ARTIST ROSTER OF REPRESENTATION 2015/2016 Dear promoter, festival programmer, colleague. You have in front of you the updated artist roster of World Connection Agency for 2015 and 2016. World Connection Agency is an international bookings agency and artist management office based in Haarlem, The Netherlands and recently opened office in Leuven, Belgium. The label was founded in 1999 and the agency was founded in 2002 to support the labels artist and is working since with promoters, venues and festivals in more than 40 countries worldwide. We book a wide variety of artist from around the globe, strongly specializing in Latin and lusophone artists.
World | Roots | Female Vocals
Singer Songwriter | Reggae | Hip hop | Electronica
Latin | Salsa | Headliners
Festival Acts | Colombia|Cuba
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World | Roots | Fado
FATOUMATA DIAWARA (Mali/France)
Fatoumouta Diawara is getting rave reviews for her debut album on World Circuit and amazes crowds at all the festivals and concerthalls she is performing. She collaborated and recorded with Bobby Womack, Herbie Hancock, Mulatu Astatke and Damon Albarn. A true star of African music. In the summer of 2014 she toured with Cuban Jazz Pianist Roberto Fonseca. Generally available in 2015
Latest cd : ‘Fatou’ Sept 2011 on World Circuit/ new album 2015 Line up : 5 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Paris, France web : www.fatoumatadiawara.fr Touring period : February & March 2015/ Summer 2015 / Fall 2015 Territory : BeNeLux , Baltic States *, Eastern Europe*
MARINAH (Spain) Flamenquillo and spanish Mestizo -‐pop by the voice of legendary Ojos De Brujo
Marina Abad was over 10 years the front-‐woman and voice of legendary Barcelona based Mestizo-‐Flamenquillo band Ojos De Brujo. After a sabattical of some years she is now back with a great debut album, 'El Baile de Las Horas' on Harmonia Mundi/ World Village label. She will be touring with a compact, more acoustic band.
Latest cd : ‘El Baile de Las Horas' – Harmonia Mundi/ World Village Line up : 5 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Barcelona & Madrid, Spain web : www.marinah.es Touring period: whole year generally available, Festivals, Clubs Territory : BeNeLux *
TAMIKREST (Mali)
The Spiritual sons of Tinariwen. Sahara Rock & Desert Blues at its very best. Currently released their 3rd studio album 'Chatma' on the German indie label ‘Glitterhouse' . This latest album received a lot of critical acclaim from journalist and music lovers. Raw Sahara Rock & Desert Blues. Latest cd : 'Chatma' Sept. 2013 Glitterhouse Rec Line up : 7 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Timbuktu, Mali web : www.tamikrest.net/en Touring period : nov/dec 2014 -‐ Summer 2015/ Fall 2015 Territory : Netherlands Only (*collab with La Candela)
ALINE FRAZÃO (Angola / Portugal) Afro Soul/Lusophone Singer Songwriter/Bossa Nova
Aline Frazao a young and inspiring singer-‐song writer with Angolan Roots living between Lisbon and Barcelona. She (auto)released 2 albums on Coast Company and is to be considered the promise for Lusophone music. Her Luso-‐influenced Jazzy Singer Songwriter style already captured the attention of artists like Lenine and Sara Tavares. She performed concerts in The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, UK ,Angola and Portugal and is on the verge of an international break trough.
Latest cd : ‘Movimento’ -‐ 2013 Coast Company Line up : 4 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Lisbon Portugal web : www.alinefrazao.com Touring period: whole year 2015 – Mid April/ early may 201 BeNeLux & GAS Territory : BeNeLux, G-‐A-‐S, Scandinavia ,Baltic states, Eastern Europe 2
ANA MOURA (Portugal) -‐ Fado
One of the greatest voice and personalities of Portuguese music today. Everywhere she goes the audiences are captured by her performance, voice and elegance, so much thatse can count Prince and the Rolling Stones as her fans. Her brand new album ‘Desfado’ produced by star producer Larry Klein (Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchel, Raul Midon) has received 5 star reviews allmost everywhere. Ana Moura brings two musical worlds together on ‘Desfado’ and currently tours the globe. Latest cd : ‘Desfado’ – Universal Music 2013 Line up : 5 on stage & 3 crew Based in : Lisbon, Portugal web : www.anamoura.com.pt Touring period : April 2015 -‐ Summer 2015 -‐ November 2015 Territory : BeNeLux (exclusive)
DEOLINDA (Portugal) Portuguese folk-‐pop/ fado -‐novo
“They reinvent tradition with humor, elegance and insight. Deolinda is one of the most refreshing bands of Portuguese music.” Since their debut album 'Cançao ao lado' they have released 3 more albums. In Portugal they are considered Popstars.
