For anyone involved in any aspect of world music, WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) has become an essential date on the calendar. After a few years of internal wrangling, at the end of October, WOMEX returned to its original home at the House of World Cultures in Berlin, Germany, where from now on it will remain.
A change to the format this year was the introduction of a regional focus, with Brazil chosen to mark its 500-year anniversary in 2000. The Brazilian presence was therefore felt strongly in the trade fair and conference sessions, but most apparently in the showcases, with several artists from Brazil performing.
Lenine headlined the Brazilian night on the second day, and was perhaps the best showcase of the weekend. Great melodies, arrangements and a host of musical influences from Africa and other dance rhythms, all performed with a great deal of skill and charisma.