Music News: WOMADelaide Announces 38 New Artists

WOMADelaide has been a part of Adelaide’s DNA for over thirty years. Founded by Peter Gabriel in 1992, it draws people together to celebrate world music and the joy of life.

It’s recent home has been among the trees in the glorious Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla adjacent to the Adelaide Zoo. Over the years it has grown from a biennial event to an annual four day festival. With arts, dance, music and food from around the world, it has become a must see for locals and interstate visitors alike.

Whilst the Taste the World events and market and food stalls are definitely drawcards, the announcement of the artist line up is always highly anticipated.

Luckily the wait is over as 38 artists have been announced for the weekend of 8-11 March, 2024.

The program of newly-discovered and distinguished artists from across the world includes the enchanting Emel Mathlouthi (TUNISIA); Grammy winning singer Corinne Bailey Rae (UK); the sweet soul sounds of Thee Sacred Souls (USA) and vintage funk maestros Cymande (UK), joining the 29 previously announced artists, including Yussef Dayes, Ziggy Marley, Baaba Maal, and Arooj Aftab.

The Tunisian-American singer songwriter Emel Mathlouthi came to prominence with her 2012 protest anthem “Kelmti Horra (My Word is Free)”, which became an emblem for the Tunisian Revolution. Her music is a blend of experimental, electronic, North-African and Arab styles that crosses boundaries.

Corinne Bailey Rae rose to fame with her 2006 single “Put Your Records On” but has really drawn the attention of music critics with her 2023 album Black Rainbows. The album was inspired by a visit to Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank, described as a “Cathedral of Black art”.

San Diego relative newcomer’s Thee Sacred Souls are known for their soulful sound reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s groove. “Things just seem to happen naturally when the three of us get together.”

1970’s British band Cymande are probably the most sampled bands in the history of hip-hop, house and dance music. Fusing reggae bass lines with African percussion and psychedelic touches, their unique sound is dubbed “Nyah-rock”.

Trip Hop duo Morcheeba have been staples of the British hip-hop and soul scene since the mid 1990’s. With the stunning vocals of SKYE, the band has created ten albums with sales of over ten million. You may know them from their tracks “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day” or “The Sea.”

WOMADelaide x NSS Academy

The Northern Sound System Academy (NSS) has partnered with WOMADelaide to foster young emerging First Nations and culturally diverse artists. This year, singer songwriter Rob Edwards and Manila born Sofia Menguita are highlighted.

Around the Park

Performances are not restricted to what is happening on any of the seven stages around the park. Roving performers are always a treat to behold. This year French company Cie L’Immediat will be performing their captivating “La lévitation réelle” (real levitation), where performers seem to float in the air. Compagnie On Off have a whimsical piece called “Le Chant de l’Eau”, whilst aerialists Gratte Ciel and  RoZéO will be performing on 10 metre poles in the air.

Festival director, Ian Scobie had this to say:

The world’s festival, returning to Botanic Park/ Tainmuntilla is a thrilling and enriching journey of cultural discovery and we invite audiences to join us to experience the best, the essential – and the surprising – in music, arts and dance from across the nation and around the globe over one glorious weekend.