Afropop recently traveled to the exotic location of Cardiff, Wales for the latest edition of WOMEX, the annual world music showcase, trade fair, seminar that attracts some 2,000 delegates from 80 countries around the world. 800 artists apply to perform. 45 are chosen. We'll hear amazing live recordings (with amazing audio thanks to the BBC 3 team) of some of our favorites including Debademba, a group fluent in Afro blues and Mande classical repertoires that is led by singer Mohamed Diaby from Mali and guitarist Abdoulaye Traore; Les Tambours de Brazza - a 15 piece percussion ensemble/soukous band from Brazzaville, Congo; The Cumbia All-Stars; and South Indian violin virtuosos Ganesh and Kumaresh. The finale of WOMEX is always the prestigious WOMEX prize. The winners this year? Juan Formell and Los Van Van. Afropop's own Ned Sublette has the honor of introducing Cuba's most beloved dance band. And earlier we'll hear Ned's in depth interview with Van Van founder, Juan Formell. Along the way we dig into the suitcase full of CDs (remember them?) we brought from Wales. Produced by Sean Barlow.
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