World Music Expo

The World Music Expo (WOMEX) is an annual event held each October in various European cities, bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers. The expo features a trade fair, live showcases, conferences, film screenings, and the WOMEX Awards, making it a key meeting point for the global world music community.

• Held in a different European city each year
• Features trade fair, showcases, conferences, and film screenings
• WOMEX Awards honor achievements in world music
• Open to both professionals and the public for evening concerts
• Founded in 1994 by Christoph Borkowsky and Ben Mandelson

What it is

WOMEX, short for Worldwide Music Expo, is a major international event dedicated to world music. Each year, it draws together artists, producers, labels, and music professionals from around the globe to share ideas, discover new talent, and build connections. The expo is more than just a trade fair; it is a vibrant meeting place where the diversity of world music is celebrated through live performances, discussions, and networking. For those passionate about music that crosses borders and genres, WOMEX is a unique opportunity to experience the pulse of the global music scene.

Where it comes from

WOMEX began in 1994, founded by Christoph Borkowsky and Ben Mandelson as a platform to support and develop world music internationally. Originally conceived to help musicians and their teams connect with wider audiences and industry contacts, it has grown into a central event for the world music community. Over the years, WOMEX has traveled to different cities across Europe, adapting to new contexts while maintaining its focus on fostering musical exchange and professional growth.

How it is celebrated

The expo unfolds over several days, typically starting with an opening ceremony on Wednesday. Attendees can participate in a range of activities: daytime conferences and trade fair sessions offer insights into the music business, while evenings come alive with live showcases featuring artists from around the world. Film screenings add another layer, exploring music through a cinematic lens. The event culminates on Sunday with the WOMEX Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the international music industry. While much of WOMEX is tailored for professionals, the evening concerts are open to the public, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy a rich tapestry of live performances.

Joining in

If you’re visiting WOMEX, expect a lively atmosphere filled with music and conversation. The event moves to a different European city each year, so check the official website for the current location. While industry professionals make up much of the crowd, music fans can buy tickets to the evening showcases and immerse themselves in performances from across the globe. It’s a welcoming space for anyone curious about world music, whether you’re looking to network or simply enjoy the sounds.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article WOMEX, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• WOMEX on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.