Africa NOW!

Africa NOW! celebrates the rich and evolving soundscapes emerging from Africa and its global diaspora.

Across the world, Afro-descendant artists are reshaping perceptions, shattering “world music” stereotypes, and driving some of the most influential musical movements. ‘African’ music is far more than traditional folk, and this stage is here to rewrite that story! Polyrhythmic grooves, the ongoing rebirth of house music, adventurous avant-pop and desert blues – these currents are blowing in from Africa’s worldwide descendants with such force that no TMW guest can stand still.

Africa NOW! 2025 lineup includes Amazigh rock pioneers Meteor Airlines from Tinghir, Morocco, Sisso & Maiko selectas spinning Singeli - a hyperlocal sound from Swahili-speaking communities and the outskirts of East African metropolises - and Taroug, a Tunisian-German electronic wizard who fuses rare instruments, field recordings and hypnotic vocals to create sounds that feel both otherworldly and familiar.