The eagerly awaited WOMADelaide has released its initial line-up for 2024, offering a glimpse into the musical diversity that will grace the stage. Already in this first announcement, there are quite a few artists with French and francophone connections, promising an extraordinary cultural journey. But there’s still more to come – another announcement will be at the end of the month, expanding the line-up further.
Baaba Maal (Senegal) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 ON SUNDAY
One of the standout artists on the WOMAD 2024 roster is the legendary Senegalese musician, Baaba Maal. With a career spanning several decades, Maal has carved a niche for himself in the world of Afro-pop and traditional Senegalese music. His fusion of modern electronic and traditional instruments and sounds has earned him international acclaim.
Braxe + Falcon (France) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 ON MONDAY
Braxe and Falcon, hailing from France, are often referred to as the architects of “French touch.” This house music genre gained worldwide recognition in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and this cousin duo played a pivotal role in its development. They have created a hypnotic new sound with mesmerising loops. Their early days saw them sample microscopic moments in tracks and transform them into something completely different. You won’t be able to stay seated for this performance!
Maqamat – Beytna (Home) (Lebanon/France) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 EVERY DAY
Maqamat, featuring their latest work “Beytna” (meaning Home), brings together Lebanese and French musical traditions. Four choreographers and four musicians from Lebanon, Japan, Palestine, Belgium, and Togo come together on stage to share food, artistic ideas, and dance. The performance is inspired by Lebanese family gatherings at choreographer Omar Rajeh’s grandfather’s home. The performance celebrates hospitality and artistic collaboration around a table full of food.
Moonlight Benjamin (Haiti/France)
Moonlight Benjamin’s music is a unique fusion of Haitian voodoo and heavy blues rock music, and her sound is like no other. Born in Haiti and based in France, Moonlight Benjamin sings in Creole and her music brings an electrifying and otherworldly experience to the stage, merging traditional rhythms with contemporary rock elements.
Tio (Vanuatu)
Tio, from the island nation of Vanuatu, represents the vibrant music of the Pacific with a blend of traditional and contemporary beats and styles. Tio is a multi-instrumentalist, easily switching between violin, ukulele, guitar, tam tam, djembe and bush bass. His performance will paint a story of his experiences living between Vanuatu and Australia.
Wantok Sing Sing feat. TELEK (Oceania – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Australia)
The Wantok Sing Sing ensemble is a testament to the rich diversity of Oceania. Featuring musicians from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Australia, this collective will join with Pitjantjatjara elder Uncle Frank Yamma and Papua New Guinea music legend Sir George Telek. In sharing songs and stories from each of their cultures and language, this ensemble highlights the interconnectedness of the Pacific nations.
The Budos Band (USA) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Hailing from the United States, The Budos Band is a group with a distinct sound heavily influenced by Afrobeat. They have described themselves as “doom rock Afro-soul bi band with a -70s touch”. Their music is a fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and soul, creating a captivating and dance-worthy experience. This 9 piece invite you to feel their music “all at once”.
—
This first announcement for WOMADelaide 2024 offers a mere taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for the second announcement at the end of the month, where even more global talent with be unveiled, expanding the musical tapestry for a truly unforgettable experience.
KEY INFO FOR WOMADelaide 2024
WHAT: WOMADelaide 2024, (World of Music and Dance festival in Adelaide)
WHERE: Adelaide’s Botanic Park
WHEN:
HOW: Purchase your tickets via this link
HOW MUCH:
Tickets are available at these discounted First Release prices until they increase on 16 January 2024:
- 4 day tickets: $435 for adults, $390 for Concession card holders, $248 for Youth (aged 13-17)
- 3 day tickets (choice of Friday to Sunday OR Saturday to Monday): $402 for adults, $361 for Concession card holders, $237 for Youth (aged 13-17)
- Friday night ticket: $152 for Adults, $145 for Concession, $95 for Youth (aged 13-17)
- Single day and night ticket for Saturday, Sunday or Monday: $205 for adults, $195 for Concession card holders, $130 for Youth (aged 13-17)
For events linked to France and the Francophonie happening in Australia this month, check out our What’s on in November article.
WOMAD content
Read our interviews with past WOMADelaide artists via the links below:
Constantinople returns to WOMADelaide but this time with Belgian-Tunisian Ghalia Benali
DJ GUTS will take you on a musical voyage at WOMADelaide next month
French Compagnie Archibald Caramantran brings its giant marionettes to WOMADelaide next month
San Salvador from San Salvadour in France will play WOMADelaide 2023
MUSIC: Youssou N’Dour in Australia for concerts this week
French-Moroccan group Bab L Bluz comes to Australia for the first time
Madeleine Peyroux brings her Careless Love Forever tour to Australia
The Original Gypsies close WOMADelaide tonight!
Baloji, Congolese-Belgian rapper plays WOMADelaide this weekend
INTERVIEW: Constantinople in Australia with Ablaye Cissoko for WOMADelaide
INTERVIEW: Violons Barbares before their Australian shows at WOMADelaide
Tiger Stripes