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WOMADelaide
Days 1,2,3 & 4
@ Botanic Park Adelaide,
10th-14th March, 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Jessy Bendle

Photos by Kerrie Geier Photography

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Fantastic Negrito // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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As the sun shone through the towering trees, the sound of vibrant beats fought with the chatter of thousands of excited punters as they flowed into the Adelaide Botanic Park, ready for a long weekend like no other. The WOMADelaide festival is always a unique celebration of trailblazing world music, vibrant performing arts, and eye-popping cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else. This year would be one of the most memorable events yet, with sold-out days and an unmatched global lineup of musicians. With six outdoor stages over four sunny, breezy mid-March days, the eclectic and diverse acts hailed from as far as Tibet, Morocco, Columbia, the Sahara, and as close as our own backyard. While there were some big musical draw cards this year, pulling in fans keen to see their favourite artists, WOMADelaide is always an annual pilgrimage for thousands who enjoy discovering new music, engaging with the workshops and talks, trying the food, and just basking in the all-ages celebration of the fantastic diversity of our world. 

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Aurora // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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I kicked the weekend off on Friday night just before sunset. I wandered into a sunny glade and was transported into the fairy realm by Norwegian songwriter and amazing vocalist Aurora. I was already excited to catch her set, but her eager fans’ pure glee and anticipation were infectious. The stage was set, and the crowd was restless, but a hush fell over the audience when the music began to build. Aurora emerged in a yellow and white dress (she described herself as dressed as an egg, suitable for frying in the hot Australian sun) and broke into a rendition of ‘The River’. Next up was her number ‘Daydreamer’, which had her kicking off her shoes to twirl and glide across the stage more quickly. She treated her fans to the soaring and beautiful ‘Runaway’ and the energetic ‘Wolves’, which had them singing along. Aurora is a force to be reckoned with, as beyond her beautiful songs, she also brings with her a message of positivity, acceptance, self-love and love for the earth and all its inhabitants; better yet, it’s a message she embodies so elegantly that her performance was indeed something to behold. 

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Bangarra Dance Theatre // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Later on Friday I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to witness the tremendous talents of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, who delivered a magnificent display of storytelling through movement that effortlessly fuses contemporary dance with an exploration of Indigenous identity. The company never disappoint with their creative and engaging performances, and this was no exception. 

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Bab L’Bluz // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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For me, day two of WOMAD started with a mid-afternoon performance by Bab L’Bluz; a Moroccan musical outfit with a unique blend of North African traditional music and contemporary western sounds. Singer Yousra Mansour delivered a mesmerising vocal performance with rhythmic, funky, flowing songs that she tells us are inspired by ancient poetry and by protest. Mansour speaks about how she and many other women do not have the fundamental rights to wear what they want, go where they want, and say what they want; a reminder that we all need to fight to change the plight of women everywhere. It is immediately apparent that Bab L’Bluz’s sounds are interwoven with a rich musical heritage, a tribute to their country and culture. Yet, their message, spirit and innovative sound look towards a freer world for all people. 

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ADG7 // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Next on the docket for Saturday was a total change of pace: Korean band Ak Dan Gwand Chil (ADG7). I didn’t know what to expect (which is nearly always the best way to discover music) and ADG7 were entirely different to anything else on the lineup. Their sound is a fusion of traditional Korean music, pop, and modern jazz. The large ensemble swapped between a range of modern and traditional instruments, moments of choreographed group dancing, and taking turns with vocals. ADG7 clearly love what they do and have a playfulness and energy that is a genuine pleasure to witness. 

One of the weekend’s most notable names from the annals of World Music history was Tibetan musician Yungchen Lhamo. She is known for her voice and soulful compositions; seeing her live only reiterated why she is a revered figure. She appeared so at home on Stage 7, even telling us that she views Australia as her second homeland. Blending the traditional sounds of her culture with modern instrumentation, she has a calming demeanour and even forgave the ridiculously loud Botanic Park flying foxes that did their best to disrupt her set. 

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Nakhane // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Performing on Saturday night was the artist I was most excited to see. South African singer Nakhane is a musical force like no other, and I knew as soon as they stepped on the stage that my anticipation was justified. Their set opened with the pounding, rolling rhythms of ‘Tell Me Your Politik’ followed by their recent up-tempo single ‘Standing In Our Way’ demonstrating the singer’s incredible vocal abilities. Nakhane has a presence that is both audacious and comfortable, joking and sharing stories between songs. They give us insight into their experience writing the epically beautiful ‘New Brighton’, sharing how the dark, looming spectre of the colonial statues that still stand saw them down a six-pack of beer and pen the emotional song. This story is followed by the line “Bring down the government. They don’t speak for us” from Radiohead’s ‘No Surprises’ – a serious message sung with a cheeky smile. Nakhane doesn’t shy away from honesty, politics, and self-expression. With songs so perfectly-crafted, and lyrics so impactful, every number they played was a gem, especially the rendition of ‘Do You Well’, which had the crowd electrified, dancing with arms in the air. Nakhane rounds out their set with what they call “a nineties moment”, a stunning cover of the Adamski/Seal number ‘Killer’. As a special and final treat they return to the stage, and we get to witness to their exceptional vocal range with an a cappella version of the Bonnie Raitt song ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’. However, Nakhane didn’t need to worry, the crowd had fallen for them the moment they stepped on the stage.

