Horizons at WOMEX 2025: Building International Pathways
Following its milestone 30th anniversary edition in Manchester, UK, last October, the Horizons partnership at WOMEX continues its global journey in 2025, supporting showcasing musicians, industry delegates and a pioneering overland residency as they head to Finland, the happiest country in the world.
For more than a decade, Horizons has brought together national partners from across the UK and Ireland to champion outstanding artists at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo), the world’s leading international music gathering. Each year, this partnership helps musicians and professionals connect with new audiences and opportunities through funding, showcasing support, networking and expert guidance. “Our valued status as a Horizons Partner gives us the opportunity to engage closely with our colleagues from across these islands and map out new routes and opportunities for our Irish artists”, says Sharon Barry, Director of Culture Ireland. This year, Barry looks “forward to building on the successes of WOMEX in Manchester in 2024 and deepening these connections further”.
From 22 to 26 October, WOMEX 2025 will take place in Tampere, Finland - a city celebrated for its vibrant music culture and forward-thinking creative spirit. Across four programmed days of showcases, conferences, screenings, panels and exhibitions, Horizons will encourage artists and delegates to share their work, make new connections and expand their reach on the world stage.
At the heart of the activity is the Horizons Stand, designed by Noppa, which will be a hub for exchanging ideas, discovering new music and building meaningful partnerships.
Reflecting the extraordinary diversity and creativity of the UK and Ireland music scene, there are four official showcasing artists selected to showcase in front of global audiences and industry tastemakers at WOMEX: Dur Dur Band International (Somalia/UK), Malkit Singh/Golden Star (India/UK), Spafford Campbell (UK/Ireland) and The Zawose Queens (Tanzania/UK). When asked what kind of experience they hope audiences will have, Louis from Spafford Campbell says, “We hope to bring a pause to their day. Beyond that, we hope they take their own meaning and emotion from the performance, which is one of our favourite things about instrumental music.” Channeling the Tanzanian roots of Wagogo, Pendo Zawose, daughter of the late Dr Hukwe Zawose will perform the fluid polyrhythms and rapturous singing of the Gogo people alongside her cousin Leah Zawose. “We want the audience to feel something beautiful when they listen to our music. If someone has been hurt or is carrying pain, we want them to find comfort and joy in our performance. Music is healing - music is medicine”.
This year, British Underground delivers two key programmes designed to deepen connection and embrace conscious travel for Horizons at WOMEX. Horizons Connect will bring together delegates for professional development, mentoring, and networking with a special focus on strengthening ties between the UK and the Nordic countries. “The Connect: North to Nordic programme is about providing emerging music professionals with the time and space to travel with purpose”, shares Dr Daniel Ford from British Underground. Through collaborative sessions and tailored events, the programme helps participants forge lasting international relationships.
Artwork: Ria Nightingale
While Tampere prepares itself for this global gathering, a number of delegates are embarking on a different kind of adventure. Setting off four days before the conference begins, The Tampere Express Overland Residency invites delegates from the UK & Ireland to travel together by train and ferry to WOMEX, turning the journey itself into a creative experience. As Dr Daniel Ford explains, “By taking the train and ferry together to WOMEX instead of flying, The Tampere Express Overland Residency helps reduce carbon emissions and turns the journey into a shared experience for learning, reflection, and connection. It’s a practical example of how we can support artists to grow their careers while taking steps to be more considerate of the planet.” Designed as a low-carbon alternative to air travel, the residency encourages participants to absorb, reflect and create while on the move, embodying Horizons’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Through ongoing collaborative work at WOMEX, the Horizons partners continue to amplify the talent, diversity and ambition of music from the UK & Ireland. By creating spaces for connection, access and visibility, Horizons at WOMEX helps artists and industry professionals build the relationships that shape global careers.
Find out more at www.horizonsatwomex.com.
The Horizons partnership is managed by British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales and British Council.
Images: Jacob Crawfurd, WOMEX 2023 and 2024
