- 21-25 OCT 2026
- Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Conference Jury 2026
I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting process shaping the next edition of Womex conference, where ideas, fresh insights, and constructive critique come together through a truly inspiring global community of sound and arts professionals and creatives. I take this responsibility with care and humility, and I hope our joint efforts will lead to impactful knowledge and actionable dialogue. See you all in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!
- Olfa Arfaoui (Tunisia/The Netherlands)
Olfa Arfaoui (Tunisia/The Netherlands)
Olfa is a dedicated feminist activist and cultural director working across cross-border projects centered on sound and community engagement. She has founded and co-led artist- and community-driven organisations that use creativity for social change, including La Fabrique Art Studio, The DJ Academy for Girls, and BriDJing Womex, supporting emerging womxn artists in music and sound.
She is also the founder of the Belgium-based FEMENA Network, which supports artists and creatives addressing complex challenges in the Global South. Olfa has curated and spoken at conferences and festivals such as WOMEX, MAMA Paris, and ADE, and her work has been featured in major international media outlets. She is currently roaming with the Dutch Art Institute across Europe.
Teshome Wondimu (Ethiopia/Sweden)
Teshome Wondimu is a cultural entrepreneur, music professional, and founder of Selam Global, an international organisation active across Africa and Europe. With a background as a musician and more than two decades of cultural leadership experience, he has initiated and led major festivals, platforms, and institutional collaborations within the global music sector.
His work focuses on strengthening creative ecosystems, supporting artist mobility, and building long-term partnerships between Africa, Europe, and the diaspora. He places a strong emphasis on sustainability, cultural policy, and international exchange.
The Showcase Jury 2026
I’m beyond excited to be joining the WOMEX Jury. I’m especially looking forward to discovering music that uplifts, inspires, and brings people together, something we very much need right now.
- Mercedes Caxaj (Guatemala/)
Mercedes Caxaj (Guatemala/Canada)
Mercedes Caxaj is the Artistic Co-Director of Sunfest–London Committee for Cross Cultural Arts, an organisation dedicated to presenting thoughtful and innovative global arts programming in London, Ontario. In this role, she collaborates with national and international partners to strengthen cultural exchange, support diverse artistic voices, and expand opportunities for communities to engage with world-class music and multidisciplinary arts.
Mercedes is also an active contributor to the broader cultural sector, serving as a jury member and panellist for major music conferences, international showcases, and leading public and private granting agencies. Her work focuses on artistic programming, community-centred program development, cultural advocacy, and strategic approaches to ensuring equity, representation, and meaningful inclusion across the arts ecosystem.
Vasil Gjuroski (Norway)
Vasil Gjuroski, born in the former Yugoslavia and now based in Norway, is the Festival Director of Tromsø World. A former manager, booking agent, and promoter across the Balkans, he eventually found his home—along with peace, love, and a touch of madness—in the Arctic city of Tromsø. There, he runs three festivals near the North Pole: Rabalder, a lively children’s festival; Hagefestn, a backyard gathering celebrating music and food; and Tromsø World, a global music festival that brings sounds from distant cultures to the Arctic.
Known for his bold “fuck it—let’s do it” spirit, Vasil sees music as connection, chaos, and joy. After more than twenty years in the industry, he remains devoted to good music, good people, and good vibes.
Melina Hickson (Brazil)
Melina Hickson, born in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, works between Recife and São Paulo and has spent 30 years in the arts and culture sector, with a focus on music. She is the CEO of Fina Produção and Porto Musical, an international music convention held in Recife since 2005. Since 2004 she has developed the careers of Brazilian and international artists, currently managing Siba, Tássia Reis, Mestre Ambrósio, and Samuel de Sabóia.
She has completed over 16 international tours and was among the first Brazilian professionals to participate in WOMEX, and will have attended 20 times this edition. Melina has produced 35 albums and led major cultural projects, serving as a key figure in Brazil’s creative landscape and in strengthening global music networks as well.
Rok Kosir (Slovenia)
Rok Kosir is the founder and director of Most Music Agency, a Slovenia-based organisation where he works as an agent and manager for more than two dozen musicians from around the world. He gained extensive experience in the music sector through his work with the Druga Godba institute, serving as both a board member and acting director, roles that deepened his knowledge of international programming and organisational leadership. In 2025, he was elected president of the Board of the Slovenian Music Information Centre (SIGIC).
Saúl Presa (Spain)
Saúl Presa is a veteran cultural producer with more than thirty years of experience organising festivals, concerts, and major international tours. He has worked with leading theatres and auditoriums worldwide and manages a select roster of international artists. Saúl contributed to landmark projects in the development of world music, including early editions of Pirineos Sur and La Mar de Músicas, the international launch of Radio Tarifa, and the global rise of Cuban traditions through artists later associated with Buena Vista Social Club.
He managed kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté for nearly two decades, collaborating with global icons such as Björk, Damon Albarn, and Herbie Hancock. Saúl continues to support major international productions and represents prominent artists across Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
The Club Summit Curator 2026
Music is Love is Music
- Jackie Jackpot
Club Summit Curator
Jackie Jackpot (Germany)
Music defines every aspect of Jacqueline Strempel's aka Jackie Jackpot's being and work - whether as a festival curator, tour booker, radio host, the last on the dancefloor, or the first at the turntables.
Musical intervention, cultural participation, and political activism form the foundation of her work. As graduated architect, she now builds musical bridges, skyscrapers, and spins networks. Her passion: letting the music speak and the artists shine.
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.
WOMEX aspires to reflect the music and the music community in all fairness and equity. The Jury balances 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.
Since 2012, WOMEX has hosted the Club Summit, a series of club showcases highlighting the most exciting and breakthrough DJs, music producers and electronic sounds from the global underground. An independent curator, along with the in-house WOMEX team, curates the lineup for the Club Summit.
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!