Three musicians from NI travelled to Tampere, Finland in October to take part in WOMEX 2025, the world’s largest and most culturally diverse global music conference. Their participation was supported by funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery.

Held from 22-26th October, WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) brought together more than 2,600 music professionals from 90 countries for a week of performances, discussions and networking. The annual event serves as a key platform for artists and industry figures working across world, roots and traditional music, offering a rare opportunity to exchange ideas and build international connections.

Representing NI this year were Fusionarium, Vicki Kyles and Utropiks. Each artist reflected a different facet of the region’s diverse and evolving musical landscape.

Fusionarium, led by musician and producer Luigi Cirillo, blended world music influences with electronic textures, exploring themes of migration, identity and the environment. Their performances created a space where acoustic and digital sounds met, inviting audiences to connect through a shared sense of global rhythm.

Vicki Kyles is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning accordionist whose career spans performance, education and community work. A regular on both local and international stages, she has directed ensembles, led workshops and nurtured emerging musicians across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Utropiks, the project of multi-instrumentalist Israh Castro, drew inspiration from Brazilian rhythms, African grooves and electronic experimentation. His music fused elements of jazz, funk and dub to create a sound that was both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.

All three artists were based at the Horizons stand, a joint initiative managed by British Underground in partnership with the arts councils of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Horizons showcases artists from across the UK and Ireland on the global stage, providing networking opportunities and professional support throughout the conference.

Their participation marked another important step in highlighting the depth and diversity of NI’s music scene, connecting local talent with the international community that gathers at WOMEX each year.