OFF-Fest was established in 2002 as a second festival, which arose from an event of a longer tradition: Skopje Jazz Festival (32 years). The main idea was to fill the gap outside the jazz festival and to create another important music event in a different period of the year, and in terms of music genres, wide-oriented. It was a natural decision to start this festival in a decade of full globalization and fast growing creativity, as well as raising awareness of the so-called "world music". OFFest presents a variety of music from all continents, focusing on different categories of world music: traditional, ethno, folk, roots, to urban, as well as contemporary and experimental music styles. A lot of renowned artist from all over the world performed throughout OFF-Fest's history.
The 13th edition of OFF-Fest will take place from May 30th to June 5th with a line-up including Ethio-jazz pioneer and a leading figure in jazz and world music Mulatu Astatke, the brightest new fado star Carminho, the “Rebel General” and symbol of Congolese music scene Jupiter & Okwess International, the inspirational Spanish flamenco quartet Las Migas, Slovenian composer and poet Zoran Predin, Macedonia’s greatest musical attraction Foltin, the innovative Korean traditionalists Geomungo Factory and the Hungarian colourful composer and improviser Felix Lajko.
OFF-Fest is a member of European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals.
