10-12 April 2025, Budapest | House of Music Hungary | Akvárium Klub
From roots to the future – world music in an era of transformation
Shrinking and ageing audiences, the heavy heritage of colonization – is world music in 2025 hopelessly boomer, or can younger crowds relate to diverse, roots inspired sounds? What is the role of heritage in a violently changing world? As the industry map is redrawn, how can a niche genre survive?
We begin with thought-provoking discussions on decolonizing international music and the challenges of fair representation, diving into how grassroots movements can break free from corporate monopolies. We’ll learn from experts in field recordings, who preserve and innovate with traditional music from small communities, while uncovering the cultural stories behind these sounds.
Panels on music education, such as insights from the House of Music Hungary, highlight the importance of making music more accessible and engaging for all ages. As the music industry shifts, we’ll discuss the power of musical collaboration and the evolving relationship between artists, festivals, and audiences in the digital age.
Attendees will meet artists through in-depth interviews with Ali Doğan Gönültaş and The Breath, offering a personal perspective of their creative journeys. A range of networking opportunities, including speed meetings and mentoring sessions, will allow participants to connect with industry professionals, festival organizers, and agents. Masterclasses share critical takes on surviving and thriving in an era dominated by AI-generated music and digital platforms.
Venue of Budapest Ritmo Conference and Showcase programme
The center planned by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto is an iconic contemporary architectural masterpiece. The diverse range of events in House of Music Hungary provides a plethora of musical experiences, including exhibitions, concerts, playing music together, singing, dance, exciting music education workshops and lecture courses. The mission of House of Music is to promote music, the values of Hungarian folk, classical, popular music and other global genres.
