World music conference and showcase WOMEX 26 has unveiled the first group of jury-selected Official Showcase artists set to perform in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, from 21 to 25 October 2026.
Selected from more than 1,000 submissions, the initial lineup features 17 acts representing 23 countries. The artists reflect a broad spectrum of world music traditions and contemporary approaches, highlighting both emerging talent and established performers.
According to WOMEX, the independent jury chose the acts based on artistic excellence and the diversity of musical perspectives represented across the program.
The first confirmed Official Showcase artists for WOMEX 26 are:
- A Pedreira (Spain)
- Aizhan Sultan (Finland / Kazakhstan)
- Baile do Mestre Cupijó (Brazil)
- Carmen Souza (Cape Verde / Portugal / UK)
- Claudio Rabe (Madagascar / Reunion Island)
- Diyet & The Love Soldiers (Canada)
- Fabiola Méndez (Puerto Rico / USA)
- Faris Ishaq (Palestine / UK)
- Indus (Colombia)
- Ivo Dimchev (Bulgaria)
- Kadinelia (Greece)
- Kaito Winse (Burkina Faso / Belgium)
- Kasiva Mutua (Kenya)
- La Ciguë (France)
- Mehrnam Rastegari (Iran / USA)
- Sauljaljui (Taiwan)
- Soumik Datta (India / UK)
Further showcase artists and program details are expected in the lead-up to the event.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central