Throughout its existence of 29 years, WOMEX has remained steadfast in its mission to challenge stereotypes and dismantle perceptions propagated by mainstream popular culture. Serving as a guiding light, it continuously uplifts and advocates for exceptionally talented artists and music professionals from diverse corners of the world, shining a well-deserved spotlight on their incredible contributions.
Today, with great pleasure, we reveal the two distinguished awardees of the esteemed WOMEX 23 Awards.
BCUC will receive the WOMEX 23 Artist Award
Based in Soweto, Johannesburg, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC for short) epitomise the plurality of South Africa: their music reflects all the people around them, and they sing in all eleven of the country’s official languages. Their explosive live energy takes influence from hip-hop, rock, funk, gospel and Afrobeat, as well as from indigenous spiritual practices.
For their dedication to their music, their people and their country; for embodying the strength, unity and progress proudly proclaimed in their band name; and for their sheer ability to raise any roof, it is with pleasure that BCUC are the recipients of the WOMEX 23 Artist Award.
Find out more about BCUC here.
On The Move will receive the WOMEX 23 Professional Excellence Award
A network and online platform that connects cultural workers of all disciplines with support, information and avenues to international mobility, On The Move takes many forms: extensive guides to institutions and opportunities in territories across the world; global listings of open project calls; mentoring schemes; data-driven research and analysis; and events, including their annual forum.
For the global music scene and the wider arts ecosystem, mobility is not a luxury, but a necessity. In their commitment to providing this invaluable resource for artists and cultural professionals, On The Move opens the world to artists of all stripes. For this reason, we are delighted that On The Move is the recipient of the WOMEX 23 Award for Professional Excellence.
Find out more about On The Move here.
article posted by:Gideon Elfgen, Piranha Arts