Mandé melodies set off the fiesta

A long-awaited dream finally comes true as global music icon Fatoumata Diawara takes the stage for a free open-air concert on April 10 at the City Park.

Blending Mali’s Wassoulou traditions with afrobeat, jazz, and contemporary flair, Fatou is set to deliver an electrifying performance alongside FÜLÜ, the hypnotic French collective known for their brass-fueled, mask-clad sonic journeys. A night of Mandé grooves and acoustic techno sets off the festive Ritmo journey in style.

From trance to troubadours

The Ritmo multiverse unfolds over two jam-packed days with a dazzling line-up spanning Anatolian psych-pop, Dutch gospel-disco, fiery pizzica trance, and intimate folk ballads.

Friday is all about psychedelia and songsters, where Hungarian cult favorite Szabó Balázs joins forces with Roma music powerhouse Mónika Lakatos, while Turkey’s Altın Gün brings their signature Anatolian psych vibes.

Ali Doğan Gönültaş channels the deep-rooted Alevi traditions, and Dutch collective Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers serve up intergalactic gospel-disco. Jazz-infused Cape Verdean saudade from Carmen Souza and FÜLÜ’s percussive, brass-heavy fiesta seal the deal.

On Saturday, we crank up the intensity with an exclusive, one-night-only collaboration between Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino and the fearless percussionists led by Kovács A. Máté — a fusion of Southern Italian pizzica and Roma fire.

Nusantara Beat rides the Indonesian psych-pop wave, Hungarian MORDÁI drops their brand-new fusion-driven EP, and Michelle Gurevich mesmerizes with her melancholic, razor-sharp ballads. Irish folk duo The Breath brings heart-stirring vocals, while Las Lloronas close the night with haunting harmonies.

Ritmo PRO – where the industry meets

Beyond the concerts, Budapest Ritmo is also a hub for music professionals. The anniversary edition of Ritmo features 2-days of conference, daytime showcases and networking events.

The daytime showcase becomes – for the first time in 10 years – part of the conference programme, so the showcasing artists get to perform in front of an engaged crowd of music professionals, in the professional surrounding of House of Music Hungary. 

As a proud member of UPBEAT, The European Showcase Platform for World Music, the showcase is a flagship event, featuring bands or artists from the region, selected by an international jury.

This year’s conference will be special as well: we dive into the hottest industry topics: AI and music, collaboration as a driver for change, and how to boost visibility in a crowded world.

Expect inspiring panel talks, artist meet-ups, and invaluable networking sessions. Step into the Ritmo realm - where the world’s sounds collide, transform, and inspire. 

Tickets available here

More: 
budapestritmo.hu/en