13 min readImmerse yourself in a vibrant mix of musical genres and styles, including folk, roots, jazz and electronic, with artists representing diverse cultures and regions from around the globe. Whether you're planning your evening experiences or just curious about the amazing line-up at this year’s WOMEX, this guide breaks down each day's performances into easy-to-follow sections so you can catch all the acts you're most excited about, or to help you discover new favourites.
Spread across six stages, over 50 acts will be performing in iconic venues like Aviva Studios, Manchester Central Exchange Auditorium, Albert Hall and O2 Ritz Manchester. You can see the full schedule here
With live music showcases, club nights and films on offer, audiences can now tailor their festival experience with a choice of 3-Night Festival Passes, 1-Night Festival Passes or 1-Night Venue Passes. Tickets for the film programme at HOME are now also on sale. The full line-up, schedule and tickets can be found on the WOMEX 24 Festival website.
Please note that any concerts starting after midnight will be listed in the schedule for the same day.
Credit: Tomasz Kozak
Warehouse Stage A at Aviva Studios
Thursday 24th October
21:00 - 21:45
Katarina Barruk
The spiritual essence at the heart of Katarina Barruk’s music is expressed through the Ume Sámi language spoken by her Swedish Sámi community located in the wide expanses above the Arctic Circle.
22:30 - 23:15
Mitsune
Berlin-based Japanese neo-folk fusion band, Mitsune, figuratively and literally pluck the Tsuguru Shamisen from its long traditional history and place it in the world of interconnected music.
0:00 - 0:45
Kabaka Pyramid
Feel the power of reggae and conscious lyrics with Jamaican artist Kabaka Pyramid. His performance fuses traditional reggae with modern hip-hop, creating an uplifting and thought-provoking musical experience.
Friday, 25 October 2024
21:00 - 21:45
Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin
Don’t miss this electrifying fusion of Congolese rhythms and modern electronic beats, as the all-female group Les Mamans du Congo teams up with French producer Rrobin for a show that blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge sound.
22:30 - 23:15
Kamakan
Dive into the world of indigenous Papua New Guinean music with Kamakan, a group that brings the rich sounds and stories of their home to life through their traditional songs and instruments.
0:00 - 0:45
El Laberinto del Coco
Join this Colombian ensemble for an energetic, percussion-driven journey into Afro-Colombian musical traditions. Expect an unforgettable fusion of rhythmic beats, soulful vocals, and rich cultural history.
Saturday, 26 October 2024
21:00 - 21:45
Queralt Lahoz
Enjoy a stunning mix of flamenco, Latin rhythms, and urban sounds with Spanish artist Queralt Lahoz. Her soulful voice and raw, emotive lyrics will take you on a journey through the heart of Spain’s vibrant musical traditions.
22:30 - 23:15
Justin Adams & Mauro Durante
This electrifying duo combines the fiery energy of Southern Italian tarantella music with blues and rock influences. Guitarist Justin Adams and violinist Mauro Durante create an intoxicating sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
0:00 - 0:45
Rasha Nahas
Rasha Nahas, a genre-defying Palestinian artist whose evocative sound mixes indie rock, jazz, and Arabic influences. Her performance promises to be emotionally charged and musically innovative.
Credit: Tomasz Kozak
Warehouse Stage B at Aviva Studios
Thursday 24 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Barrut
Barrut are seven singers and a percussionist who find the source for their powerfully compelling songs in the vocal polyphonies of the French region of Occitânia.
23:15 - 23:59
Sarab
Blasting through style-borders, Sarab joyfully mix Arabic music, jazz and psychedelic rock to create cinematic electronic trance edifices built on sinuous melodies navigating between Eastern and European scales
0:45 - 1:30
Stogie T
South Africa’s legendary hip-hop artist brings lyrical depth and a powerful stage presence. Expect poetic storytelling, social commentary, and cutting-edge beats as Stogie T delivers a set that explores African identity and the power of words.
Friday 25 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Votia
Experience the vibrant and soulful rhythms of Reunion Island’s Maloya music with Votia. Blending traditional island sounds with contemporary influences, their performance is a celebration of cultural heritage and community.
23:15 - 23:59
Ëda Diaz
Dive into the Latin-inspired sounds of Ëda Diaz, whose performance blends soulful vocals with rich, rhythmic arrangements. Her music draws on her Colombian roots, delivering a moving and passionate performance.
0:45 - 1:30
BIM (Benin International Musical)
Witness the electrifying fusion of West African rhythms with modern beats, courtesy of BIM. This ensemble from Benin combines traditional instruments and sounds with electronic music, offering a high-energy, genre-bending experience.
Saturday, 26 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Clare Sands
Clare Sands brings Irish traditions into the modern era with her multi-instrumental prowess and bold storytelling. Her energetic performance will feature Gaelic folk, blues, and jazz influences, making for a truly dynamic set.
