World music is the term used to describe music from all around the globe. It includes the genres of music previously labeled as “Folk Music” and “Ethnic Music”. In contrast to Western music, this type of music is based on scales, modes, and musical inflections that are different from those of Western classical and popular music. It is often performed on indigenous instruments by local artists rooted in various traditions often descending from many years ago. This type of music has been passed from one generation of musicians to the next, without the use of formal notation. Another characteristic of this music is the common use of improvisation by individual players. With the recent advance and accessibility of global communication, there has emerged a cross-cultural exchange and influence between traditional music from around the world and Western popular music.
This exchange resulted in the appearance and acceptance of cross-over music. Its release by some record labels such as “Nonesuch”, “Real World Records” ( Peter Gabriel’s music label) and a few others led to its gradual rise and popularity in the West. The marketing of this type of music dates back to 1982 when France launched a World Music Festival on the occasion of “The fete de la Musique” which has been celebrated every year since then, on the first day of summer.
Popular artists such as “ Paul Simon” released albums like “Graceland” in collaboration with indigenous artists such as the South African group ” Ladysmith Black Mambaso”. Other artists such as “Peter Gabriel” introduced music from around the world to a larger audience and contributed to the gradual popularity of “World Music”.
Artists from geographical areas as diverse as Japan, India, Tibet, The Middle East, Bulgaria, South America, South Africa , and North Africa have gradually been introduced to western audiences and continue to influence western musicians.
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