Sneak Peek: Tallinn Music Week 2025

      Once again, the beautiful Baltic nation of Estonia is set to become a global hub for arts and culture during Tallinn Music Week, taking place from April 3rd to 6th. This event celebrates music, arts, crafts, and more from various corners of the globe, transforming the medieval city's cobbled streets and castles into a vibrant scene filled with pop-up activities, conferences, and more.

      Showcasing artists from at least 39 countries, this ambitious project will turn the city into a musical paradise, with daily performances throughout the event. The program has been meticulously curated, and if you have ever wanted a reason to book a budget flight across the continent, there are few better than this exceptional cultural exchange.

      With Tallinn Music Week just around the corner, here are CLASH’s top five picks from the impressive program.

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      Sisso and Maiko

      Originating from Tanzania, this duo produces some of the most enriching, uplifting, and delightfully eccentric dance music in existence. As leaders of the Singeli genre, Sisso and Maiko merge lively African polyrhythms with a variety of glitchy synthesizers. Their Nyege Nyege Tapes debut, ‘Singeli Ya Maajabu,’ was one of last year’s most audacious albums, and witnessing their performance in such a distinctive city is an opportunity not to be missed.

      Sisso and Maiko will be featured in the Africa NOW! Showcase, an event that breaks stereotypes and will also include the enigmatic Tunisian sound artist, Tourag.

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      Xani

      Violin virtuoso Xani stands out as one of the most extraordinary artists in this impressive lineup. Hailing from Australia, Xani draws inspiration from Krautrock, Astor Piazzolla, and an eclectic mix of electronic music to craft a unique form of experimental pop on the violin.

      Among her works, ‘Cry’ channels the intensity of Black Country, New Road, showcasing a frantic rock sound paired with fiery violin play, while ‘Astrojet’ from 2023’s ‘An Inaccurate History of Electronic Dance Music’ merges lo-fi IDM with delicate violin melodies. A truly one-of-a-kind artist.

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      Duo Ruut

      Reflecting the eerie melodies of Baltic folk music, Duo Ruut consists of Katariina Kivi and Ann-Lisett Rebane, making them one of the biggest local attractions at Tallinn Music Week.

      The duo plays a single Estonian zither and sings enchanting harmonies that blend the folk traditions of Estonia with contemporary elements. Their latest single ‘Udu’ is yet another stunning tribute to their heritage, a captivating piece of folk-inspired art that will shine at the Club of Different Rooms on Saturday.

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      Abdoulaye Kouyate

      Combining calypso and funk influences with the intricate soukous from his Guinean roots, Abdoulaye Kouyate creates bright, guitar-driven dance music. Additionally, the French artist will perform in the charming Nihe cafe, located in the heart of Tallinn.

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      The Arvo Part tour

      As part of the festival's agenda, Tallinn Music Week is offering a coach trip and guided tour of the Arvo Part Centre in Laulasmaa. In honor of the ‘Tabula Rasa’ composer’s 90th birthday, the tour will explore the personal archives of Estonia’s most esteemed composer and take festival-goers to a beautiful scenic peninsula to experience Part’s world.

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      Martyn Ware

      As the founder of The Human League and Heaven 17, the Yorkshire synthesizer innovator has played a crucial role in the evolution of electronic music over the past fifty years. At Tallinn Music Week, he will discuss his career with Drowned In Sound’s Sean Adams, reflecting on his experiences at the forefront of the industry.

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      Tallinn Music Week is scheduled for April 3rd – 6th.

      Words: Cal Cashin

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