Diverse line-up set to rock Womad stage

Mali's Songhoy Blues bring electric desert blues fused with the music of their local history. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands will again be rocking to the sounds of musicians from virtually every corner of the world next March for 2016's version of Womad.

World of Music and Dance will return to New Zealand with a dazzling line-up, just announced by the Womad organisers.

It's the diversity of the performances that makes the festival so appealing and successful. Despite being the smallest of the international venues for the Womad, the atmosphere of the Bowl of Brooklands seems to ensure sell-out crowds.

DakhaBrakha from Ukraine. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Over the weekend of March 18 to 20, festival-goers will be spoilt for choice across the stages around the Bowl's arena.

Already announced were South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo, known to many as the collaborators with Paul Simon on his Gracelands album. And American baritone singer-songwriter John Grant.

Israeli-based singer-songwriter Ester Rada will doubtless stun the crowd with her soulful blend of jazz, funk and soul. Arizona's alt-country Calexico return to reprise their hugely popular 2013 Womad performances.

From the Ukraine, DakhaBrakha promise to become festival favourites with a genre-bending mash-up of Ukrainian folk with R'n'B and rap.

Once again, Womad wouldn't be Womad without the sounds of Africa permeating the programme. Mali's Songhoy Blues chip in with electric desert blues fused with the music of their local history. Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 hail from Nigeria, carrying on the tradition of Kuti's father and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

And New Zealand's contribution to the line-up is massive as well. Headed by our Canadian import Tami Neilson, the Kiwi contingent includes Bic Runga, Tiny Ruins, Julia Deans, Katchafire and Louis Baker.

Womad's Global Village will again be buzzing with food stalls, craft stores, workshop spaces and a special treat for foodies, with celebrity chef Jax Hamilton returning to the Taste of the World area.

Womad, March 18 to 20, Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth. Tickets on sale now.