News

Estonian music will be represented this year at the international world music and industry professionals’ festival Babel Music XP, where two distinctive artists will perform: Maarja Nuut, who creates hypnotic soundscapes, and the improvisational flute duo Kuula Hetke.

Babel Music XP takes place in Marseille, France, for the 30th time and is one of the most important global music meeting platforms in Europe, bringing together artists, agents, festival organizers, and other industry professionals from around the world. In 2026, the Estonian delegation will participate in the festival for the first time to introduce Estonian music, establish new international contacts, and open up additional collaboration and export opportunities for artists, with a focus on Western and Southern Europe. 

Maarja Nuut is a singer, violinist, electronic artist, and composer whose work spans a vast range of rich musical worlds. Classically trained, she’s since delved into a number of disparate genres: Hindustani classical music while studying in New Delhi, Estonian archive sounds and dance, ethnomusicological research, and, more recently, the outer limits of looping and electronic experimentation. Fuelled by her instincts and curiosity, such an explorer comes from an inner need and a desire to probe each world’s musical language, techniques, and expressional qualities – elements she swirls into her own, mesmerising art. Maarja’s third solo album, ‘Hinged’, released in August 2021 received widespread critical acclaim while reinforcing her reputation as one of Europe’s most innovative musicians – always looking to dive deeper (Future Music).

Kuula Hetke is an improvisational flute duo consisting of Kärt Pihlap and Katariina Tirmaste. Their core repertoire draws inspiration from traditional motifs of their home regions and original compositions, which they skillfully unravel and weave back together on stage – making each moment truly unique. In their intimate musical language, they blend acoustic flute soundscapes with electronics and voice, creating an atmosphere that inevitably draws the listener in. Kuula Hetke has performed at international festivals including Jodhpur RIFF in India, the Zemlika Festival in Latvia, and the Czech Music Crossroads festival in the Czech Republic. At the 2025 Etnokulp Awards gala, Kuula Hetke’s debut album was honored with the title of Debut Album of the Year.

Estonian events at the festival:

Thursday, 19.03, 14:30–15:15
Daytime showcase: Maarja Nuut

Thursday, 19.03, 15:30–16:15
Daytime showcase: Kuula Hetke

Friday, 20.03, 16:00–17:00
Reception: Meet Estonia Happy Hour 

Saturday, 21.03, 12.00–13.00
Estonian networking speed meetings

Estonia will also be represented for the first time with its own exhibition area, where eight countries are collaborating, and meetings and a reception for music industry professionals are planned. The Estonian stage is presented and the exhibition area is coordinated by the music export office and development center Music Estonia in cooperation with the Estonian Traditional Music Center. Partners include Klassikaraadio and the Embassy of Estonia in Paris.