Latest cd : ‘Mundo Pequenino’ -‐ Sons Em Transito 2013 Line up : 4 on stage & 3 crew Based in : Lisbon, Portugal www : www.deolinda.com.pt Touring period : whole year upon request Territory : BeNeLux, Greater Scandinavia*, Baltics*, Eastern Europe* * Collab. with Sons Em Transito. Non exclusive.
HINDI ZAHRA (Morocco/France) Singer Songwriter/ Blues
Meet Hindi Zahra and her original gently undulating sense of melody. With a subtle, understated guitar accompaniment, a dash of gypsy guitar between the lines. After some years of silence, Hindi will be releasing a brand new long awaited album in spring of 2015.
Latest cd : 'Hand Made' on EMI/ Blue Note Next Cd : 'Until The Next Journey'-‐ New full album expected in 2015 Line up : 5 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Paris, France www : www.hindi-‐zahra.com Touring period : as from april 2015 Territory : Netherlands Only
MOSTAR SEVDAH REUNION (Bosnia) Sevdah, the blues of the Balkans
With a new line up, Mostar Sevdah Reunion are presenting 'Tales from a Forgotten City' , a new repetoire based on old Sevdah songs. They released simultaneously a cd and a documentary film on Mostar and Sevdah music. MSR played a WOMEX showcase back in in 2006 and released an handful of albums on World Connection and Snailrecords.
Latest cd : “Tales of A Forgotten City” (World Connection/ Snail records) Line up : 6 on stage & 1 crew Based in : Bosnia www : www.mostarsevdahreunion.com Touring period : Whole year 2015 upon request Territory : BeNeLux/ UK*/ NORTHERN EUROPE *
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Afro Beat | Singer Songwriter | Crossover
BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR (USA/GHANA) Old School Hip Hop| Afro Beat Blitz and his band, the Embassy Ensemble, pack a brilliant fusion of styles. You can hear late-‐80s hip-‐hop alongside contemporary African soukous and highlife, as well as strong echoes of Afrobeat artists such as Fela Kuti. After showcasing successfully WOMEX, SXSW, MaMa and Les Transmusicales de Rennes Blitz tours constantly Europe and played over 100 festival shows and countless club dates.
Latest cd : ‘Afropolitan Dreams’ (Jakarta Records, may 2014) Line up : 7 on stage & 2 crew Based in : New York/ USA www : vimeo.com/channels/blitz Touring period : April to August 2015 Territory : NORTHERN EUROPE (BeNeLux, Scandinavia, Baltic’s, UK)
GABY MORENO (USA) Blues| Soul| Retro| Singer-‐Songwriter Gaby Moreno was noted opening for Tracy Chapman and Ani di Franco and working/ performing with Van Dyke Parks. Gaby recorded with Hugh Laurie on his latest album 'Didn't it Rain' and toured almost all of 2013 & 2014 with Hugh Laurie & his Copper Bottom Band. A 4th album to be produced by Gabriel Roth (Sharon Jones/ James Bradley) is expected to be released by Metamorfosis/Warner in spring 2015.
Latest cd : ‘Postales’ 2012 Metamofosis / Upcomming album 2015 Line up : 4 on stage & 1 crew Based in : Los Angeles, USA www : www.gaby-‐moreno.com Touring period: March > Early April + Mid July / Mid August + October 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
NINA ATTAL (France)
Blues| Soul ‘n Funk
Nina Attal is a true discovery. Playing the blues guitar, leading her own band, composing, singing, performing and recording at the age of just 21. A true revelation in Funky Blues ‘n Soul music. A highlight at many pop & jazz festivals. Just released her 3rd album WHA on debuting Nueva Onda label (PIAS distr).
Latest cd : ‘WHA' (Nueva Onda/ PIAS, 2014) Line up : 5 or 7 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Paris, France www : www.ninaattal.com Touring period : whole year 2015 Territory : BeNeLux (exclusive)
MONSIEUR PERINÉ (Bogota, Colombia) Manouche Swing & Latin Alternative Monsieur Perine hailing from Bogota, take Manouche Jazz, Circus Swing and Latin-‐ Alternative to another level. In March 2013 their European debut album was released and a first tour with over 30 pan -‐European dates was a fact. In the Summer of 2014 they toured again extensively Europe. They are at ease at Pop, Jazz, World Music and Theatre & Performing Art Festivals.
