【2026】The State of World Music Now: Introducing Masterpieces to Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures
World music lets you enjoy truly global sounds that carry traditional music from around the world—especially from non-English-speaking regions—into the present.
Its appeal lies in a universal expressive power that resonates across different cultures and languages.
In recent years, songs incorporating African rhythms, Arabian flavors, and Latin music have become worldwide hits, and its diversity keeps expanding, even into experimental works that combine traditional instruments with electronic sounds.
In this article, we’ll broadly introduce smash hits and highly acclaimed popular tracks that capture the current moment of world music.
We also feature traditional world music in the latter half, so be sure to check it out.
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[2026] World Music Now: Introducing classic tracks to enjoy diverse musical cultures (21–30)
Kosalia AriniI Wayan Beratha
This is a 1969 piece in the Gong Kebyar style by Indonesian master I Wayan Beratha, a figure who bridged tradition and innovation.
Its greatest appeal lies in its dramatic development: from a quiet introduction to the sudden roar of the percussion ensemble, then a striking contrast as it shifts into a gentle bamboo flute solo.
The distinctive “beating” produced by slightly detuned instruments envelops the whole with a shimmering resonance.
In addition to being included on the album “Explorer Series: Bali – Gamelan & Kecak,” a 1998 recording of the work has also become a globally used music teaching resource.
It’s the perfect number for immersing yourself in an otherworldly acoustic space.
Amdjer De Nos TerraCesária Évora
Cesária Évora is a singer from the Atlantic island nation of the Republic of Cabo Verde.
“Amdjer De Nos Terra” is included on the album “Voz D’Amor,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
[2026] World Music Now: Introducing masterpieces (31–40) that let you enjoy diverse musical cultures
Kebyar Ding
“Kebyar Ding” is a historically important work, among the earliest pieces within Gamelan Gong Kebyar—a renowned style of Balinese gamelan music that emerged in the early 20th century.
Its intricately interwoven structures and rhythmic patterns, along with overwhelming dynamics, invite listeners on a meditative journey.
It’s also included on the CD “Recordings in Bali 1928 VOL.
1,” released in Japan in 2009, which lets you experience the sounds of Bali as they were first captured for commercial release in 1928.
Be sure to check it out.
Bem, Bem, MariaGipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings are a French band that is very popular in Japan and has toured there many times.
“Bem, Bem, Maria,” included on their 1987 album Gipsy Kings, was used in a Philip Morris commercial.
Cruel DestinoGEO Meneses
Geo Meneses is a Mexican singer.
She has been studying piano since childhood and began her career as a singer in 1997.
“Cruel Destino” is included on the album “Hasta Hoy Estoy Contigo,” which was released in 2000.
Love & HopeOzomatli
Ozomatli is an American band formed in 1995, and their name comes from an Aztec deity.
“Love & Hope” is included on their third album, Street Signs, which won both a Grammy Award and a Latin Grammy Award.
How dearly I long for you.Sato Anna
Anna Sato is a singer and Amami kugo (vertical harp) player from Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture, known as the “Diva of Amami.” In 2013, she appeared in the musical Les Misérables.
“Koishi Koishiya” is the title track of her debut album, released in 2005.