Bristol's World Music Gigs

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Bristol's World Scene

Do we need the term World music in 2020?

World music has always been a problematic term, somewhere like Bristol is a key example of why. With 16% of the population being from ethnic minority groups and dedicated centres studying the impact of migration on citizenship, there seems little distinction between ‘local music’ and ‘world music’ anymore. Reggae is often classed as ‘world music’ given its Jamaican roots, but it has a strong UK heritage and for someone who is a 2nd or 3rd generation UK citizen with migrant parents, making music that’s classed as ‘world’ when they’ve never lived anywhere else but say, Bristol, seems an offensive categorisation. Its almost a cliche to say we live in a global society, so isn’t all music now world music?

Everyone knows that Bristol is a true melting pot of cultures and it comes as no surprise that the city has a healthy world music scene which manages to avoid the cliche. The on-trend big names in world music like William Onyeabor, Ebo Taylor or the Kuti family usually find themselves at home in Bristol’s Colston Hall. Occasional headliners can also be found at The Fleece and the Trinity Centre. St George’s hosts regular world music events covering more traditional music from Senegal, Mozambique and South Africa, where instruments like the kora and mbira are commonplace.

Locally, Bristol is home to some very talented ‘world music’ musicians. Afrobeat stalwarts like Mankala and No Stop Go (formerly Bristol Afrobeat Project) play smaller venues like The Canteen and The Old Market Assembly but also get the opportunity to support international bands at larger Bristol venues.

Buy tickets for world events in Bristol

Our recent world recommendations

The Jam Jar host a complete legend of Somaliland’s resistance and musical activism. Sahra belts impassioned breaths of defiance and dignity over snaking tuareg guitar heroism and intoxicating ethio-jazz garage-funk fusion. A huge win for the human race, utterly essential FFO: Mdour Moctar, Dur Dur Band, BKO Quintet, Asmâa Hamzaoui. Legendary Somaliland activist and singer backed by a grooving garage-funk fusion of ethio-jazz, tuareg and afrobeat.

Drawing influence from highlife, Fela Kuti and Dr. Dre, GREAT - the new alias and artistic evolution of Gee Baller - makes an unmissable UK debut at Unit 8 Studios with his soulful fusion of hip-hop and Afrobeats. He heads up the billing of Afro-revolutionary future stars including Sambee, Aloka and Sheni. A Teddy Good Event

Sell out warning! Arguably the strongest Nigerian jazz group touring today, Etuk’s insatiable, bass-heavy ‘Earth Music’ is urgent, charged and always ready to make Bristol sweat. Nigerian Afrobeat, Highlife & Jazz ensemble led by trumpeter & composer Etuk Ubong

Sell out warning! Cumbías chichadélicas! Sublime Latinx space ballads dripping with tropicália passion, spaghetti surf twang and a Chris Isaak cover (or two). Spellbinding sensual stuff FFO: Chicha Libre, LA LOM, Los Bitchos, BALTHVS, Sonido Gallo Negro. A night of fiery Tropical, Cumbia, Afro-Latin rhythms & beyond

What our editors say

“Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. From Sweeney's Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, his duo with Paul Brady in the later 70s and then from Patrick Street to Mozaik, LAPD and Usher’s Island, Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.”
From: Andy Irvine

““Anyankofo” meaning “Friends” embodies the band’s vision to collaborate with musicians across different backgrounds, pushing boundaries and building bridges through music and friendship. The music is merging reggae, highlife, afrobeat, dub and soul in a bold mix. The live show features a 9-piece energetic group on stage, a tight horn section and infectious vibes.”
From: Total Hip Replacement & Anyankofo

“Some Canteen goers may remember trumpeter Andy Hague’s band Conjunto Gringo who played regularly up to 2018. After a bit of a break Andy is back with the new slightly smaller line-up Sexteto Gringo to play a mixture of Latin-jazz and salsa.”
From: Sexteto Gringo

“Internationally Acclaimed, London-based Saxophonist and Composer Len Aruliah. Known for his beautifully melodic and intricate lines, Len has toured with Gene Pitney, played theatre in the West End, world music with the 4Seasons Band and Association of British Calypsonians, and featured with the riotous Hackney Colliery Band and the River City Stompers.”
From: Len Aruliah Plays at The Flamingo Club

““Explosive Afro-Colombian sound system rumberos bring the vibrant energy of Barranquilla Carnival to The Jam Jar. With their patent mix of porro, electro-cumbia, hip-hop turntablism, ragga culture and anything else that gets sucked into their psychedelic vortex.” - Headfirst Editors Pick”
From: Systema Solar