WOMADELAIDE DROP ITS FIRST LINE-UP
WOMADelaide has announced its first wave of artists for the 2024 event, scheduled to take place from March 8 to March 11 in Adelaide's Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla. As always, the festival promises to bring together an eclectic array of artists and rising stars from around the world.
The first announcement sees an eclectic group of headliners from across the globe:
Ziggy Marley (Jamaica): Reggae icon Ziggy Marley, known for his deep exploration of social and environmental issues, is set to grace the WOMADelaide stage for the very first time. He carries on the legacy of his legendary father, Bob Marley, with a career spanning nearly four decades and eight Grammy Awards.
The Budos Band (USA): Making their first appearance in Australia, this seven-piece band from New York City delivers a unique blend of gritty Afrobeat-influenced instrumental soul.
Arooj Aftab (USA/Pakistan): A Grammy-winning vocalist, Arooj Aftab has garnered critical acclaim for her captivating live performances. Her spellbinding shows have wowed audiences at renowned venues like Coachella and Glastonbury.
Gilberto Gil (Brazil): Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil returns to WOMADelaide after 20 years as part of his farewell world tour. Known for his role in the Tropicália movement of the 1960s, Gil has made a profound impact on music and politics, with over 60 albums, nine Grammys, and millions of records sold worldwide.
DakhaBrakha (Ukraine): Ukrainian 'ethno chaos' quartet DakhaBrakha combines contemporary, cosmopolitan sounds with the soul and vocal power of Ukrainian folk. Their performances include a strong visual and theatrical element, showcasing a unique fusion of musical traditions, now with a focus on Ukraine's resilience following the Russian invasion.
They’re also joined by a range of artists, performers and new initiatives across the iconic 4 days in March:
Baaba Maal (Senegal): This Senegalese superstar blends traditional and contemporary West African sounds.
Nitin Sawhney (UK): Award-winning musician Nitin Sawhney's electronica draws inspiration from Asian influences, trip-hop, and jazz.
Elizabeth Streb: One of the world's most innovative choreographers, her ensemble STREB EXTREME ACTION delivers breathtaking performances that challenge gravity and human movement.
Ibibio Sound Machine (UK/Nigeria): Led by Nigerian singer Eno Williams, they fuse African and electronic elements inspired by West African funk, disco, and post-punk.
Moonlight Benjamin (Caribbean): Known as the 'Caribbean Patti Smith,' Moonlight Benjamin brings raw, heavy blues rock infused with Caribbean melodies.
DJ Koco AKA Shimokita (Japan): Renowned for his vinyl mixing skills, DJ Koco is considered one of the best in the world.
Braxe + Falcon (France): The architects of the 'French Touch' house music movement, straight out of Paris.
Handspring Puppet Company (South Africa): Known for their giant creations like "War Horse" and "Little Amal," they will collaborate with Adelaide's Slingsby Theatre Company to present a magical Celebration Parade featuring life-sized elephant puppets.
The Taste the World Restaurant @ Sanctuary: A tranquil dining experience inspired by South American asado, West Indian flavors, and Caribbean delights.
WoMARKETS: A new precinct featuring over 40 retail stalls within a stunning 160m-long sculptural structure.
The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, expressed his excitement for this stellar lineup and the economic impact WOMADelaide brings to the region. Last year, the festival saw a record-breaking 110,000 attendees.
WOMADelaide 2024 promises to be a global celebration of music, culture, and the human spirit, bringing the world to Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from March 8 to March 11. Don't miss this unforgettable experience in the UNESCO City of Music, Adelaide.
For more details and the full lineup, visit their site.
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