WOMAD to host series of mini fests in South Africa

Founded in 1982 by British musician Peter Gabriel, WOMAD has brought the sights, sounds and rhythms of the world to over 30 countries and an audience of millions, with South Africa set to play host to the event’s 40-year celebration.

The festival will feature a number of artists who will perform separately at different venues in Cape Town, Hermanus, Johannesburg and Soweto.

WOMAD South Africa festival director Dan Chiorboli has assembled an eclectic mix of local and global musical talent to set the South African stage alight. They include local artists Tresor, the African Jazz Pioneers, the Mahotella Queens, Dan Patlansky, Flex of He & I, Sibusile Xaba, AusTebza, Radio Kalahari Orkes and The One Who Sings (Zolani Mahola) 

They will be joined by D'DAT featuring Alexandria Holiday (US), Digging Roots (Canada), Esinam (Ghana/Belgium), Karla Grunewaldt (Chile), Kristina Jacobsen (US), Dr Shellie Morris (Australia), Modena City Ramblers (Italy), Napalma (Germany) and Ain TheMachine (Brazil).

“I challenge anyone to come to a WOMAD event and not be completely knocked out by an artist they had never heard of,” Peter Gabriel said.

Chiorboli said: “Pre-COVID, we were ready to roll with WOMAD in South Africa, but had to postpone indefinitely because of the pandemic. Now we’re back on track to bring audiences the WOMAD South African Safari – a series of small, intimate, unique, boutique-style events around the country to establish the brand and set us up for larger, post-Covid festivals in 2023 with all the unique WOMAD bells and whistles.”

Chiorboli says a synergetic line-up will be a vital part of the festival experience: “A unique and important element that sets WOMAD apart from other festivals are the collaborations between international and local artists. The aim of these collaborations is to kick-start fresh projects for international consumption.

“Every project will be underpinned by a deeper meaning than just getting together for a gig. What differentiates them is the elements of community and longevity, with a long-term project and international exposure plan for each artist.”

The festival will kick-off with workshops on 1 October at Cape Town venues including the District Six Theatre, Bridges for Music Academy, Mitchells Plain Community Centre and Ocean View. This will be followed by various activities and performances at Benguela Cove in Hermanus on 2 October.

The Johannesburg leg will feature more workshops at the AMPD Studios in Newtown and Killarney Mall CineCentre on 5, 6 and 11 October. Lastly, Soweto will host more activities and performances at Sawubona Music Jam in Chiawelo on 4 October, Uncle Tom’s Community Centre in Orlando West on 6 October and the Soweto Theatre on 7 October.

Buy tickets here. More information about WOMAD South Africa is available on the official website.