What do Doubt Gnahoré, Idan Raichel and Novalima have in common?

They are all artists working with Cumbancha, one of the most prominent world music labels. On today's episode, I speak with Jacob Edgar, founder of Cumbancha. Edgar is an ethnomusicologist and world music producer. His trajectory took him to work at record label Putumayo World Music before deciding to start his own label. Edgar was moved by the talent he found around the world and frustrated that Putumayo only produced compilations. In 2006, with the support of Dan Storper, Putumayo's founder, Cumbancha was founded. The first name on the roster? Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Local, from Los Angeles.

Fast forward to 2021, Cumbancha launched many new albums for artists such as Dobet Gnahoré, Sangit, Kolonien and Havana Meets Kingston. But who is listening to these artists? Edgar says that the world has millions of people who overcome language barriers to make connection with artists and music from different parts. "My experience at Putumayo has taught me that international music is much more popular than is generally recognized. People from all generations and backgrounds are looking for music with roots in cultural traditions, even if that music isn't as visible as it should be in the mainstream media." If that is true, why isn't mainstream media in the United States giving sufficient coverage to these artists and their tours?

Tune in and embark on this conversation about the current challenges and celebrations of world music presenters. If you are a musician, Edgar talks about his vetting process for bringing on new artists. If you are a job seeker with a passion for the music industry, listen to the struggles and wins of a successful music entrepreneur whose career also involved television.

Global Ginga unites what geography and politics divide. We are radio show that features music from around the world. But we are much more than a radio show, we are a grass roots movement, an event entertainer, a community partner. Created by Carla Leininger, from Brazil, Global Ginga aims to be a multicultural agent of social change through the sounds and fusion of world music. Featuring lounge and dance jams that make clear that quality music comes in all shapes, languages, colors and sounds, guests will hear traditional and underground hot blends of world dance and lounge rhythms -- a constant fusion of the best by the best.