Latest cd : ‘Hecho A Mano’ ( Flowfish/ Broen Silence, 2013) Line up : 7 on stage & 2 crew Based in : Bogota, Colombia www : www.mperine.com Touring period : June/ July 2015 Territory : BeNeLux
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HOLLIE COOK (London / UK) Soulfull Reggae / Rocksteady
Meet Hollie, daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, released last may 2014 her second album 'Twice' on Mr Bongo. After the huge succes of the first album with appearances at Later With Jools Holland and showcases at Transmusicales and International tours Hollie comes back with and even more mature sound full of caribbean sunshine and lazy reggae.
Latest cd : ‘Twice' (2014) Mr Bongo Line up : 7 on stage & 2 crew Based in : London / UK www : www.holliecook.com Touring period : whole year 2015 upon request Territory : BeNeLux
SARA ALHINHO (Cabo Verde/ Mexico) Lusophone Singer Songwriter/ Morna
Sara Alhinho, daughter of Simenteras singer Tete Alhinho, is to be considered 'the best kept secret of Cabo Verde'. Being of mixed Mexican and Cape Verdean origin, she has been both influenced by Morna, Bossa, Coladeira, Funana but also latin American music and singer-‐songwriter styles. She just auto released her debut album 'Mosaico' and made impresion at the AME in Praia last April.
Latest cd : ‘Mosaico’ (indepedend, 2014) Line up : 3 or 5 on stage & 1 crew Based in : Ilha de Praia, Cabo Verde www : www.saraalhinho.com Touring period: tba/ tba ( summer 2015) Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
Latin Headliners | Salsa
GILBERTO SANTA ROSA (Puerto Rico) One of the 5 greatest vocalist and biggest name in Salsa today. Filling stadiums and arena’s in Latin America and the USA, selling out large venues year after year in Europe. Multiple Grammy & Latin Grammy winner.
Latest cd : ‘Gilberto Santa Rosa’ (Sony Music 2013) Line up : 13 on stage & 6 crew Based in : San Juan, Puerto Rico web : www.gilbertosantarosa.com Touring period : June 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
RICHIE RAY & BOBBY CRUZ (Puerto Rico) Salsa / 50th Anniversary Tour
Life long legenday duo Richie & Bobby are true icons in Latin Music. Their career spans over 50 years. Between the heyday of Pachanga in the 60-‐ ties to the craze of Boogaloo in the 70'ties they launched their own style called 'Jala Jala'. In 2014 & 2015they are touring the World with a special 50th Anniversary show. Latest cd : ‘Homenaje a una Leyenda' -‐ Discos Fuentes 2014
Line up : 13 on stage & 3 crew. Based in : San Juan, Puerto Rico www : richieraybobbycruz.net Touring period : February 2015 & July 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East) 5
GRUPO NICHE (Colombia) Tocando el Cielo Tour
The most emblematic Colombian Salsa groups of all times. With numerous number one hits in both Colombia as among the Latin Communities world wide. They toured 2013/14 bringing homage to the late founder Jairo Varela (who passed away in august 2012). There latest record 'Tocando El Cielo Con Las Manos' has been received with critical acclaim by their fans.
Latest cd : ‘Tocando el Cielo Con Las Manos’ (2013 Sony Latin Music) Line up : 14 on stage & 3 crew Based in : Cali, Colombia & Miami/ USA www : www.gruponiche.com Touring period : Late July & Early August '15 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
ELVIS CRESPO (Puerto Rico)
Every latino and non Latino knows Elvis Crespo through his 90-‐ties mega – superhit ‘Suavemente’ and later also 'Pintame’. Multiple Grammy and Bilboard award winning artist Elvis Crespo released his latest album 'One Flag' on in December 2013 and is one of the most sought after Latin-‐ Caribbean entertainers of the last 20 years. Currently has a smash hit with a re-‐do of mega hit ‘Sopa de Caracol’ with Pitbull.
Latest cd : ‘One Flag" (Universal Music Latino 2013) Line up : 15 on stage & 5 crew Based in : Miami, Florida / San Juan,Puerto Rico www : www.elviscrespolive.com Touring period : Late July/ Early August 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
JORGE CELEDON (Colombia) Jorge Celedon is by far the most versatile Colombian Vallenato artist when it comes to repertoire and collaborations. On his latest 2 records 'Sin Fronteres 1 & 2" he invites an international cast of superstars in latin music such as Choc Quib Town, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Oscar De Leon. On his new to be released album 'Sencillamente' he teams up with accordeonist Gustavo Garcia, and proves again to be Colombia's number 1 Vallenato & Tropical Artist.
