Womad 2017 lineup announced

Hot 8 Brass Band

In addition to their headline announcement with The Specials returning to NZ for the 3rd time (for anyone who hasn't seen them already on their two previous reunion tours), Womad has dropped a cool lineup for next year.

Bebel Gilberto, Oumou Sangaré, Hanoi Masters, Brushy one string, Archie Roach, Emir Kusturica & the No Smoking Orchestra, Hot 8 Brass Band, and locals Lord Echo, Mt Eden, Sons of Zion, Rob Ruha, Swamp Thing and The Swan Sisters, to name but a few.

WOMAD 2017 in New Plymouth, from Friday 17th - Sunday 19 March 2017. More info and tickets at womad.co.nz

"With much excitement UK 2 Tone and Ska legends The Specials were the first announced to play WOMAD NZ 2017.

Now, WOMAD NZ is over the moon to announce that joining them are: from Brazil, Grammy-nominee Bebel Gilberto, daughter of renowned singer João Gilberto performing her own laidback style of bossa nova; the French-Chilean musician, Ana Tijoux, whose sound captures where the street meets tradition; Vietnamese musicians Hanoi Masterswho use half-forgotten traditional instruments to convey deep, personal connections to the upheavals of the Vietnam War; the New Orleans brass group Hot 8 Brass Band (USA), who will bring their signature blend of hip-hop, jazz and funk; "The Songbird of Wassoulou" Oumou Sangare (Mali) who is known for her seamless mix of old and new sounds that create a haunting backdrop for political lyrics, making her passion clear in any language and Sudha Ragunathan (India) who will take you to the heart of Carnatic music with her voice of gold.

Local artists include Wellington producer and multi instrumentalist Lord Echo who blends boogie-laced Funk, disco-primed Reggae, futuristic Soul, and timeless African rhythms. Hailing from Auckland is Mt Eden, expect them to fire up their trademark extended build-ups, drum solos, double and triple drops and Auckland based Sons Of Zion whose fusion of reggae, heavy rock, dub and funk will get you dancing."