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Saturday, October 23, 2021

WOMAD '22 Second Lineup Announcement


 WOMAD 2022 has just announced their second drop for March next year, including the original Queens of Aotearoa's Country music and comedy the Topp Twins; recently reunited Dub Masters Salmonella Dub (including Tiki Taane and RnB Cultural Warrior, Ria Hall. 

The 2022 programme was launched at an event on Wednesday night at New Plymouth’s TSB Showplace.  Event Director & NZ Programme Manager Emere Wana, said that it was a privilege to launch in “our home time”.  It’s usually hosted at Parliament in Wellington. 

At the launch Suzanne Porter CEO of the Taranaki Arts Festival (organisers of WOMAD) said in a press release that despite a lack of international acts the festival would still be full of worldly flavour.  People would still get their Global Music fix without leaving the country.

Also on this all-Kiwi bill is Neo Soul Wahine Hollie Smith, who’s new album ‘Coming In From The Dark’ has just seen the light this October.  And, speaking of return acts, the incredible juggernaut of musical bliss that is ‘Fly My Pretties’ will also be back.

The World may not be able to make it this time but that doesn’t mean this festival will miss ou completely on the global experience.  There are plenty of World Class acts already here in Aotearoa.  And keeping the delight of WOMAD's discovery element alive, the festival’s organisers have added the Bulgarian vocalists Acopollinations, World Music DJ Bobby Brazuka, the very talented and cinematic Jazz-funk-folk outfit Carnivorous Plant Society, the IPU Kodama Japanese Drum Team, Latinaotearoa (Latin soul-funk masters), an encore performance from former Black Seed Mike Fabulous aka Lord Echo, Balkan Street Gypsy crew Niko Ne Zna, SWÂMP THÏNG (Americana blues & roots), Weird Together (World fusion beats) and Afrofunksters Yaw Asumadu & Ozi Ozaa.

In addition to all of that Insta-TV-Comedian, Tom Sainsbury will be presiding over the The World of Words Stage.  There’s also Indian Dance courtesy of the Mudra Dance Company.  Under the leadership of Kinra, has developed into a vibrant dance company featuring graduates trained at his dance Academy in Wellington.

Also presenting will be legendary Pop Artist Dick Frizzell and one of the Motu’s most respected Scientists Dr Siouxie Wiles.

The new line up joining those great acts already announced, including jazz-hip-hop mastermind Tom Scott aka Avantdale Bowling Club, modern R&B extraordinaire, Deva Mahal, and another returning festival favourite, Fat Freddy's Drop alongside the stunning collaboration of New Zealand and Indian musicians, Shades of Shakti.

Next year’s WOMAD will be a unique celebration of Aotearoa’s diverse and talented artist.  The world may be delayed this year but that just gives us more time to explore our own. 

The WOMAD 2022 team are not only assuring a 100 per cent New Zealand-based line-up but that all performers, workers, volunteers and attendees will be vaccinated – essential for any festival next year.

Last year Covid-19 forced WOMAD to cancel, so it’s inspiring that the event has managed to come back and Taranaki is ready to party.  WOMAD will run from March 18-20 at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park.

www.womad.co.nz

 

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