Reflections on an Inspiring Experience at WOMEX 2024

As I reflect on the past few days at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) in Manchester, I feel deeply grateful and very satisfied with how I spent my time.

Having attended several conferences and expos this year, WOMEX stands out to me as a definite highlight and a fantastic way to close my year of events. I was awarded a bursary from Creative Scotland, which supported my attendance at the conference. I’ve had such a fruitful few days that I would strongly recommend any musicians, agents, and managers in our network consider attending next year, especially if Creative Scotland offers a 2025 bursary scheme.

WOMEX: A Space for Collaboration and Inspiration

The WOMEX programme includes masterclasses, networking sessions, a trade fair, live music performances, and films. It’s a holistic and conducive space that fosters connections and collaborations.

I found the whole experience enriching, with many wonderful panel sessions—the highlight for me being Afrobeats Goes Global. I also enjoyed the networking sessions and pitching at Creative Scotland’s VIP brunch. All of this has ensured that I am leaving WOMEX with new contacts, some of whom I hope to collaborate with soon.

I enjoyed several wonderful performances including Koreon Neo Traditional Band Maegandang, Congolese Womens collective Les Mamanus du Congo x Rrobin and Berlin based sound crafter Ganna.   

Reconnecting with Purpose and Finding New Inspiration

Meeting so many inspiring professionals reminded me why I do what I do and gave me fresh inspiration to bring back to Scotland. The overall mood at WOMEX was warm, welcoming, and friendly. I found people approachable and open to conversations and exploring possible collaborations.

I’d strongly recommend this important industry event to anyone looking to take their music from Scotland to the world.

I plan to return—WOMEX 2025 will take place in Finland, and I hope that both myself and more of the Be United team will attend next year.

Discovering Manchester’s Culinary Scene

When visiting a new city, I love to discover new food places. Here are my three new discoveries:

HOME Chinese Manchester: I found this restaurant very close to where I was staying. It’s an upmarket Chinese restaurant with gorgeous décor, very comfortable. The food was simply delicious—the Wonton soup I had was hands down the best soup I’ve ever tasted.

Happy Seasons: On Thursday night, I followed a recommendation from an Arts Council England staff member. Upon arrival, I encountered a queue to get in—always a good sign, I believe. This place was vastly different from the luxury of the night before, with its fast-paced atmosphere and quick turnaround of customers. I had Sichuan squid and rice, and it was absolutely yummy; I could have eaten bowls of rice with that delicious Sichuan sauce.

Wholesome Junkies: As I am moving towards a more plant-based diet, I found this restaurant online. It’s a vegan and alcohol-free establishment, a concept I’d love to see more of. The place was very relaxed and down-to-earth, with an easy-going attitude. The food was great, especially when craving a big, greasy burger without the meat. It was delicious and very filling. I loved the vibe!

Final Notes

While in Manchester, the weather was wonderful, the city was welcoming, the food was delicious, and the expo was enriching.

I leave Manchester feeling very grateful, very satisfied, and very inspired.

A huge thanks to Creative Scotland. Without their bursary, I would never have taken the journey to my first WOMEX. I leave knowing it won’t be my last.

– Emma Sithole, Executive Director, Be United