World Music is a broad genre that includes traditional, folk, indigenous, and contemporary music from cultures around the globe. It highlights the rich diversity of musical instruments, rhythms, and vocal styles native to different regions.
History
Emerging prominently in the 1980s as a marketing term, World Music brought global traditional and ethnic sounds to wider audiences. It combines native musical elements with modern production, fostering cross-cultural collaborations.
The genre spans a vast range of styles—from African drumming and Indian classical ragas to Latin American salsa and Celtic folk. Influential artists like Ali Farka Touré, Youssou N’Dour, and Ravi Shankar have played key roles in popularizing World Music internationally.
Notable Artists
- Ali Farka Touré
- Youssou N’Dour
- Ravi Shankar
- Nana Mouskouri
- Cesária Évora
- Mumford & Sons
- Shinnobu
- Tinariwen
- Sevara Nazarkhan
- Angélique Kidjo