CLARAGUILAR, Lia Kali, LLUM and Sofía Gabanna to represent next gen of Catalan artists at ESNS 2026

CLARAGUILAR [pictured above], Lia Kali, LLUM and Sofía Gabbana will play the Groeningen, Netherlands-based event between 14-17 January, marking the internationalisation of Catalan music in over the last few years and the work of the Catalan Institute for Cultural Companies’ (ICEC), which makes it possible for Catalan groups to play at ESNS each year

For its 40th anniversary, ESNS has also introduced House of Europe, an innovation platform designed to bring together European music export offices, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and a stronger European music community. The House of Europe will host a presentation by Catalan Arts, spotlighting the dynamism and diversity of the Catalan music scene and featuring the management teams of the four Catalan artists playing at ESNS as well as presentations from the three Catalan festivals taking part in the Exchange project -Mercat de Música Viva de Vic (MMVV), Primavera Sound, and Vida Festival. There will also be a special feature on the MME Awards, focusing on Lia Kali’s nomination as a recognition of the vibrant Catalan urban music scene.

The Catalan ESNS showcases are the starting point for the bands’ participation in the European Talent Exchange (ETE), an initiative supported by the European Union to make it easier for European talent to tour and get hired. Since its creation in 2003, the European Talent Exchange has boosted the careers of nearly 2,300 European artists who have performed at around 200 festivals in 44 countries and is a unique opportunity for bands to perform at international festivals throughout the year.