WOMAD 2007 preview
Catch the cream of African acts at the WOMAD festival, Charlton Park, 27-29 July 2007.
July 27 - 29 the UK once again sees the return of the WOMAD festival which has now moved to the new greener, rural venue of Charlton Park in Wiltshire. Each year the festival hosts a broad selection of sounds from all over the globe and attracts a varied, friendly and open-minded audience. The festival, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, remains the UK's biggest world music event. Luke Branston checks out this year's strong line-up.
As always, African music is featured prominently in the line-up. Highlights include spellbinding Tuareg blues by Mali's Tinariwen and Niger's Toumast , the legendary Senegalese singer Baaba Maal (with Daande Lenol) and Mozambique's excellent Massukos (whose new album 'Bumping' has won them many fans).
From Mali ngoni wizards Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba and Ali Farka Toure's son, singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Vieux Farka Toure will give their highly anticipated debut performances at WOMAD, whilst Senegalese hip-hop trio Daara J make a welcome return to the festival.
This year's African artists also include Marzoug from Algeria, Daby Toure from Mauritania, N'Faly Kouyate from Guinea, Afro-beat/funk outfit Antibalas , the Zawose Family of Tanzania, El Tanbura from Egypt, the Seckou Keita Quartet of Senegal, Cameroonian Muntu Valdo and Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Virunga offering Congolese and east African Rumba sounds.
Many of the artists performing are also giving workshops and exhibitions.
20,000 people are expected to attend the the new picturesque location of Charlton Park. The new location brings an extra dimension of freedom to the festival and will be a breath of fresh air for the people attending. The music will be hosted on seven stages spread across beautiful green meadows and lawns - from intimate acoustic tents to main stages for grand performances.
For 25 years WOMAD has given music fans a unique live experience and an ambiance that you can't find at any other festival. In recent years it has made way for some exceptional African performances such as the electrifying performance from Daara J in 2004, Mahmoud Ahmed 's unforgettable appearance in 2005 and not forgetting Femi Kuti , K'naan and Angelique Kidjo last year in 2006. This year is again very special performances can be expected.
As in previous years BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting festival coverage live this year. Highlights will be on the World Routes and Late Junction programmes.
WOMAD 2007 takes place on July 27 – 29 at Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9DG, weekend tickets are £120, with camping included. You can buy tickets and find more information on the WOMAD website.