Global Rhythms Unite at Napoli-World Festival
The third edition of Napoli-World, organized by Music Connect Italy, brought an inspiring convergence of music professionals and artists to Naples. With 35 music professionals from around the globe, the event fostered an environment of collaboration, dialogue, and celebration of diverse musical traditions.
Napoli-World’s mission is clear: to bridge connections between artists, promoters, and bookers while facilitating the exchange of valuable insights about the global music scene. One standout attendee was the organizer of the Jodhpur RIFF festival in India (jodhpurriff.org), an extraordinary event held at a stunning location. Sharing practical advice about performing at Jodhpur RIFF, they provided a behind-the-scenes look at the festival’s requirements and opportunities. They also introduced the Indian band SAZ, showcasing their talents to an eager audience.
For the enthusiastic crowds in Naples, who packed venues and lined the streets hoping to gain entry, the lineup offered an impressive mix of local and international acts. Italian artists took center stage, featuring Alessandro D’Alessandro (accordionist), Maluf System, Nubras Ensemble, PS5, AfroDream, Faraualla (an a cappella group), Big Dave, and Naples’ own saxophone icon Daniele Sepe, a beloved local star.
On the international front, Napoli-World welcomed a rich variety of talent. From Korea, the brass band XIIDO—set to perform in Amersfoort and Nijmegen next year—delighted the audience alongside Outlet Drift, a trio fresh from a stellar performance in Taiwan. Slovakia was represented by Roma singer Julia Kozakova and the Balkanamble ensemble, while Estonian singer and multi-instrumentalist Mari Kalkun delivered a soulful closing performance.
Over three evenings, the festival presented a vibrant and diverse program of music catering to all tastes. Highlights included the Korean and Taiwanese acts, who captured the hearts of the Italian audience, and the PS5 jazz-funk band, whose tight grooves wowed the crowd. Maluf System’s Arabic-inspired sounds added a captivating layer to the festival’s sonic landscape.
Napoli-World proved to be a remarkable celebration of music’s unifying power, offering unforgettable performances and fostering connections across borders. A beautiful festival indeed!
Photos (c) Eric van Nieuwland
