Opening

The WOMEX Opening confirmed the position of the Canary Islands as an exemplar of the exchange of cultures, and offered to the world the value to be learned from a population's positive and ongoing cultural mix – one that is so special and that has so many years of tradition.

Germán Lopez, the brilliant, home-grown young star of the timple was the artistic director and stage host of the WOMEX 18 Opening. He touches audiences with a rooted and innovative 21st century approach to performing "island music." His principal instrument is one of the grandfathers of the ukulele, and part of the same stringed instrument-family that includes the cavaquinho, cuatro and charango.

He created a programme to reflect this special and particular tri-continental spirit of the islands, inviting The AKA Trio (Senegal, Italy and Brazil), new wave flamenco project Aurora, Brazilian alt-indie troubadour LaBaq and acclaimed mestizo group from Tenerife, Caracoles.

The Opening was proudly presented by Jeito: