【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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- Indian Music | A Focused Introduction to the Latest Hit Songs
- [Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces
- [Classic] Masterpieces of Contemporary Music
- Mexican Music | Energetic Latin Tunes Make an Appearance!
- [2026] Recommended German bands: Popular bands from abroad
- Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics that Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture
[2026] The State of World Music Today: Introducing Masterpieces to Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures (41–50)
Tu CárcelLila Downs
Lila Downs is a singer from Oaxaca who is also very popular outside Mexico.
“Tu Cárcel” is included on her 2011 album “Pecados y Milagros,” which reached number one on the Billboard album chart.
[2026] The State of World Music Today: Introducing Masterpieces That Let You Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures (51–60)
Tiempo De SoleáOjos de Brujo
Ojos de Brujo was a Spanish band active from 1998 to 2011, and the band’s name means “Eyes of the Sorcerer.” “Tiempo De Soleá” is a track from their 2002 album “Barí,” which sold 100,000 copies.
Shanti, Shanti, ShantiSheila Chandra
Sheila Chandra is an English singer who was a member of the band Monsoon.
After the band disbanded, she has been active as a solo singer.
“Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” is a track from the album “Roots and Wings,” released in 1990.
AndaduraHosono Haruomi
Haruomi Hosono is a musician from Tokyo who has performed with various bands.
He is also active as a solo artist, and “Andadura” is a song included on his 1989 studio album Omni Sight Seeing.
Nothing Without YouNusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is one of Pakistan’s representative artists and performed in Japan several times.
He passed away in 1997.
“Nothing Without You” is a track included on the album Mustt Mustt (Japanese title: Jonetsu no Honoo).
berangkat – Buranka –THE BOOM
THE BOOM was a Japanese band active from 1986 to 2014.
“berangkat -Buranka-” is a single released in 1994 and was used as a campaign song for JAL.
It peaked at number 10 on the Oricon chart.
MaimounaBallaké Sissoko
Ballaké Sissoko is a musician from the Republic of Mali and a kora player, an indigenous instrument that has been passed down for generations in West African countries.
“Maimouna” is included on his 2013 solo album At Peace.