globalFEST is a musical event unlike any other. An international music festival, the New York-based globalFEST showcases performances from twelve different artists each year, bringing concert-goers an array of sounds from across the world. This is the sixth year of this annual festival, and this accompanying MP3 sampler brings these artists to those who can't see the festival in person. Between the electronica of French group Watcha Clan, to the upbeat rumba groove of La Troba Kung-Fú, globalFEST highlights the cream of the crop from around the globe.

The variety of genres that are featured make this compilation wonderfully diverse, introducing the listener to artists they might never have discovered otherwise. There is Nigerian musician Femi Kuti, who brings us soulful Afrobeat jazz on “I Wanna Be Free”; the airy, romantic sounds of French duo L&O; the collision of West African music with Chicago jazz on “Odo Sanbra” by the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International; fast paced, clever wordplay from New Orelans' Hot 8 Brass Band; not to mention the Iranian bagpipes of Shanbehzadeh Ensemble. Each track is strikingly different from the last, highlighting unique sounds from across the world. Some of these musicians perform genres that are all but forgotten, and by introducing them to a wider audience, globalFest help to ensure that these rich traditions are not lost to the ages.

Among the many styles that I was introduced to was chica, thanks to the psychedelic Chica Libre, who delight with their instrumental “Sonido Amazonico”. Chicha is a little-known genre of music that originated in 1960's Peru. This Amazonian interpretation of surf music is warm and charming – and now that it has a larger international profile, I could see it becoming a hipster favorite. Another genre that I was previously unaware of is katajjaq, or Inuit throat singing. This was traditionally a type of vocal game played by Inuit women, which has been adapted by Tanya Tagaq and showcased on the song “Construction”. A sort of arctic beatboxing, Tagaq's complex melody of sounds is intriguing and captivating.

Two of my favorite tracks on this compilation came courtesy of Brazilian Marcio Local, and Kailash Kher of Bollywood fame. Local's “Preta Luxo” is a brilliant mix of 1970's funk and Samba; wonderfully executed, this incredibly infectious cut will be stuck in your head long after you listen to it. Similarly, “Tauba Tauba” by Kailash Kher’s Kailasa is an instantly catchy slice of pop & sufi music. Frontman Kailash Kher is a well-know Bollywood singer, serving as a judge on Indian Idol. Kailasa have become immensely popular, and it's no surprise why.

I was also pleased to be introduced to the reggae groove of Calypso Rose, who broke ground in 1977 when she won the “Calypso King” competition, which then renamed the title “Calypso Monarch” in recognition of its first female winner.

This compilation is truly memorable, and I hope that each of these talented artists will continue to get more exposure worldwide. globalFEST have done an excellent job in assembling a dynamite line-up for this year's event. I can't wait to see who they book for globalFEST 2010!