Latest cd : ‘Sencillamente" (Sony Latin 2014) Line up : 11 on stage & 4 crew Based in : Bogota & Valledupar, Colombia www : www.jorgeceledonoficial.com Touring period : 3rd -‐ 19th of April + Late July/ Early August 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
VICTOR MANUELLE (Puerto Rico) With a careert that spans over 20 years and 20 albums, Victor Manuelle is still to be considered a young salsa singer. His collaborations with Gilberto Santa Rosa and Jorge Celedon, his smash hits in the 90-‐ties and his continued production of solid albums and sold out concert tours, makes him one of the great names in Salsa & Latin music today.
Latest cd : ‘Me Llamare Tuyo' (Sony Music 2013) Line up : 13 on stage & 6 crew Based in : San Juan, Puerto Rico www : www.victormanuelleonline.com Touring period : June & July 2014 Territory : EUROPE in collaboration with The Relentless Agency
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YANDEL (Puerto Rico) Llandel Veguilla Malavé, better known as Yandel, half of the iconic urban music Wisin y Yandel, brings more than 14 years of successful career, has sold millions of albums and has performed in concert in the most important venues in the world. He released his first solo album “Quién Contra Mi” in 2003 and released his 2nd solo album “La Leyenda” in fall 2013. Yandel tour with a full line up of a band of 10 musicians and 8 dancers and is considered one of the best contemporary Latin-‐Urban acts around.
Latest cd : ‘De Lider A Leyenda’ (Sony Latin Music, 2013) Line up : 10 on stage, 8 dancers & 7 crew Based in : Puerto Rico www : www.yandellaleyenda.com Touring period : 18th of March -‐ 30th of March Territory : EUROPE in collaboration with The Relentless Agency
YAN COLLAZO (Puerto Rico)
Yan Collazo hails from Puerto Rico, but made a strong artistical move by joining first Colombian super band Guayacan Orquesta which gained him numerous fans, to later move on to the legendary Grupo Niche. He is now since a couple of years working hard on a solo career. His first release was 'Homenaje A Mi Idolo' dedicaded to the late Tito Gomez.
Latest cd : 'Homenaje a mi Idolo' (Codiscos, 2013) Line up : 13 on stage & 3 crew Based in : Puerto Rico www : www.yancollazo.com Touring period : November / Dec 2014 & April 2015 & Summer 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
ELIO REVE & SU CHARANGON (Cuba)
Elio Reve is the son of legendary bandleader Elio Reve sr. who led the Orquesta Reve for over 35 years until his tragical dead. Elio Reve jr y su Charangon is considered to be the mother orquestra of all cuban bands of today. Over 55 years of history since its foundation. Elio Reve & Su Charagon have been touring Europe year after year since their first release on Peter Gabriels Realworld over 30 years ago.
Latest cd : ‘La Aplanadora De Cuba’ (EGREM 2012) Line up : 15 on stage + 3 crew Based in : Cuba web : www.orquestareve.net Touring period : Late June-‐ July 2015 Territory : NORTHERN EUROPE (in collaboration with Musica de Primera)
AYMEE NUVIOLA (CUBA/ USA)
Aymee Nuviola 'La Sonera Del Mundo' is an incredibly gifted Cuban-‐born singer/songwriter with a deeply rich voice evocative of a Sarah Vaughn and often compared to the nimble freshness of a Billie Holiday. She has performed around the world in countries such as Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France, Hungary, and the United States. She just released a 3rd solo album which includes styles such as Son, Latin Jazz, Salsa and latin pop.
Latest cd : ‘First Class To Havana' (Worldwide Ent. 2014) Line up : 8 on stage + 2 crew Based in : Miami USA www : www.aymeenuviola.com Touring period : July 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
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EMILIO FRIAS 'EL NIÑO Y LA VERDAD (Cuba) Emilio Frias 'El Niño' just released his solo career after leaving Elio Reve's Charangon in 2012. Emilio is now to be considered as one of the hottests new bands in La Habana, Cuba. With his weekly sold our Matinee at 'Casa de La Musica' he gained a lot of new fans around the globe. In 2015 he will debut in Europe.
Latest cd : ‘Llego la verdad' (Oye Mi Musica, 2014) Line up : 14 on stage & 3 crew Based in : La Habana -‐ Cuba www : www.emilioylaverdad.com Touring period : February 2015 + Late July & Early August 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
MAYITO RIVER & THE SONS OF CUBA(CUBA) Without a doubt, Mario 'Mayito' Rivera, 'El Poeta de la Rumba', is one of the five leading Cuban vocalists worldwide! For more than 20 years he has been the unmistakable voice and face of the internationally acclaimed Cuban band Los Van Van. After leaving Los Van Van he dedicated his time between his own project, The Sons Of Cuba, and performing /recording with Soneros De Verdad.
