Learn about the WOMAD 2020 artists here. More to be announced November 26!
Albi & The Wolves push the limits of what three musicians can do using only an acoustic guitar, an electric violin, a double bass, and three voices.
Aotearoa / New Zealand
Gospel legends and winners of five Grammy Awards, these inspirational vocalists have transcended barriers of race and genre to become one of the most acclaimed and celebrated groups in modern music.
USA
After a serendipitous meeting in 2012, a sublimemusical collaboration was born. Classical harpist Finch and griot kora master Keita have since built a formidable reputation for their innovative and mesmerising performances.
Wales / Senegal
Chessie Henry is the author of We Can Make A Life, a family memoir which was recently awarded the E.H. McCormick prize for General Non-Fiction at the 2019 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. It's also the book chosen for WOMAD's inaugural Book Club.
From bro’Town to Mother Nature, comedic actor Dave Fane is an unstoppable wave of laugh out loud hilarity.
This dynamic band has strong links to Creole culture but also ska, samba and Afrobeat.
Réunion
Ezra Collective has broken out beyond the thriving UK jazz scene.The five-piece are a tour-de-forcewhose thrilling and unmistakably London sound.
UK
Jazz, soul, funk, fusion, hip hop and electronica are Hiatus Kaiyote's predominant building blocks but the resultant sonic shapes blur the edges and defy the pigeonhole.
Australia
Hot Potato Band began as roving street performers and have since compiled an arsenal of songs inspired by pop, funk, ska and reggae.
Biographer Joanne Drayton captures the essence and chronicles the life of many of New Zealand’s most iconic personalities.
Ken Arkind is an American poet, author, performer and educator who has bought his unique blend of talents to Aotearoa.
The virtuosic Kim and her accompanying trio are known for genre-bending live performances that combine rhythmic and delicate traditional pieces with experimental and charismatic modern interpretations.
South Korea
Five albums later, King Ayisoba has won over audiences across the world with his trailblazing mix of drums, rapid-fire melodies, commanding looks and intense, urgent live shows.
Ghana
Maestro violinist L Subramaniam long ago transcended any boundaries between Eastern and Western music, creating an experience that is part meditation, part celebration.
India
Packed with smooth grooves and reggae beats, L.A.B. has been voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act.
Casting a musical spell on you, Liniker e os Caramelows shakes things up to high-gear Brazilian funk, moving from lush ballads to a reggae bridge, eventually exploding into a majestic African-based Candomblé rhythmic finish.
Brazil
Mike Chunn is a music legend. Along with Tim Finn and Phil Judd he was a founding member of Split Enz, playing the bass on their first three albums.
Minyo Crusaders’ historical tales of the working class, sung in the traditional way, but with a 10-piece orchestra playing reggae, cumbia and Afrobeat, catches you off guard in the most delightful way.
Japan
In 2010 Miriam Lancewood left her job as a teacher, sold her worldly possessions and lived for seven years with her husband in the wilderness of New Zealand.
Netherlands
A jaw-dropping 12-piece big band collective and some of the most spirited talents of NYC’s Latin scene, Orquesta Akokán reinvigorates the sound of the golden era of Cuban Mambo with a bold new energy.
Cuba
Penny Ashton is a fiery-haired powerhouse and a self-confessed show off.
An immigrant to New Zealand, she sailed into Lyttelton Harbour carrying generations of migrant stories imbued in her bones. Reb Fountain is easily Aotearoa’s best kept songwriting secret.
Inspired by themes of belonging, heritage and a sense of place, RURA’s entrancing instrumentals embrace fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, guitar, keyboards and bodhran.
Scotland
The undisputed Ambassador of African Music and ‘The Golden Voice of Africa’, returns as part of his farewell tour, celebrating 50 years of music and 70 years of life.
Mali
Is a wild-haired and powerful poet known throughout the globe for her vivid and stirring work.
New Zealand musician Shayne Carter’s autobiography is frank, moving and often incredibly funny.
This indie sludge-pop group have become known for endearing live performances, and their penchant for joyous songwriting.
With his easy-going personality and his outrageously quick wit, Te Radar’s critically acclaimed blend of comedy will leave WOMAD audiences in stitches.
Sumptuous vocals, bass ngoni grooves and percussive balafon combine for a truly exquisite experience.
With their fierce energy, fresh beatbox rhythms and other-worldly harmonies, Tuuletar have taken a novel approach to traditional Finnish folk music.
Finland
Singer, songwriter, producer, author, humanitarian and visionary, if anybody can encourage change through music, it’s Ziggy Marley. As much as he upholds a family legacy that began with his father, Bob Marley, he’s blazed a trail of his own.
Jamaica