23:15 - 23:59
Sahra Halgan
Enjoy the powerful voice of Sahra Halgan, a Somali singer whose music tells the stories of her homeland. With her blend of traditional Somali sounds and contemporary rhythms, her performance is sure to resonate deeply with the audience.
0:45 - 1:30
Adédèji
Nigerian-born Adédèji blends Afrobeat, jazz, and funk in an electrifying performance. His music is a tribute to the rhythmic complexity of West African music, fused with modern sounds that will keep you dancing into the night.
Theatre Stage at Manchester Central Exchange Auditorium
Thursday 24 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Orchestra Baobab
Don’t miss this legendary Afro-Cuban and Senegalese band, Orchestra Baobab. Known for their smooth blend of Cuban rhythms and traditional West African sounds, they offer a timeless, soulful groove that transports audiences to the heart of Dakar.
23:15 - 23:59
Cristina Clara
Continue your night with the gentle, evocative voice of Portuguese singer Cristina Clara. Her music blends traditional Portuguese fado with contemporary acoustic folk, creating a warm and intimate performance that celebrates her roots.
0:45 - 1:30
Ensamble B11
Start your Friday with the vibrant sounds of Ensamble B11, an ensemble that brings traditional Mexican Son music to life. Expect intricate rhythms, lively guitar work, and energetic vocals that pay homage to the heritage of rural Mexico.
Friday 25 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Ali Doğan Gönültaş
Experience the emotional depth of Turkish folk music with Ali Doğan Gönültaş. His performance combines ancient Anatolian melodies with modern arrangements, offering a rich, soulful exploration of Turkish musical traditions.
23:15 - 23:59
Ensemble Chakâm
Journey into the world of Persian classical music with Ensemble Chakâm. Their performance will be an intricate, deeply meditative experience, weaving together ancient Persian poetry and classical instrumentation for a spiritual and cultural exploration.
0:45 - 1:30
Erol Josué
Dive into Haitian rhythms with Erol Josué. This charismatic singer, vodou priest, and performer will take you on a transcendent journey, blending vodou chants with jazz and electronic influences, creating a unique, hypnotic sound.
Saturday 26 October 2024
21:45 - 22:30
Sara Curruchich
Guatemalan Maya K'iche' singer-songwriter Sara Curruchich brings her powerful voice to the stage, combining traditional indigenous music with contemporary folk. Her music is not just a performance but a call for resistance, identity, and justice.
23:15 - 23:59
House of Waters
Prepare to be mesmerized by House of Waters, a trio blending jazz, world music, and classical elements. Known for their unique sound, driven by the hammered dulcimer, bass, and percussion, House of Waters creates a deeply atmospheric and genre-defying musical experience that will captivate your senses.
0:45 - 1:30
Jonathan Ferr
Join Brazilian jazz pianist Jonathan Ferr, whose contemporary jazz is infused with Afro-Brazilian rhythms and neo-soul influences. His performance promises to be both uplifting and thought-provoking, a perfect way to wind down the night.
Credit: Sinead Fergerson
Horizons Stage at Albert Hall
Thursday, 24 October 2024
21:00 - 21:45
Amy Laurenson
Hear the soothing and evocative sounds of Amy Laurenson, a talented pianist and composer from the Shetland Islands. Her performance offers a delicate blend of classical influences and Celtic folk, creating a deeply atmospheric experience.
22:30 - 23:15
Strange Boy
Prepare for something unique as Strange Boy, an Irish rapper with a knack for blending traditional Irish music with raw, poetic hip-hop, takes the stage. His distinct style mixes spoken word with traditional Irish instruments, delivering powerful messages with an innovative twist.
0:00 - 0:45
Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet
Finish your Thursday night with the soul-soaked fusion of folk, jazz, and blues by Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet. Expect a performance that blends Connolly’s powerful, soulful voice with the eclectic sounds of her band, mixing genres effortlessly into something magical.
Friday, 25 October 2024
21:00 - 21:45
Cerys Hafana
Enjoy the unique harp stylings of Cerys Hafana, a rising Welsh star who reinterprets traditional Welsh folk music with modern arrangements. Her ethereal, experimental sound will captivate lovers of folk and those seeking something fresh.
22:30 - 23:15
Gnoss
Discover the dynamic energy of Gnoss, a Scottish folk quartet. Their lively mix of traditional tunes and contemporary arrangements, combined with high-energy instrumentation, promises an uplifting set filled with passion and joy.
0:00 - 0:45
Balimaya Project
Prepare for a truly captivating performance by Balimaya Project, who fuse West African rhythms with jazz and funk. Their large ensemble features drums, horns, and traditional instruments, creating an explosive, high-energy sound that’s sure to get you dancing.
Saturday 26 October 2024
21:00 - 21:45
Gwenifer Raymond
Settle into a beautifully haunting set with Welsh guitarist Gwenifer Raymond. Known for her intricate fingerpicking style, she weaves together American primitive guitar with her own dark, atmospheric compositions, blending folk, blues, and more.
