It seems hard to believe, considering the diversity of music we have to offer in the British Isles, but our artists have been absent from the Womex world music convention for five years. Now this is all about to change as three acts take up the torch to head to the convention in Copenhagen this year.
They are: Juju, a collaboration between guitarist Justin Adams and Gambian griot Juldeh Camara; a figurehead of English folk music, Eliza Carthy performing with her new band; and Krar Collective, named after the Ethiopian 5 or 6 stringed harp. Krar are led by Temesegen Tareken, a former pupil of veteran Ethiopian vibraphone player Mulatu Astatke, on Krar, with drums, and singer Genet Asefa and drummer Amare.
Juju:
Krar Collective
Eliza Carthy
Womex attracts international delegates from across the music industry including major venues, festivals, live and recorded music and media. This is the last year that Womex will be held in Copenhagen, before coming to a major city in the UK in 2013.
Eliza Carthy said: “Whilst the British touring circuit is very healthy and thriving, we are looking to expand into Europe and beyond, and Womex is the perfect forum for this. I hope we’ll meet lots of exciting promoters, people interested in our brand of musical strangeness and beauty and people to connect with and start something new and cool.”
Links
Eliza Carthy Band (UK)
www.eliza-carthy.com
JuJu (Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara) (UK/Gambia)
www.realworldrecords.com/artists/juju
Krar Collective (Ethiopia/UK)
www.krarcollective.com