On January 11, globalFEST marked its 23rd year at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, celebrating 10 eclectic acts from around the world, spanning Pakistan, Southern Italy, South Korea, Ukraine, and beyond.
The night opened with a 2026 Awards Ceremony, honoring key music industry players who have helped uplift global artists. Among the honorees was longtime WNYC host and author John Schaefer.
In his acceptance speech, Schaefer spoke about how learning new musical modes and engaging with unfamiliar music can stimulate neuroplasticity and strengthen neural pathways, encouraging the audience to explore a wide range of sounds as something that is not only enriching but also good for the brain.
That sentiment set the tone for a night of music discovery, inspiration, and awe for the diverse sounds and styles that span the globe.
The night opened with the renowned Pakistani family of vocalists, the Saami Brothers, led by Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, who performed rare forms of South Asian classical music rooted in the profound spiritual heritage of Sufism. Their set was not only entrancing but deeply calming, unfolding less like a series of individual songs and more like an open, flowing dialogue, where a melodic theme would be sung, mirrored on accordion, echoed by the performers, and enhanced by hand drums.
Ustad Naseeruddin Saami led the tradition alongside his sons Rauf, Urooj, and Ahmed, as they brought centuries-old Indo-Islamic musical heritage to life through hypnotic rhythms, intricate vocals, and devotional themes for audiences around the world.
Dynamic Southern Italian vocalist and artist Maria Mazzotta, hailing from Salento, Italy, stunned with a set that was eerie, dramatic, and truly mesmerizing.
With a voice that carries the raw power and intensity of Janis Joplin, Mazzotta was a force to be reckoned with. Her songs were spiritually moving and packed a punch, leaving audience members in awe of the richness and grit in her vocals.
Even though much of the audience may not have understood Italian, it hardly mattered, as her commanding presence–alongside guitarist Ernesto Nobili and percussionist Cristiano Della Monica–spoke volumes on its own.
South Korean band Insun Park & Generals delivered a fun yet enigmatic fusion of shamanic ritual folk songs and modern rock. The performance felt alive and immersive, inviting the audience into something that was both culturally significant and deeply celebratory.
Nour Harkati, from Tunisia, brought infectious Tunisian grooves blended with rock, pop, and electronic elements in a way that felt seamless and powerful.
It was a visceral set, driving the audience with rhythms you could feel through your entire body.
Hailing from Hawaiʻi, Raiatea Helm, regarded as a master of Leo Kiʻekiʻe (a Hawaiian term for a distinctive falsetto singing style), serenaded the audience with her exquisite vocals and string arrangements that honored her cultural legacy.
Helm's set was both nostalgic and enchanting, with a voice that glided effortlessly, creating a transportive atmosphere where you could almost close your eyes and imagine yourself on the sands of Hawaiʻi.
All in all, globalFEST was an inspiring journey through culture and sound, and it was an honor to witness.
If you love music and want to experience globalFEST for yourself, check out the links below.
Photo Credit: William Helms
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