Kicking off in March, WOMADelaide keeps adding to its already stacked lineup in preparation for a huge celebration of diversity and international talent. This week, the festival announced that another 40 artists would be appearing in March, hailing from over 25 different countries.
Leading the charge is The Original Gypsies, made up of the founding members of the 80s flamenco group, The Gipsy Kings. Though time has passed, the intensity of their fiery rumbas and boisterous beats hasn’t dropped a single notch.
If that weren’t enough, social activist and superstar of the African music scene Fatoumata Diawara will travel all the way from her home country of Mali to perform in Adelaide. Diawara’s 2018 album Fenfo took her artistic vision to a higher level, and featuring on Disclosure’s ‘Ultimatum’ threw her into the Western mainstream.
Representing WOMADelaide’s home soil will be an array of Aussie talents. Mojo Juju, Australia’s blues and soul powerhouse, will be returning to WOMADelaide after three years. Her newest album, Native Tongue, saw her nominated for three ARIA Awards and three The Age Music Victoria Awards. Zimbabwean-born, Melbourne-based Thando will bring her R&B vocals to the fest, no doubt showcasing her critically-acclaimed 2018 collab with REMI, ‘Numb’. Thelma Plum will be bringing her sophisticated folk tunes, and 20-year-old Kaiit will display her fierce rhythms and bold style.
With almost 50 acts on the bill, this four-day festival will be the perfect way to call it quits on the ensuing long and hot summer. What better way to welcome autumn than to see some of the best acts the world has to offer in one of the most beautiful Aussie venues.
