We got to WOMAD on Thursday in time to unload the car, put up the tent and get in to see Asian Dub Foundation do a great set on the open air stage. We joined with WOMAD Stalwarts Guy and Claire who were on hand to meet up with and chat to throughout the weekend, which was a joy. “We saw Asian Dub Foundation at a WOMAD in New Zealand in 1995”
Sally enjoying Asian Dub Foundation’s set
Many highlights included ‘Dom La Nena’ playing looped chello and wandering into the audience with a ukelle (I should have won that CD for my dad dancing….), John Grant with the irrepressible Budgie on drums (many of those who came to see him were unaware of his stuff but went away big fans), Anoushka Shankar with a moving set of tunes for refugees, Baaba Maal (who’s bouncer got a bit worried when he jumped into the crowd for a dance), Leeds own Iration Steppas, learning Russian country dances with Otava Yo (very simple but still too complicated for me), Steven Moffat talking about Dr Who and Sherlock……there really was too much going on….
A Guy Called Gerald
Dom La Nena
Dom La Nena wanders into the crowd…
The soulful Charles Bradley
Bamba Wassoulou Groove
Otava Yo teaching us some Russian dances…
Ibrahim Maalouf
Blick Bassy – wonderfully intense set
The eloquent genius of John Grant
Paddy Steer – Manchester’s one man whacked out band
Meta in the blazing sunshine – perfect for reggae
Anoushka Shankar with her daughter raised up in the crowd
Sons of Kemet – ace stuff: you never go wrong with 2 drummers
The lovely King Creosote
Baaba Maal
…and the worried minder…
AnaTijoux
Dubioza Kolektiv – to a packed tent “How many of you voted for Brexit?” – 4 people put their hands up…
The Anchoress – dark and moody – one to watch
Les Amazones D’Afrique – an all woman collective (of all ages)
Moh! Kouyate – finished the festival with a lesson in african guitar….
