Plug into World Music

The Midlands World Music Consortium presents…

Midlands World Music Trade Fair and Networking Event,  a vibrant gathering designed to connect artists, industry professionals, organisations, and businesses within the world music sector. It also welcomes students and the public, offering opportunities to network, discover new prospects, share experiences, and celebrate live music from around the globe.

Through attendance delegates can:

Gain Insights- Explore the current landscape of world music in the Midlands.

Explore WOMEX Opportunities- Learn about WOMEX, the global world music conference happening in Manchester in October 2024, and how it can help elevate your business to the international music market.

Network – Forge new connections or strengthen existing ones within the industry.

Collaborate-  Meet peers, exchange ideas, and get inspired for potential collaborations and partnerships.

Experience Live Music-  Enjoy performances by exciting world music artists from the Midlands.

Daytime Conference – 2.00pm-6.00pm

Featuring key speakers, presentations, a music trade fair, networking and live performances from:

Ling Peng – A child prodigy at the age of seven, Ling performed to thousands during the Cultural Revolution in China, where her virtuosity won her a place at the prestigious Sichuan Conservatory of Music as their youngest ever student of the erhu, a two stringed traditional instrument.  Based in Nottingham since 1990 Ling has performed with the London Chinese Orchestra bringing Chinese classical music to UK audiences.

Tala Tarang – tabla and harp duo, Mendi Singh and Eleanor Turner.  Their repertoire includes original compositions, folk, Bollywood, Western Classical and World music with improvisations reflecting the duo’s wide experience and travels. Tala Tarang means Rhythm Waves, which aptly sums up everything about this duo and their music as each performance takes both audience and the artists on a journey, like the oscillations of a wave.

Evening Showcases – 7.00pm-9.00pm

A series of live showcases celebrating diverse world music talents, featuring:

Muntu Valdo – Cameroon-born Muntu Valdo’s music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery. He’s traveled all over the world and played with some of the great names of African and international music. His mesmerizing solo set juxtaposes his raw, passionate voice and intensely emotive melodies, intricate African guitar lines with an ingenious use of loops and effects to create sun-kissed groove heavy Sawa Blues.

Queen Lilas – formerly known as Lilas Lafleur, was born and raised in Paris to Congolese parents. Her music is positive and from the heart. She is a gifted and accomplished musician, composer and producer who plays piano, guitar, percusssion and more. Lilas was trained by her uncle and highly respected Zoukous artist, Diblo Dibala, and produced her solo album, “Ntoto” in October 2023.

The Midlands World Music Consortium is an inclusive umbrella organisation that amplifies the voices of artists from both established ethnic minority communities and recent newcomers in the Midlands. It fosters this through peer support, networking meetings, collaborative performances, and regular public events. By engaging wider communities, the consortium aims to enrich their musical experiences and broaden their cultural knowledge.