One definition of World Music is that it is music where influences from more that one cultural tradition intermingle, first made popular in the 1980s.
The origins of the term World Music in relation to the selling of this type of music began at a meeting of interested parties on Monday 29th June 1987. Arguably popular interest was sparked with the release in 1986 of Paul Simon's Graceland album. The concept behind the album was to express his own sensibilities using the sounds which he had fallen in love with listening to artists from Southern Africa. So although the sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Savuka were featured on the album, arguably they were just sounds which Simon used to wrap around his own concerns. Although they were credited in the sleeve notes, the name on the front of the album was still Paul Simon, no matter the contributions of the other groups involved.
My World Music Experience
I have always listened to some form of World Music but I began with Clannad when I was young. Right now I am favoring Middle Eastern and Indian ethnic fusion. If I had to recommend one record label for World Music, I would recommend 6 Degrees.