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.

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Our recent world recommendations

Ghanian frafra superstar Alogte Oho doesn’t make gospel as you know it; this is music carried from above by spiritual vocal harmonies, blasts of afrobeat brass, vintage high-life melodies and flashing synths. Truly the sound of joy FFO: Christy Azuma, Guy One, Ebo Taylor, Marijata, Kiki Gyan, Francis Bebey. Beautifully joyous music from Northern Ghana, featuring a tremendous live show from Alogte Oho accompanied by a powerful female gospel choir, "His Sounds of Joy"

Sell out warning! 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 this is heavy revelry FFO: Bomba Estéreo, Sotomayor, Sidestepper. Explosive Afro-Colombian sound system rumberos bring the vibrant energy of Barranquilla Carnival to The Jam Jar

Sell out warning! Rooted in rhythmicism and passed down through ancestral oral heritage, bullerengue is a vibrant Afro-Colombian music and dance tradition. It's a rare treat to witness its hypnotic, percussive-led legacy performed by Álvaro Llerena Martínez - the son of renowned bullerengue singer Petrona Martínez - in collaboration with Akolá Tambó collective. Experience the soul of the Afro Colombian bullerengue tradition as master Colombian percussionist and vocalist Álvaro Llerena Martínez joins forces with London-based collective Akolá Tambó for an extraordinary show

Worlds collide as you get steeped in the Moroccan Gnawa musical tradition from a true master. Mohamed Errebbaa leads his 7-piece band through winding polyrhythms charged with the healing trance of Sufi mysticism. Hypnotic Gnawa grooves meet high-energy trance rhythms. Mohamed Errebbaa & Tagna Groove bring ancient traditions alive in a deep, powerful live show. Full band. Two sets. Pure spirit.

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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

“Fusing traditional son, the Afro-Cuban genre that laid the foundations for salsa, with contemporary flair, the seven-piece band deliver explosive live performances shaped by decades of international touring and collaboration.”
From: Asere

“Since the release of Ali — his acclaimed collaboration with US psych-rock superstars Khruangbin — Vieux’s star has soared, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting and electrifying forces in contemporary world music.”
From: Vieux Farka Toure

“Fly Higher fuses afrobeat, soul jazz, and deep dub grooves, delivering uplifting, addictive melodies through powerful chorus vocals, punchy horn hooks, and hypnotic basslines. The sound is warm, organic, and unmistakably Soothsayers — a unique blend that honours their influences without ever falling into cliché or predictability. The new album will be released on Wah Wah 45s in September 2025 . Listen out for single releases during Spring and Summer 2025.”
From: Soothsayers - 25th anniversary & album launch + Soma Soma

““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