1. Achanak
Born in 1989, Achanak is a 6-piece UK band whose act has won many awards and are viewed as one of the leading exponents of New Wave Bhangra – a fusion of traditional Indian vocals and percussion added to energetic western dance rhythms. What’s more amazing is that they’re one of the new dance music acts of the 90s, and seven of their albums have hit Platinum – one of them hitting a Double Platinum.
2. BELEM
Didier Laloy (Diatonic Accordion) and Kathy Adam (Classical Cello) are both amazing musicians in their own right and together, have produced a new sound and spirit with fold, tango and classical influence. Their music is edgy, sensuous, strongly rhythmic, melancholic, and is known to draw in audiences.
3. Calan
Calan is made up of 5 remarkable young musicians who give Welsh music a new, fresh and vibrant sound. Their contemporary and lively approach to the genre breathes new life the old traditions with sparkling melodies, foot-tapping tunes and energetic performances of Welsh step-dancing. They are also the only band from Wales to win the international folk group trophy at Lorient in Brittany, France.
4. Cimarrón
From Colombia, this group performs the festive dance music of ‘joropo’ – a a fiercely virtuoso display of graceful melodies and robust rhythms combining Andalusian, Indigenous Indian and African roots. They have also won the Best Latin Album in the 2012 Independent Music Awards, and was nominated for the Best Album Latin, Best Instrumental Song, Best Latin Song, Best Music Video at the Grammy awards 2005.
5. Hanggai
This crossover band blends traditional music and rock whilst also playing at some of the best international festivals in the world including Lowlands, Fuji Rock, the Chicago World Music Festival, Wacken open air (Europe’s largest metal festival), Sydney festival and Gran Canarias in Australia and New Zealand.
6. O Tahiti E
Founded in 1986, this troupes is one of the oldest dancing troupes in French Polynesia and are the greatest ambassadors of Tahiti. Founder and choreographer Marguerite Lai has helped the troupe win the Heiva I Tahiti (the most important traditional dance competition of Polynesian culture) several times. And whilst the dancers are amazing, we must also complement their spectacular costumes.
7. Romengo
If you like Hungarian Olah-Gypsy music, you’re sure to love Romengo. They have a respect for traditions but also brings constant renewal to the genre. Both their albums have made it into the top 10 best records of World Music Charts Europe in 2011 and 2014 respectively. Their solo vocalist, Mónika Lakatos, has also been given the Anna Lindh award in 2007, the Parallel Cultures award in 2013 and For the Ethnic Minority award in 2014.
8. Radio Cos
This high energy Galician-styled music drives rhythms on the pandeiro and tambouring. Xurxo Fernandes and Quique Peon leads Radio Cos, mixing the music from the past and present. With strength and joy as its pillars, this group tells the invisible story of suffering by minority cultures that has endured and triumphed.
9. Svara Samsara
This Indonesian quintet on percussions showcases the richness of sounds of Indonesian traditional instruments. As members of Rumah Kahanan, they were inspired by legendary Indonesian drummer Innisisri to preserve the old instruments and sounds and to fuse it with contemporary styles. Their arrangements will remind anyone of colourful rainbows with melodies replicating Indonesian spices – filled with twists and turns of deft poly and cross rhythms.
10. The Chipolatas
Calling themselves the Gentlemen of the Road, this band brings the circus, theatre and live music together. The stage is where they make their music – a combination of mindful circus artistry with dynamic roots music, dance, break-beats and ballads with sprinkles of spoken word and samples – and evolve tradition with contemporary styles of hip-hop and street. If you remember them, it’s because this will be their second visit to the festival.
