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In 1967, The Beatles made headlines when they broadcasted their Sgt Pepper album over the rooftops of Chelsea at dawn. Fast forward to today, and Peter Gabriel, after 20 years, arranged a special listening session for his new album i/o at the Womad Festival. Set in a forest clearing, underneath a replica of the Moon, the album tackled themes of aging, grief, and the environment. The combination of the natural setting and the music created a timeless and sublime experience.
But the Womad Festival had much more to offer. Attendees were treated to surprises around every corner, from the joyous Ghanaian Frafra synth gospel to samba rap to Welsh and Colombian harp battles. Leenalchi from South Korea brought their own twist to the festival with their updated version of pansori, a traditional narrative music performed by a singer and drummer. Their performance was far from austere, with two bass guitars, three vocalists, keyboard bleeps, and relentless drumming. The singers engaged in conversation and dramatic exchanges, while vibrant animations entertained the crowd.
Another standout act was Mokoomba, a Zimbabwean group that captivated the audience with their music. They opened with the brooding “Masangango” that matched the gathering clouds. Despite a guitar string breaking, the band seamlessly continued with a heavy bass vamp, showcasing their unique blend of jit and zamrock. By the end of their performance, the crowd was dancing and shouting amidst the raindrops, completely absorbed in the music.
The Orchestral Qawwali Project brought a new twist to traditional Qawwali music. With a full string orchestra, French horn, and a hovering gong, the performance was a unique blend of western classical and Sufi devotional music. Abi Sampa, the powerful singer, and Rushil Ranjan, the musical director, successfully brought this fusion to the festival. Past performances by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan had set high expectations, and the crowd was not disappointed. They were thrilled by the harmonium intro that led into “Allah-Hoo” and the grandiose rendition of “Dam Mast Qalandar”. The unexpected interruption due to exceeding stage time resulted in disappointed boos, but the standing ovation expressed appreciation for the outstanding performance.
Liraz, an Israeli-born singer from an Iranian Jewish family, made a bold statement with her performance. Singing entirely in Farsi, she showed solidarity with Iranian women. Her band, capturing the essence of Anatolian rock, Tehran disco, and Kate Bush’s “Babooshka” era, impressed the audience. Liraz’s switch from a glittery gold veil to brandishing her own Iranian flag with the embroidered message “Women Life Freedom” left a lasting impact on the crowd.
Reem Kelani, a Palestinian singer, took the festival attendees on a musical journey through the Arab world. With her jazz trio, she performed polyrhythmic wedding songs, a Galilean lullaby, and Sayyid Darwish’s “The Porter’s Anthem”. The performance celebrated fishing traditions, from Gaza to Kuwait, and culminated with a tribute to Al-Andalus. Carlos Cano’s song about the last Arab ruler of Seville, followed by a farewell to the Alcazar and the city, left the audience captivated.
Kayhan Kalhor and Erdal Erzincan showcased their unmatched talent with a performance that seamlessly blended Iranian spike fiddle and Turkish lute. The hour-long flow of music was filled with sad descending melodies and fast solos. The duo’s perfect synchronization at the end felt like the solution to a complex equation.
Other memorable performances included Mari Kalkun, a singer from Estonia, who mesmerized the crowd with her organic music. Accompanied by a piano and a kannel zither, she sang of creation and the dying languages of her region. Horace Andy delivered a reggae set that shook the ground, reminding everyone of the evils of money. Japanese psych trio Kuunatic played an extended version of their science fiction concept album, while Soul II Soul brought the audience back to reality. Femi Kuti & the Positive Force closed the festival with high-energy Afrobeat, using their music to address corruption, education, healthcare, and electricity issues.
Overall, the Womad Festival provided a truly unique and unforgettable music experience. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of performances that pushed boundaries and celebrated musical traditions from around the world. Sign up now to receive free updates and be part of the next music adventure!
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