And still they come. Not content with a bill that already includes the likes of John Grant, George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic, Baaba Maal, Asian Dub Foundation, Anoushka Shankar, Hot 8 Brass Band, Charles Bradley, Roots Manuva and St Germain among many, many others, the good folk ofWOMAD keep adding more top-quality names to their festival at Charlton Park in Wiltshire between 28-31 July.
And they’ve also announced details of day tickets for those who can’t make the whole weekend. Details of those below, but first those all-important just-confirmed artists…
For those who came to ‘world music’ during its boom-time in the late 1980s, this will be an essential performance. Songhai by Toumani Diabate & Juan Carmona & Josemi Carmona & Javier Colina & Guests revisits the two Songhai albums from back in the day, the superb collaboration between Malian kora legend Toumani Diabate, double-bassist Danny Thompson and the young flamenco force Ketama. The heat of flamenco guitars mixes with the coolness of the kora, creating an intoxicating mix of fire and ice. It promises to be a historic performance.
From the Democratic Republic of Congo come those ear-expanding experimentalists Konono No 1. Known over the last ten years for their fascinating series of Congotronics albums, the band actually goes all the way back to the mid-60s when they first developed their unique DIY approach to both instrumentation and amplification, utilising whatever was close to hand in their hometown of Kinshasa. The original recyclers! Join the list of their admirers, which includes the likes of Bjork and Thom Yorke.
Another man who’s employed a distinctly DIY approach over the years is Kenny Anderson, better known to discerning ears as King Creosote. The long-time spiritual leader of Fife’s Fence Collective, he put out a crazily prolific series of homemade CDRs before the world caught up with his particular folk-rock brew, a highlight of which was a Mercury Prize shortlisting. A tremendously engaging live performer making his WOMAD debut.
Others packing their bags for rural Wiltshire include…
Bamba Wassoulou Groove (Mali)
With strong connections to Bamako’s mighty Super Rail Band, this seven-piece uphold the classic sound of West African dance bands from the 1970s, mainly fuelled by those irresistibly flowing guitars.
Fuel Fandango (Spain)
From the musically under-represented city of Córdoba, this spirited and energetic duo splice together electro-pop, rock and funk, before liberally sprinkling plenty of Andalucian seasoning on top.
Hackney Colliery Band (UK)
Hard-blowing proof that New Orleans doesn’t have it all its own way when it comes to horn-heavy brass band funk. Keep your ears pinned back for their astonishing reinvention of Toto’s soft-rock classic Africa.
Inna Modja (Mali)
Thoroughly 21st century diva who has scored pop hits in France while also being commendably outspoken about women’s rights and the effects of conflict on her homeland.
Iration Steppas (UK)
The original dancefloor-quaking bassheads from Leeds come heavy with their techno-edged, distinctly futuristic dub.
Kapucha (Italy)
Forward-facing modern quintet updating the rich folk traditions of Italy’s southern quarters.
Malmesbury Schools Project with Escola de Carnaval (UK/Brazil)
Joining Asian Dub Foundation and Imarhan on the Thursday night bill, the local schoolkids make their traditional Thursday night appearance, this year joined by the effervescent drums of Escola de Carnaval, just in time for the Rio Olympics.
Onra (France)
Supercool Parisian DJ promises to rock the block with a set that refreshes the parts other beat-heads cannot reach. Hip-hop is the order of the day, often flavoured by the rhythms of the world.
Twelfth Day (UK)
Decidedly adventurous young folk duo from north of the border, exploring new areas for fiddle and harp. Last seen supporting Real World recording artists 9Bach.
Day tickets to WOMAD Charlton Park 2016 are now available for Saturday and Sunday, costing £90 per adult for a whole day’s entertainment (and no booking fee!). These will be available in-person on the day as long as they haven’t been sold out, so we strongly advise booking in advance. See womad.co.uk/tickets for more details.