila (India/Iran/France)
Dengue Fever (Cambodia/USA)
Ensemble "Altaikai" (Russia)
Fanfara Tirana (Albania)
Gaiteiros de Lisboa (Portugal)
Julie Fowlis (UK)
Kasai Allstars (Congo)
Lo Còr de la Plana (France)
Mayra Andrade (Cape Verde/France)
Taksim Trio (Turkey)
Yamandu Costa (Brazil)
Daladala Soundz DJs (Germany)

Kasai Allstars were scheduled to appear last year, but after hellish visa problems, they had to cancel at the last moment. They were selected again by the 2007 Jury. WOMEX will announce more artists next week.

The Showcases will be presented in the city center, making 2007 the fullest integration yet with the city of Sevilla, this Gateway to the Americas and to the world. With the daytime Conference and Trade Fair at FIBES, the nighttime Showcase Festival  will be housed in and around the historic Teatro Lope de Vega. The Teatro Lope de Vega is at the hub of one of the busiest crossroads for public transportation, with buses, taxis, all converging right beside us. The train from FIBES lets you off a short walk away.
Find Photos and a map here: http://www.womex.com.