What I really love about Womadelaide is experiencing and being exposed to Music and dance that I otherwise would never have even heard of or seen and this year is no exception.
Midfestival is no time for a full writeup but here is a list of some of the acts Ive so far enjoyed seeing
From Fridays sessions
- The Alaev Family
- Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba
I didnt have a chance to stay and see the Cat empire although reports from others said it was a great show they put on.
Saturday – we got there early before the first band even started
An early highlight was
- Mari Boine who originates from Norway – what a voice. Some really haunting inflections
- Circolumbia – this was listed as a Mystery Surprise and indeed it was. Performing amazing acrobatic stunts with singing and Drama/tension between the warring gangs made a hugely entertaining show that had everyone on their feet. Do perform with the energy they did in the middle of a hot and humid 35 degree today would have been exhausting
- Dhafer Youssef – renowned for his Oud playing as well as his voice he didnt dissapoint.
- Vieux Farka Touré – I felt he started off a bit slow but the pace picked up and I ended up hearing most of his set
- Antibalas – Listened to these guys whilst having tea
- Nidi d’Arac – Sparse stage but great night lighting for their set. So many photos of the Violinist whom I thought was key to their sound. Big thumbs up for this one
- Compagnie Luc Amoros “Blank Page” – I’d heard good reports from the Friday session so I went prepared to sit down and watch the whole show. Extremely clever and entertaining although a touch heavy at times, but that is their message. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone but if you havent already seen it get early , get a good seat and watch it on Monday evening – just WOW
- Hugh Masekela – He might be gettiing old but he hasn’t lost it. Top performance from this South African Trumpet player.
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