Africa: Womex 2025 – Field Report

[Afropop] It's October, which means while many people around the globe are trying to decide what costume to wear for Halloween, we were busy trying to decide which showcases to see at the 31st edition of the Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX). This year's conference - with over 2000 music professionals, including 281 performing artists, from 100 countries - took place in Tampere, Finland, from October 23-26. Centered at the city's conference center, it was where attendees networked around the industry trade show, took

Africa: Audio Review – Guitari Baro, Acoustic Africa Extraordinaire!

[Afropop] Guitari Baro is a striking new instrumental trio from Mali and Guinea that made their debut at the 2025 Dakar Music Expo -- and immediately became a sensation. The group features guitarists Gaoussou Kouyaté and Kerfala Diabaté alongside balafon maestro Lassana Diabaté, weaving intricate, soulful textures that honor deep tradition while sounding utterly fresh.