22:30 - 23:15
Córas Trio
Dive deep into the heart of Irish traditional music with Córas Trio. Featuring masterful instrumentalists, their rich, melodic tunes will transport you to the rolling landscapes of Ireland, with a fresh approach to traditional sounds.
0:00 - 0:45
N’famady Kouyaté
Conclude your Albert Hall experience with N’famady Kouyaté, a Guinean multi-instrumentalist whose performance will blend West African Mandingue traditions with modern jazz and pop influences. Expect vibrant rhythms, kora melodies, and an upbeat energy that will leave you uplifted.
Credit: Tomasz Kozak
OffWOMEX at Aviva Studios The Hall
Thursday 24 October 2024
21:30 - 22:15
Casapalma
Enjoy the vibrant flamenco fusion of Casapalma, where traditional Spanish rhythms meet contemporary world music influences. Expect a fiery performance filled with intricate guitar work, passionate vocals, and rhythmic clapping.
23:00 - 23:45
Rei
Prepare for a high-energy set from Brazilian pop sensation Rei. Blending indie pop with samba, funk, and tropical influences, Rei delivers a fresh and upbeat sound that will have you dancing along to every track.
0:30 - 1:15
Tuulikki Bartosik
Step into the enchanting world of Estonian accordionist Tuulikki Bartosik, who creates ethereal, minimalist soundscapes blending folk traditions with contemporary classical and experimental music. Her performance will be meditative and captivating.
Friday 25 October 2024
21:30 - 22:15
Ghazi & Boom.Diwan X Arturo O’Farrill
A musical collaboration that promises to push boundaries, bringing together Kuwaiti ensemble Boom.Diwan and Grammy-winning jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill. Their fusion of traditional Middle Eastern sounds and Afro-Latin jazz will create a truly unique and unforgettable sonic experience.
23:00 - 23:45
É.T.É
Join É.T.É for a refreshing take on traditional Québécois folk music. This trio mixes fiddle, guitar, and foot percussion with contemporary flair, offering a lively, fun performance rooted in their Canadian heritage.
0:30 - 1:15
Shauit
Experience the powerful music of Innu singer-songwriter Shauit, whose blend of Indigenous Canadian sounds with reggae, folk, and rock creates a raw, emotional performance. His lyrics, often sung in the Innu language, explore themes of identity, culture, and resilience.
Saturday 26 October 2024
21:30 - 22:15
Zarina Prvasevda
Let Zarina Prvasevda transport you to Eastern Europe with her traditional Romani music infused with modern influences. Her soulful voice and rich instrumental arrangements create an evocative, emotional journey through Balkan folk music.
23:00 - 23:45
Ão
Carry your evening on with the smooth, soulful sounds of Portuguese singer Ão. Mixing Lusophone musical traditions with electronic and modern jazz influences, her set promises to be a soothing yet deeply moving experience.
0:30 - 1:15
Buzz’ Ayaz
End the festival on a high note with Buzz’ Ayaz, whose genre-bending electronic music fuses traditional Sufi melodies with modern beats and experimental sound design. This late-night set will be an exhilarating, immersive experience for fans of electronic and world fusion.
Club Summit at O2 Ritz Manchester
Saturday 26 October 2024
1:00 - 2:30 am
Godblesscomputers
Get ready for an immersive electronic set with Godblesscomputers, an Italian producer who blends downtempo beats, trip-hop, and soulful electronic sounds. His atmospheric soundscapes will carry you into the early morning hours, creating a dream-like experience on the dance floor.
2:30 - 3:30
D[Nowhere]J
Keep the energy flowing with D[Nowhere]J, whose eclectic DJ set blends techno, experimental, and world music influences. Expect hypnotic beats and a genre-bending experience as they guide you through a mesmerizing late-night journey.
Sunday 27 October 2024
1:00 - 2:30
Lenhart Tapes
Keep Saturday night alive with Lenhart Tapes, a Serbian DJ and producer who creates experimental electronic music using old cassette tapes and live loops. His genre-defying set mixes Eastern European folk with distorted beats, resulting in a raw and avant-garde musical performance.
2:30 - 3:30
MPeach
Dive into a set by MPeach, a Venezuelan-born, Brooklyn-based artist whose electronic music fuses Latin rhythms with bass-heavy beats, reggaeton, and experimental sounds. Her performance is a high-energy blend of cultural fusion, ideal for those who enjoy boundary-pushing music.
3:30 - 4:30
Maraboutage presents "Indigo, The Cabaret Club"
Close out your festival experience with a unique cabaret-inspired performance by Maraboutage. “Indigo, The Cabaret Club” promises an immersive, theatrical experience filled with eccentric visuals, dynamic electronic music, and avant-garde artistry—an exciting way to end your night.
WOMEX - Worldwide Music Expo - is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene.
