08 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Akshita Maheshwari
2026 marks the second year of IIMW; last year happened in Goa
Mumbai is set to take centre stage in the global music conversation as India International Music Week (IIMW) returns for its second edition from February 10-12. A first-of-its-kind international music conference and showcase festival, IIMW 2026 brings together emerging artists, music professionals and cultural institutions from over 30 countries. It's spread across conferences, live showcases, and industry networking. The festival positions Mumbai as a serious hub for global music exchange and collaboration.
Sushil Chhugani and Rafael Pereira
One of the biggest draws is the carefully curated line-up, spotlighting emerging artists from India and across the world. From Italy's electronic storyteller Agenda Dei Buoni Propositi and Indonesia's psychedelic rock project Clever Moose, to India's Easy Wanderlings and the experimental Tamil Jazz Collective, the festival promises discovery-led listening. These performances unfold at antiSOCIAL and Epitome.
The conference arm, IIMW Pro, running on February 11 and 12 at the Museum of Solutions, is designed to tackle the big questions shaping the global music industry. Panels will explore themes such as AI and royalties, emerging market entry strategies, festival IP building, and the evolving nature of fan communities. "IIMW Pro will feature convergence of industry stakeholders that is unprecedented," said Rafael Pereira, executive trustee at India Music Exchange.
For the organisers, IIMW 2026 goes beyond being a festival. "What's happening in Mumbai in 2026 isn't just another edition, it's a statement," said Sushil Chhugani, executive trustee at India Music Exchange, adding that the event reflects "the ambition and cultural confidence of a music ecosystem that has finally come into its own". The festival aims to create real pathways for touring, collaboration, and trade.
IIMW 2026 will see participation from major global and Indian players including Live Nation, AEG Live, Apple, YouTube, BookMyShow and leading record labels, alongside diplomatic missions and government bodies. This rare intersection of art, policy and commerce makes IIMW a must-attend moment - not just for music lovers, but for anyone invested in how Indian music meets the world.
