English
French
German
Italian
Russian
SpanishYour Cart is Empty
So the UK festival season is drawing to a close, but one final fling still remains. With the Musicport festival just around the corner (4-6 November), we thought we'd put together a list of our top ten acts not to miss, and we were spoilt for choice! Now in its eleventh year, Musicport is still dishing up a stellar musical line up, not to mention a great selection of films and workshops. Alongside this, World Music Network will have our very own stall, so do come by to say hello and pick up your details for a free download album! But for now, back to the music...
Since forming in 1996 as a group of buskers, the band has evolved into a seven-member formation which is now the Klezmer and Balkan music pride of the Netherlands. Their lengthy time on the road and extensive experience allow for a spectacular live performance that is bound to get you dancing.
With their festive approach they take klezmer music out of the purist conservatory corridors and onto the street (or in this case, to the Musicport tent). This is a rare UK performance from the group and a definite must-see!
Krar Collective: Performing Saturday
The London-based Krar Collective will be bringing dynamic roots music from different parts of Ethiopia with a contemporary twist. Former Tinariwen manager Andy Morgannotes they 'manage to achieve the right balance between the rawness of their roots and the subtleties of their innovative spirit. Precise without being too academic, funky without being too loose.' But don't take his word for it, check out this innovative band for yourself!
Born in Karasjohka, a small town in the Arctic regions of Norway, Mari Boine is an artist who is fiercely proud of her Sami heritage. Largely recognised as bringing Sami culture to a wider audience, Boine has always sought new ways to integrate her ideology into her work. Her blend of Sami folk traditions – in particular the yoik – with contemporary rock, jazz, electronica and other musical forms sourced from around the planet has made her a revered figure both at home and abroad. Another rare UK performance so don't miss out!
No world music festival would be complete without the sounds of the kora, and who better to provide this at Musicport than Gambian griot Sura Susso, who has been playing the instrument since the age of four. Since arriving in the UK Susso has toured extensively and partaken in numerous cross-cultural collaborations, making his beautiful playing all the better! Wind down on the last day of the festival with the sweet sounds of this kora master.
Musicport's Saturday will host an exclusive solo UK show from Mercedes Peón one of the Spanish music scene's true originals who held a long spell at Number One in European World Music Charts this year.
This one woman performance will be, by all accounts, astonishing.
Gambian griot and riti (one stringed fiddle) master Juldeh Camara (often seen touring as a duo 'JuJu' with guitarist Justin Adams) teams up with Scottish fiddle player Griselda Sandersonfor what looks set to be an engaging performance. Their recent collaborative album 'Traders' conjures a magical range of timbres and tones, so who knows where a live performance will take them!
Julaba Kunda play 'Pijin Jalen' promo videoclip 2011 from Konimusic Ltd on Vimeo.
Hugh Masekela has been at the heart of the music of South Africa since the 1960s; his soaring, joyful trumpet sound that brims with warmth and optimism, continues as an expression of resistance and a celebration of resilience.
He is one of jazz’s greatest horn players, able to adopt township jazz, funk and hip-hop into his music. He'll be performing at Musicport with his dynamic South African band, you'd be a fool to miss seeing this musical legend live!
Huong Thanh: Performing Saturday
Paris resident Vietnamese singer Huong Thanhhas become known for her groundbreaking collaborations with guitarist Nguyen Le, that combine Vietnamese traditional songs and sounds with jazz and other roots styles from around the world.
Thanh comes from a family of Cai Luong (renovated theatre music) singers and as a young girl used to travel around Vietnam with her family when they were performing. When she first arrived in France, Thanh used to sing Cai Luong for the Vietnamese immigrant community, becoming quite a star of the scene. Now she's come to British shores to wow us too!
Two-time Grammy nominated Kim Richey is a storyteller; a weaver of emotions and a tugger of heartstrings. Tender, poetic and aching with life's truths, Kim's songs transport you to her world, where words paint pictures and melodies touch the soul. Perfect for a good old festival singalong!
12lve (Goldie's Band) as seen on the BBC TWO series Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment will be performing at Musicport as one of only two scheduled appearances in 2011. The group is composed of very talented young musicians who have all had to deal with difficult issues in their lives. They were gathered together by Goldieand a team of mentors including Guy Chambers, Soweto Kinch, Ms Dynamite, Cerys Matthews and Steve Abbott who then worked with them to help them create some great songs and an amazing live performance in front of Prince Harry and an invited audience at Buckingham Palace. Join the lucky few to experience this phenomenon live and catch them perform on the first night of the festival.
