WOMEX – Worldwide Music Expo – is the world’s most international and culturally diverse music gathering and the largest conference of the global music scene, with a trade show, talks, films and exhibition concerts.

More than 2,600 professionals (including 260 performers) gather each October from 90 countries, making WOMEX the premier networking platform for the global music industry. Its musical spectrum is unparalleled in the international showcase market, ranging from the most traditional to the new global local underground, encompassing folk, roots music, jazz, local cultures, as well as urban and electronic sounds from around the globe.

7 stages, around 700 exhibiting companies, more than 100 speakers, films, an opening concert and an awards ceremony over five days of networking and short nights.

The event remains dedicated to facilitating and promoting the global music industry and providing a platform to connect, inspire and share experiences, enabling new partnerships in transcontinental markets and open international economic and cultural dialogue.

SOUNDS FROM SPAIN AT WOMEX

Presence at the Trade Market

The Sounds from Spain pavilion will be located at stands 2-7/34-39 in the POPA Hall at Palexco, the venue chosen by WOMEX for its edition in A Coruña. The twenty exhibitor companies are Altafonte – Amy Producciones – Aguaespejo – Blanco y Negro Music – El Tragaluz – Escenamusic – Espacio C -Flamenco Agency – Grupo Ace Music 21 – Thioune Brothers – José Alejandro Galán Vila – Kamala Producciones – Madame Vodevil – Mapamundi Música – Arpa Flamenca – Pelayo Producciones – PlayplanCultural- Producciones Submarinas – Sierra Contratación Artística – The One Step Beyond.

Showcase Sounds from Spain

In the 2023 edition, Sounds from Spain will support the following showcases:

KARMENTO WOMEX 23 Opening Artist

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 / 20:00 – 21:30 Opera House

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Carmen Toledo, also known as Karmento, is a storyteller of songs, weaving compositional chapters that draw inspiration from the musical traditions and folklore of her homeland, La Mancha, the rhythms of seguidillas, and extend into copla, flamenco and contemporary pop. Her powerful voice explores the tension between leaving and returning, being and becoming. He began his artistic journey in 2012, when he started a new life in Malta, interacting with international musicians and writing the songs that would permeate his first album, “Mudanzas”, with poignant observations on childhood, memory, home and the conflict between where you come from and your own individuality. Their acclaimed second album, “Este devenir”, was released in 2020. Earlier this year, he was a finalist in the qualifiers for Spain’s representation in Eurovision at Benidorm Fest 2023 with his song inspired by the folklore of La Mancha, “Quiero y duelo”.

NIÑO JOSELE WOMEX 23 Opening Artist

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 / 20:00 – 21:30 Opera House

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Niño Josele, a flamenco guitarist born in Almeria, Andalusia, in 1974, began playing the guitar at the age of 6 and comes from a long dynasty of traditional flamenco musicians. He apprenticed in tours and collaborations with Paco de Lucia and Enrique Morente, strengthening his flamenco roots until he came to prominence with his acclaimed album “Paz” in 2006, a collection of reinterpreted compositions by jazz pianist Bill Evans, which quickly established him as a visionary fusionist. He began to compose new structures, fusing bulerías, rumbas and verdiales with other influences. In 2008, Chick Corea invited him to participate in a tribute to Miles Davis in New York, forging a friendship with the late master, who appears on Josele’s recent album, “Galaxias”, alongside Latin music legend Rubén Blades.

VALERIA CASTRO Special Focus: Atlantic Connections

Thu, 26 October 21:00 – 21:45 Atlantic Connections Stage

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Even in her early twenties, Canarian singer Valeria Castro possesses a captivating voice and an innate ability to get to the heart of a song and evoke an emotional response in the listener. Born in La Palma, she began playing the piano at the age of four. At 17, she began posting versions of her favorite songs on Instagram, one of which caught the attention of songwriter Alejandro Sanz, who shared it with his millions of followers. He signed a contract with Warner Music for a series of releases and moved to Madrid to study Biotechnology. In 2021 she released an EP of her own compositions, “Chiquita”, revealing a mature songwriting talent and accumulating millions of plays. Her 2023 debut album, “con cariño y con cuidado”, shows the Canary Islander adapting new Latin sounds to achieve international success as a leading interpreter of Canary Island folk song.

Reception with Spanish wine

On Thursday, October 26th at 1pm, Sounds from Spain invites the professionals attending WOMEX to a glass of Spanish wine at the pavilion, located at stands 2-7/34-39 in the Popa Hall of Palexco.

Come and visit us!