- 23-27 OCT 2024
- Manchester, UK
The Conference Samurai 2021
WOMEX plays a fundamental role in the development of world music as a genre and cultural expression and in the generation of reflections that foster increasingly plural, diverse, and fair environments for music. The questioning of the digital model and the emergence of COVID-19 force us to find new paths and, without a doubt, WOMEX is a center of ideas and inspiration of which I am proud to be part of as a Samurai jury.
- Ana Rodriguez (Mexico)
Photo by Calavera Estudio
Ana Rodriguez (Mexico)
Agent of change in the Latam cultural industry; Ana is a music manager with communication, finance, and business management experience. She represents Mexican jazz-rock band Troker, co-chair of International Music Managers Forum (IMMF), and CEO of Relatable, a strategic analysis agency that leads the Music Mexico COVID-19 initiative, seeking to respond in three lines of action: information, evaluation, and assistance.
Photo by Mira El Koussa
Amani Semaan (Lebanon/France)
Based in Paris, Amani is the co-founder and director of Beirut & Beyond, a Lebanese organization that promotes independent music from the MENA through a showcase festival, professional programs and European tours. She is also a line producer and casting director for international TV shows such as The Voice of Arabia.
The Showcase Samurai 2021
I deeply believe that music is a path and an opportunity for dialogue between people. It teaches us to learn to listen, to respect and appreciate balance and diversity, to understand harmony, and to produce and work in teams.
- António Guimarães (Portugal)
Kerry Clarke (Canada)
Kerry entered the independent music world through community radio 34 years ago. She's the artistic director of Canada's 42-year-old diverse, multi-staged 'post-folk' Calgary Folk Music Festival plus programs the Block Heater Festival and off-season concerts. She co-founded Rwanda's KigaliUp Festival and produces weekly CJSW and CKUA radio programs.
Photo by Candy Kwon
Charlie Crooijmans (The Netherlands)
Charlie has been active in the media sector for almost three decades. She is a musicologist, freelancer, radio/podcaster, editor and adviser for funds. After living in Brazil and Indonesia, she is now based in The Netherlands, where she hosts an independent eclectic show, Radio Wira Wiri on Mixcloud. Since 2016 she is also a panellist for the Trans Global World Music Chart.
António Guimarães (Portugal)
Over the years, António Guimarães has been the founder of several music business projects, including a recording studio, a sound and light company, an independent music label house, along with creating one of Portugal's first artist promotion agencies. Currently, he is the proprietor and general manager of AMG music, bringing Portuguese music, events, companies and artists to an international audience.
Todd Puckhaber (USA)
After two decades managing SXSW Music Festival, Todd has moved onto other adventures while still enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the Texas Hill Country where the search continues for the next great song to punch through the ether and invigorate the soul.
Lewis Robinson (UK)
Lewis Robinson is Mais Um's founder, one of the UK's 'best boutique labels' (The Guardian), with music releases from Minyo Crusaders, Kiko Dinucci, Elza Soares, Howie Lee, Dona Onete, amongst other established names. Over the years, Lewis has produced various acclaimed compilations and is a frequent guest on BBC Radio whilst also presenting shows on WorldwideFM and Soho Radio.
The Club Summit Curator 2021
Photo by Piero Dall'Osso
Juan Ortiz de Zaldumbide (Colombia/Sweden)
Juan is co-founder and partner of M3 Music, the management company behind the global success of Latin alternative and electronic music artists such as Bomba Estéreo, Mitú, and others. Juan moved from Colombia to Sweden 3 years ago and currently works as the business development manager at WARM Music and a consultant connecting Nordic and Latin music markets.
WOMEX Jury Process in a Nutshell
The WOMEX Jury, established in 1999, comprises independent jury members, who change annually and who come from all over the world.
Our yearly call for proposals is open to any artist or music professional, living in any country or region globally. Based on the proposals submitted to them, the WOMEX Jury aims and strives to build a balanced programme.
They balance their programme by taking into account various elements of diversity and inclusivity (among them gender, culture, indigeneity, age, performance style, representation, professional readiness, advocacy, tradition, innovation, and region) that are required on stage and in the Conference sessions.
The WOMEX Jury's selection reflects the proposals received every year. If you, our beloved community, perceive any elements missing, then please help us by spreading the word, and help us fill any gaps with your pro-active encouragement and outreach. We are open for all input!