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San Salvador // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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As Sunday rolled around, I was keen to catch San Salvador (who I had heard in passing earlier in the festival), a phenomenal French outfit with a unique and captivating sound that has to be heard live (trust, YouTube videos do not do them justice). Blending the traditional and the modern, the sextet combine their unique voices with percussion, producing amazing harmonies. Singing in the endangered Occitan language, their performance is powerful, sometimes almost hypnotic, and a masterclass vocalisation (with some numbers enduring for over ten minutes!). The group has an intense passion for preserving their region’s unique history and music. Their set was a stand-out of the weekend, with their polyphonic artistry soaring through the warm evening sky and their complex melodies captivating everyone who witnessed them.

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Meute // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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The lights dimmed at Stage 2 as the crowd gathered in the darkness for an anticipated performance from the German techno marching band, MEUTE. Some punters already knew what to expect, but the rest of us were just along for the ride. The group emerged in marching band attire, and from the very first moment, the audience was hooked on their high-energy electronic beats. Their loud and passionately rhythmic brass blasting into the night, MEUTE’s performance, created a sensation. It was impossible not to dance like no one was watching. 

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Angel Olsen // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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The festival’s final day on Monday was relaxed, with cooler weather and a slightly smaller attendance. When American singer Angel Olsen walked on to stage 2 in the warmest part of the day, she told us she was also grateful for the overcast sky. The crowd was gathering of avid fans down the front, while other curious and casual festival-goers sat on the grass, ready for some laid-back folk. But Olsen had other plans; she instantly took command of the stage, launching into her haunting ‘Dream Thing’, her voice and the guitar reverberating and waking up any lazy punters. Her music is a blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyrics, folk ballads, and dreamy punk-rock moments, and witnessing her play live showed how eclectic an artist she is. She played a mix of old favourites and new hits, including the incredible ‘Forgiven/Forgotten’ and the catchy ‘Shut Up Kiss Me’, finishing with a cover of Badfinger’s ‘Without You’ which had the crowd singing along, shamelessly. 

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Genesis Owusu // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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The evening ushered in what was another absolutely unmissable performer for the weekend. Ghanaian-Australian Artist Genesis Owusu’s live performances are renowned for being epic, and it was clear from the moment the music started to rumble out into the night that it was time to stretch out those tired legs and get ready to dance. Owusu emerged through smoke and laser beams, dressed in his signature red suit. He launched into ‘The Other Black Dog’ with drums and guitar thundering, treading across the stage with commanding intensity. He then effortlessly shifts the energy into the relaxed funk of ‘WUTD’. Owusu has a singular talent for immersing the audience in his songs, with numbers like ‘Get Inspired’ and ‘Good Times’ getting everyone pumped up, singing along and smiling. A phenomenal performer, his charisma and ability to connect with his audience make him the best Australian live show currently touring and a pleasure to see at WOMADelaide.

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Youssou Ndour // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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In the weekend’s final hours, the space in front of the Foundation Stage gradually filled up with everyone eager to take in one of the festival’s biggest stars: Youssou N’Dour, and it was a full circle moment with N’Dour having performed at the very first WOMADelaide in 1992. The African music legend did not disappoint, delivering an electrifying and stirring demonstration of his unmatched vocal mastery. The loudest cheer was for his 90’s hit ‘7 Seconds’. His comfortable command of the stage and easy interaction with the band and crowd is a testament to his long and illustrious career. N’Dour set was an unforgettable and perfect way to end the live music portion of the weekend.

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Gratte Ciel // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Yet, as this was the final night of WOMADelaide 2023, there was one more event that could not be missed. All weekend, Botanic Park had been covered with thousands of white feathers, the fallout from the hypnotic aerial performance of Gratte Ciel. For a good reason, the French acrobatic troop have become a must-see at WOMADelaide over the years. It was incredible to enjoy the acrobatics of the angel-winged performers as they swung, floated and zip-lined through the sky. The crowd below was enrapturing and delighted as a snowfall of white feathers drifted down upon them. As the event concluded, we danced to the electric ragtime beats as the fluffy snow covered our shoes—the perfect end to a perfect weekend. 

With such a diverse lineup, stunning performances, and immersive atmosphere, WOMADelaide 2023 has proven again why it’s one of the world’s premier festivals. As we bid farewell to this magical experience, we can’t help but start counting down the days until we can do it all again. 

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Womadelaide // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Check out Kerrie Geier Photography’s full gallery of the Festival HERE

Check out Deb Kloeden Photography’s full gallery of Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4 of the Festival

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Follow WOMADELAIDE
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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Womadelaide // Photo – Kerrie Geier Photography

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Press Release 24th November 2022 (below) HERE

WOMADELAIDE
completes its stunning
2023 Festival lineup –

35 New Artists Announced

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AMNPLIFY – DB