Jacob Edgar

• function: president
• company: Cumbancha

visited Events

• WOMEX 2000
• WOMEX 2001
• WOMEX 2002
• WOMEX 2003
• WOMEX 2004
• WOMEX 2005
• WOMEX 2006
• WOMEX 2007
• WOMEX 2008

Edgar is a global explorer with an insatiable curiosity for the diverse ways in which people express themselves through music. His research trips in search of music for Putumayo's compilations have taken him to Cuba, Brazil, Turkey, India and dozens of other countries, not to mention hundreds of the world's greatest international music festivals, showcases and performance venues in search of exceptional musical talents.

Edgar has helped produce compilation CDs that have sold a total of over ten million units worldwide. Always scouring the planet for new sounds, he possibly listens to more world music CDs than anyone else in the USA and, possibly, the world. "My basic role at Putumayo has been to travel the world and dig up as much music as I could, then review it to uncover those truly great artists and songs that rise above, and that would appeal to both fans of world music and neophytes who are just interested in hearing something they like. I often tell people, _I suffer so you don't have to!' What I mean is I have to listen to a lot of pretty banal stuff to find those musical diamonds, but as a result I've gotten to know some pretty special artists and musical movements."

The main motivation for Cumbancha sprung from Edgar's desire to work more closely with some of the most extraordinary artists he has gotten to know over the years. "We used to say at Putumayo that doing compilations was like dating, and signing artists was like getting married," says Edgar. "After years of flirting with some of my favorite artists, it's nice to finally make some commitments and settle down!"