The Womad (World of Music, Arts & Dance) concept was created in 1982 by a a group of musicians, among them Peter Gabriel, who had developed a passion for World music, from Africa, South America, and other countries off the radar to a potential Western audience.
Since then Womad hasbeen presented in over 30 countries, and in Australia for 20 years. Countries as diverse as Italy, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Russia and South Africa.
Sinead O'Connor
Womad arrived in New Zealand in 1997 initially appearing every second year in Auckland, and then moving to New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands in 2003. Subsequently Taranaki has been awarded contract renewals, with the latest a three year deal starting this year.
To say that Womad punches way above its weight in Taranaki is the under-statement of the year, because the Bowl of Brooklands and New Plymouth is the smallest of any venue world-wide for the now annual Festivals.
Womad 2015 at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands is offering what is perhaps the strongest line-up yet. The recent announcement of the final performers appearing in March included the jewel in the crown, Orquesta Buena Vista from Cuba.
Obviously a number of the aging artists from the 1997 movie are no longer with us, prelaced by a new generation of Cuban musicians. However with Buena Vista's original trombonist Jesus Aguaje Ramos on board and the hugely talented diva Omara Portuondo also appearing this will be a major highlight of the weekend.
Other artists of note include Sinead O'Connor, Senegal's Youssou N'Dour, the Balkan Beat Box from Israel and the US, Canada's Rufus Wainwright, Toumani and Sidiki Diabate
Toumani and Sidiki Diabate
from Mali and the UK's Public Service Broadcasting.
While Womad is notable for the music, there's a lot more to the event that happens as well. Workshops, worldly cuisine, the Village of Wellness, and a Living Library all go towards creating a Global Village, and an event that is truly unique.
