The rock band Mammút hails from Iceland, and shortly after winning the annual Músiktilraunir “Battle of the Bands” competition, they started recording and releasing recordings of their music. Their third album, Komdu til mín svarta systir (“Come to Me, My Dark Sister”), had several nominations and won three awards at the Iceland Music Awards. This album’s variety of rhythms and the catchy hooks make this album an enjoyable listen all the way through.

Natalia Lafourcade is one of Mexico’s beloved contemporary artists, and for good reason. Releasing her first album at the age of 17 in 2002, she established herself in the pop scene, but then took a different turn in her work. She departed from the indie pop feel of her earlier albums to explore the folk sounds of Mexico, first through a tribute album to the famed 20th-century Mexican singer and composer Augustín Lara.

Get to know one of today’s most well-known musical groups from the Middle East—Mashrou’ Leila. With vocals that can convey emotions that defy language barriers, this quartet of musicians puts Lebanon on the world music map.

Twins and musical duo, Naomi Diaz and Lisa-Kaindé Diaz of Ibeyi, make exciting music that reflects Afro-Cuban, South American, and European influences from their family background.

Discover the hauntingly power fusion music of Thievery Corporation. Founding members Rob Garza and Eric Hilton of Washington, DC blend their love of Brazilian music, electronica, dub, jazz, and other world sounds to create their own unique style of lounge-y, chill tunes that incorporated a multitude of languages.

Discover the powerful music of Grammy Award-winning singer Oumou Sangaré of Mali. Her lyrics weave traditional with modernity and speak to the social plights of women and underserved populations.