True to form tonight's launch at Parliament Buildings of Womad 2017 was a splash of colour, and a typically diverse initial announcement of the artists who will grace the stage next March at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands.
If artistic director Emere Wano sounds excited for what is the 13th Womad event in Taranaki it's easy to see why.
Emere is tonight hopping on a plane to suss out talent for Womad 2018. Before that however the jigsaw that is the artist line-up for next year is under way. Already we were tantalised a few days ago with the news that the UK's 2 Tone and Ska legends the Specials will be one of 2017's highlights.
To them you can now add Bebel Gilberto from Brazil, daughter of the fabled bossa nova singer Joao Gilberto, the French-Chilean Ana Tijoux whose mash up of street meeting tradition will be a special treat. So too will Vietnam's Hanoi Masters and the New Orleans Hot 8 Brass Band with their blend of hip hop, jazz and funk.
Other artists announced at the launch included Mali songbird Oumou Sangare and from India another beguiling female voice in Sudha Ragunathan, along with the initial release of local performers. These include Wellington producer and multi instrumentalist Lord Echo, Auckland's own Mount Eden with their extended build-ups, drum solos, double and triple drops, along with Auckland-based Sons of Zion.
