APAP is an annual rite that, every January, brings musicians and music industry professionals to New York City. It is the largest event of its type in the world and brings people from every corner of our planet to the New York winter.

The weeklong gathering can be grueling: showcases, conferences, meetings (cold, snow…)  and music can sometimes feel like a footnote, or event a commodity.

Secret Planet, rather than an industry showcase, prides itself in focusing on music and the event feels more like a festival than a showcase. Artists come from close and afar. From countries and neighborhoods where english is not always understood and their culture is not always represented on the US stage.

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This year’s edition doubles as a celebration of immigration and the profound impact it has had over musical cultures the world around. This is particularly evident  in New York city where every musical movement has been the product of a hybridization of styles brought in by multiple waves of immigrants. 
Immigration is the original cross-pollinator and the most powerful engine of cultural evolution. A truth embodied by this city whose multiple identities is a combination of cultural imports, and cultural co-habitation. As this rich eco system is today being brutally attacked, it should be our mission to protect and celebrate its richness.

 

Over the years, Secret Planet has presented close to 90 different groups, including Chicano Batman, Combo Chimbita,  Hailu Mergia, Janka Nabai, No BS Brass Band, Flor de Toloache, Las Cafeteras, Alash, Anbessa Orchestra, Innov Gnawa, Chicha Libre, LADAMA, Underground System, The Debo Band, Alsarah & the Nubatones, Sunny Jain, BCUC, Mdou Moctar, Sofiane Saidi, Yonatan Gat, Slavic Soul Party,  and quite a few more.

 

The 2026 edition will feature;

Martha Redbone|Sangat |Maria Mazzotta |Maraca Bruja |
Dogo du Togo|Gili Yalo | Cheo y los consentidos de la casa