- Fri, 2012-02-24 11:53
Celebrating their 30th birthday this year, WOMAD festival has today announced the first artists confirmed for 2012:
Robert Plant's Sensational Shape Shifters (UK/USA/Gambia), Buena Vista Social Club (Cuba), Raghu Dixit (India), Alaev Family (Tajikstan/Israel), Ane Brun (Norway), Boubacar Traore (Mali), Dizraeli and the Small Gods (UK), Grupo Fantasma (USA), Lo’Jo (France/Algeria), Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate (USA/Guinea), Narasirato (Solomon Islands), Peatbog Faeries (UK), Spiro (UK), Terem Quartet (Russia), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Japan).
30 years on from the first WOMAD festival, held in Somerset in 1982, WOMAD 2012 looks healthier than ever before.
Robert Plant will arrive with his new blues, gospel and psychedelia project the Sensational Space Shifters, inspired by 'the roots music from Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton', with Justin Adams on lead guitar.
Famed Bangalore musician Raghu Dixit will blend traditional Indian music with Western rock, while a mix of folk and hip hop will arrive courtesy of two acts; the UK's own Dizraeli and the Small Gods and the USA/Guinea collaboration between Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate.
Also celebrating their 30th birthday in 2012, French collective Lo’Jo join the bill, set to present a hybrid of chanson and folk. Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun joins the line-up (read our recent interview with Ane here), while legendary Cuban musicians Buena Vista Social Club will certainly add to the celebratory atmosphere across the weekend.
Taking place at Wiltshire's Charlton Park on July 27-29, the three day festival started by Peter Gabriel aims to introduce global sounds to a western audience. Drawing artists from around the globe, the festival celebrates many musical styles, moods and cultural identities not only through music, but with art, dance, workshops, talks, crafts, food and more.
Tickets are on sale now at www.womad.co.uk
