world music
umbrella term for traditional, indigenous, popular or art music, not following North American or British popular and folk traditions
World music is a vibrant tapestry of sounds, where rhythms pulse with life and melodies tell stories that span continents. It’s a genre that invites you to experience the heartbeat of different cultures through rich instrumentation—think resonant African drumming, intricate Indian ragas, or hypnotic Brazilian bossa nova. The emotional range is vast; it can evoke joy and celebration or melancholy and reflection. World music feels both intimate and expansive, connecting you with diverse traditions while igniting your curiosity about far-off places.
Emerging in the 1980s as a marketing term to encompass a variety of traditional and contemporary music from around the globe, world music emerged as a reaction against the homogenization of pop culture. Artists like Buena Vista Social Club brought Cuban son to international attention, while Peter Gabriel's Real World Records showcased artists like Youssou N'Dour, who blended West African rhythms with modern influences. This era was marked by a growing appreciation for non-Western music forms, encouraging listeners to explore beyond their own borders and reimagining how we engage with global sounds.
For newcomers eager to dive into world music, start with Ali Farka Touré’s "Talking Timbuktu," a stunning collaboration that melds Malian blues with American guitar styles. You’ll also want to check out the spirited tunes of Tinariwen, whose Saharan rock delivers a powerful political message alongside infectious grooves. Don’t miss out on Cesária Évora’s "Miss Perfumado," which captures the essence of Cape Verdean morna beautifully. Finally, explore the enchanting sounds of Anoushka Shankar’s sitar compositions that bridge Indian classical and contemporary styles. And if you're curious about intersecting genres, keep an ear open for fusions like Afrobeat and reggae.
782 artists in the catalog.
Guides for world music artists
Top world music albums
See essentials
All world music artists
Miriam Makeba
African popular music, jazz
Maxime Le Forestier
chanson, middle of the road
Harry Belafonte
calypso, folk music
Nolwenn Leroy
folk-pop, pop music
Daniel Balavoine
art rock, avant-pop
David Murray
jazz, modern jazz
Ruslana Lyzhychko
folk-pop, pop music
Angelique Kidjo
gospel music, jazz
Anna Maria Jopek
jazz
M.I.A.
alternative hip-hop, alternative rock
Ofra Haza
Mizrahi music, folk rock
Dead Can Dance
ethereal wave, neoclassical dark wave
Altan
music of Ireland
Eddie Harris
jazz
Neffa
adult contemporary music, blue-eyed soul
Red Cardell
About world music
What is world music?
umbrella term for traditional, indigenous, popular or art music, not following North American or British popular and folk traditions
Where should I start with world music?
Start with "Graceland" by Paul Simon. It captures what makes world music worth exploring.
What are the best world music albums?
The world music albums worth hearing first: "Graceland" by Paul Simon, "Dark Horse" by George Harrison, "Songs from The Capeman" by Paul Simon, "The Paul Simon Songbook" by Paul Simon and "So Beautiful or So What" by Paul Simon.
How many world music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 782 world music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.