As always with WOMAD, the three day festival is brimming with the very best musicians and artists from around the world and the 2017 festival features 53 acts with 21 countries represented (including Kidzone, Te Paepae and the newest addition to WOMAD New Zealand; World Of Words). WOMAD Programme Manager NZ, Emere Wano says “2017 is loaded with acts that entertain and inform, educate and inspire us through their music. The lineup just keeps on radiating diversity with our latest announcement of artists from Austria and Asia Pacific”
Introducing the latest acts to be announced:
TAGO (South Korea)
Tago means ‘lighting up the world by beating drums’, and this young ensemble achieves it with a breathtaking mixture of Korean traditional instruments, from gigantic drums to small percussion, spiced up with extravagant martial arts movements. TAGO’s performances are a masterful display of thrilling percussion and precision movement.
Parov Stelar (Austria)
Austria’s electro-swing band Parov Stelar, fronted by singer Cleo Panther, will make their New Zealand debut exclusive to WOMAD NZ. Their insanely catchy music that has been used in advertising campaigns across the world with joyous horns and sophisticated style, has the sass and panache of 1920s cabaret, with modern-day dance floor appeal.
Marlon Williams (Christchurch/Aotearoa)
Described by the guardian as delicious, oddly uplifting misery, Marlon William’s is New Zealand’s acclaimed folk and country singer making deep waves overseas. A veteran singer songwriter at the age of 25, Williams found his calling as a child growing up in Lyttelton, New Zealand. He is known for his ability to truly inhabit his material, blurring the distinctions between classics and his own works.
BAYNK (Los Angeles/Aotearoa)
Baynk has been credited with being the sound of a new generation. His bass-heavy electronic tunes and stage presence get even the most sedentary bodies dancing. His story of accidental fame is an entertaining one, rising to fame after uploading a mix to soundcloud. His premiere performance was at St Jerome’s Laneway festival in February 2016 and he’s since garnered a staggering online following in NZ and overseas.
Nattali Rize (Jamaica/Australia)
Best known as the dynamic front woman of roots favourites Blue King Brown, the ever-evolving Nattali heads up this new-conscious reggae project. With a renewed focus and energy after spending time living in Jamaica, Nattali and her Jamaican-international band are ready to unleash their debut album of uplifting and thought-provoking music.
Artists performing at WOMAD in alphabetical order:
9Bach (Wales), Ana Tijoux (Chile), Archie Roach (Australia), Aziza Brahim (Western Sahara), BAYNK (Los Angeles/Aotearoa), Bebel Gilberto (Brazil), Brushy one string (Jamaica), Emir Kusturica & the No Smoking Orchestra (Serbia), Hanoi Masters (Vietnam), Hot 8 Brass Band (USA), Inna Modja (Mali), La Cymbalobylette (France), La Mambanegra (Colombia), Lord Echo (Wellington/Aotearoa), Marlon Williams (Christchurch/Aotearoa), Mercedes Peón (Spain), Mt Eden (Auckland/Aotearoa), Nattali Rize (Jamaica/Australia), Oumou Sangare (Mali), Parov Stelar (Austria), Rob Ruha (Matakaoa (Gisborne)/Aotearoa), Sinkane (Sudan/USA), Sons Of Zion (Auckland/Aotearoa), TAGO (South Korea), The East Pointers (Canada), The Soil (South Africa), The Specials (UK), The Swan Sisters (Christchurch/Aotearoa), Sudha Ragunathan (India), Swamp Thing (Tauranga/Rotorua/Aotearoa), Warsaw Village Band (Poland)
Artists performing as part of World Of Words in alphabetical order:
Archie Roach (Australia), Charlotte Grimshaw, Elizabeth Knox, Inna Modja (Mali), Malcolm Rands, Penny Ashton, Sam Hunt, Tane Hunter & Dr Angus Hervey, Tanya Batt – for more information on the World Of Words – click the link:
WOMAD 2017 sees the festival celebrate its 13th anniversary in the stunning 55-acre Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth. Over the years, WOMAD NZ, has rightfully gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful outdoor festivals in the world.
The main stage is set at the base of a natural amphitheatre and not only provides a stunning setting, but an acoustic experience second to none. The other three stages are located throughout Brooklands Park, with every square inch oozing the vibrancy of WOMAD.
The maximum capacity for WOMAD is 15,000 ticket holders per day so you’ll never feel like you are in a mosh pit – in fact bring a blanket and enjoy refreshments in stylish chill out areas, watch a cooking demonstration or explore the stalls and workshops, the kids will be entertained at Kidzone with workshops especially for them spread over the weekend. WOMAD’s not just music! There’s plenty of other things on site to discover, come along and soak up the warmth of the WOMAD vibe.
The WOMAD campsite is situated next to the festival within the New Plymouth Racecourse and TSB Stadium. The festival site is also located a short distance from New Plymouth’s centre, if you book early you could even get a motel or hotel or house close enough to walk.
Tickets on sale from the WOMAD site, for ticketing options click here.
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