IOMMA to showcase talent from Indian Ocean region

The aim of the upcoming fourth edition is to continue its mission to support the professionalization of the music industry in the Indian Ocean and the networking of players in the music industry worldwide through an extensive program of professional meetings, workshops and artist showcases. A series of meetings will be held in the form of conferences/workshops around specific topics facing the regional music industry and propose solutions to improve conditions for Indian Ocean artists. Artists and local professionals will have the opportunity to talk to professionals from other regions (such as festival organisers, promoters, labels, managers, etc) in face-to-face meetings.

Twenty groups of artists from Réunion and the Indian Ocean will perform a showcase of 30 to 45 minutes before an audience of professionals and amateurs. Access to the concert is free and open to the public. The artistic program will represent the music of the Indian Ocean. Showcased artists include local talent such as Arash Khalatbari, Do Moon, Sofy Mazandira, Loryzine, Grèn Sémé, Fabrice Legros, Ti Rat & Rouge Reggae, Le Pain Des Fous, Zanmari Baré and electronic maloya producer Labelle.

IOMMA will welcome Hanitra and rock band Silo from the island of Magascar, along with Zulu from Mauritius, former frontman of BlackMen Bluz. The only South African act on the bill is all-female rock band Cortina Whiplash. Mozambican songbird Isabel Novella was initially booked to perform but had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

From the other side of the Indian Ocean, Indian artists showcasing their talents at IOMAA will be Donn Bhat & Passenger Revelator, The Ganesh Talkies, Sky Rabbit and Tritha Electric. And from even further afield, Chinese band Tulegur will play their unique blend of Mongolian folk music mixed with rock and folk, dubbed 'nomad rock'.

The IOMMA be held from 1 to 4 June 2015 will be followed by the 12th edition of the Sakifo music festival on Reunion from 5 to 7 June.