Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about world music, curated daily by BrightWire.
One of Europe's top global music festivals returns to Oslo this week, celebrating cultures from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. For more than 30 years, Oslo World has created a welcoming space where international residents and locals connect through music.
Musicians from across the globe are gathering in Toronto to celebrate the hammered dulcimer, an ancient percussion instrument that connects cultures from China to Appalachia. The first-ever Hammered festival brings together distant cousins of the instrument family for a cross-cultural musical conversation.
Grammy-nominated tabla virtuoso Bickram Ghosh will showcase India's rich musical heritage at the prestigious Venice Biennale 2026, weaving together classical, folk, and contemporary sounds. His cross-cultural program "Many Waters Have Flown" aims to put Indian rhythm on the world stage this May.
Musicians in Azerbaijan are sharing centuries-old musical traditions with modern audiences through international festivals. UNESCO-recognized art forms mugham and ashiq are thriving as performers honor the past while creating connections today.
Izonebi Alfred became the first Ijaw highlife artist of his generation to tour the United Kingdom, performing across five cities. His groundbreaking tour brings international recognition to a musical tradition that has struggled for decades to reach global audiences.