Latest cd : ‘Inventate una historia' (Termidor, 2014) Line up : 7 on stage + 2 crew Based in : Havana, Cuba www : www.mayitorivera.net Touring period : May-‐ June -‐July 2015 Territory : BeNeLux, Scandinavia, Spain
(Colaboration with Kramer Artist)
SONEROS DE VERDAD feat Luis Frank Arias (Cuba)
Lead by Luis Frank Arias, the Soneros de Verdad are also called 'The Next Generation Of Buena Vista'. The Soneros have recorded several great albums full of great Cuban traditional son. Their yearly 3 to 4 months summer tours through Europe are the proof that Cuban music has gained a eternal place amongst music fans across the world.
Latest cd : ‘Amarate' (Termidor 2013) Line up : 7/8 on stage & 3 crew Based in : La Habana -‐ Cuba www : www.sonerosdeverdad.com Touring period : July until October 2015 Territory : BeNeLux/ Northern Europe* (non exclusive)
Latin Eclectic| Colombia | Electronic | Festival Acts BOSTICH & FUSSIBLE by NORTEC (Mexico) Eclectic Latin Electonica & Tijuana Soundscapes
“Bostich and Fussible spend the disc hopscotching through genres: Latin horns and accordions share space with metronomic house beats while Daft Punk-‐esque vocoders drone over acoustic indie-‐rock strumming. As the styles tumble harmoniously into one another, Bostich + Fussible hit a sweet spot that's less "world music" than blissfully whirled music.”
Latest cd
: 'El Final De Una Era' (Nacional Records)
Line up : 6 on stage & 2 crew. Based in : Tijuana Mexico/ San Diego USA www : www.nor-‐tec.org Touring period : tba 2015 Territory : BeNeLux, Northern Europe*
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CUBAN BEATS ALL STARS (Cuba/ Spain) Eclectic Latin Dance & Urban Latin Hip Hop
After the eternal sabattical of the Cuban Urban super group ORISHAS, the backing band decided to continue to perform and craft an new sound based on the popular ORISHAS sound. Recently RUZZO, former rapper & songwriter of the original band decided to join the new project. They just have finished recording their first album as Cuban Beats All Stars. Latest cd : 1st release early 2015 on Termidor
Line up : 5 on stage & 2 crew. Based in : Madrid, Spain www : www.cubanbeatsallstars.com Touring period : All Year Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
* Collaboration with Kramer-‐Artists
TRIBU BAHARU (Colombia) Afro Colombian Champeta & Soukous
It's been denigrated and damned, boycotted and banned, but it can never be stopped: champeta, the ever evolving, high-‐energy hybrid of Columbian, African and Afro-‐Caribbean styles just keeps on coming. And leading a new charge are Tribu Baharú, from Bogotá, championing their version of champeta, inspired by the legendary, Pico sound-‐systems of Columbia's Caribbean coast, but here played all-‐live-‐onstage with sparkling Congolese guitar driven by high-‐speed bass and drums and the all-‐animating upfront singers.
Latest cd
: "Pa'L Mas Exigente Bailador" Tambora Records, 2014
Line up : 6 on stage & 2 crew. Based in : Bogota Colombia www : www.tribubaharu.com Touring period : May-‐ June-‐ July 2015 Territory : EUROPE (including North Africa/ Middle East)
FAMILY ATLANTICA (UK/ VE/ GH) Afro Beat meets Latin America on both sides of the Atlantic
Family Atlantica is a London based proyect that stitching together dispate styles from across the Atlantic with similar ancestry. Led by leadvocalist Luzmira Zerpa, this band was one of the revelations at both Womad as well as WOMEX in 2013. Signed to the label Soundway. Ready to hit the European Festivals in 2015.
Latest cd
: 'Family Atlantica' Soundway Records
Line up : 7 on stage & 2 crew. Based in : London UK www : www.familyatlantica.com Touring period : All Year Territory : BeNeLux
REPRESENTATION & CONTACT
Bartolo Pype Hoffmann (International Agent) bartolo@worldconnectionagency.nl Albert Nijmolen (Finance, Label) info@worldconnectionagency.nl
Haarlem The Netherlands l Leuven Belgium
m: info@worldconnectionagency.nl T NL: +31 23 74 100 14 l m: +31 6 43 07 95 28
T BE: +32 16 400 886 l m: +32 47 212 74 37
Online/ Social media
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