News

Gil Scott-Heron To Play Womad

• 13th Apr 2010

Legendary US political poet and smart rap ancestor Gil Scott-Heron will break his World Tour to perform at this summer’s WOMAD festival. Without a doubt one of the most important voices in 20th century music, he will close the festival on Sunday 25 July and enchant the crowd with tracks from his stunning new album “I’m New Here”.

Festival Director Chris Smith said “The Main stage at WOMAD is the natural home for a musical legend, the godfather of rap music who unlike so many of todays ‘artists’ embeds powerful messages in exceptional music. It will be a highlight of this year’s festival for me”

Also joining this year’s line-up is Malian afro-pop star Salif Keita, the world-famous Drummers of Burundi and indigenous Australian superstar Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the extraordinary Congolese street musicians Staff Benda Bilili, Jamaican star (and Massive Attack collaborator) Horace Andy, Australian/Anglo institution Rolf Harris and his band and the glorious, home-grown talent of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Others artists confirmed are; Afro Celt Sound System (UK), Alim Qasimov Ensemble (Azerbaijan), The Bays & The Heritage Orchestra with Simon Hale & John Metcalf (UK), Bibi Tanga & The Selenites (Central African Republic/France), La BrassBanda (Germany), Calypso Rose (Tobago), Dan Sultan (Australia), Dobet Gnahore (Cote D’Ivoire), Don Letts (UK), Hanggai (China), Imelda May (Ireland), Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara (UK/Gambia), The Kamkars (Iran), LA-33 (Colombia), Lepisto & Lehti (Finland), Little Axe (USA), Mayra Andrade (Cape Verde), Nouvelle Vague (France), Novalima (Peru), Orchestra Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou (Benin), Poirier feat. Face T (Canada/Jamaica), Rango (Egypt), Sentimento Gypsy Paganini (Hungary), Steven Sogo (Burundi), Syriana (UK/Ireland/Algeria/Jordan/Palestine), Tanya Tagaq (Canada) Toumast (Niger).

WOMAD is so much more than just a first class world music festival and returning this year will be the popular ‘Taste the World’ tent where some of the artists will show off their cooking prowess and which, more often than not, turns into an impromptu gig. The Drum and Dance Tent will make a welcome return with favourites such as early-bird yoga sessions and salsa lessons on offer. And for those who fancy a luxurious moment to themselves and a scrub up, the WOMAD spa, complete with treatments, spa pools, great showers and a cocktail bar, is the place to go.

WOMAD promises to be bigger and better for kids and young people than ever before. The World of Kids will have the usual comprehensive programme of workshops, entertainment and activities being held throughout the weekend and the magnificent Children’s Parade through the arena will be one of the festival highlights. WOMAD continues its well established place as the best festival for the whole family, by allowing all children 13 years and under, in for free.

WOMAD is held at Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from 23 to 25 July 2010. Tickets are on sale now.

The WOMAD Festival experience is not about the familiar, the tried and tested; its essence is in the discovery and enjoyment of a totally unexpected artist or a style of music which would never otherwise have been encountered. It’s a magical, musical melting pot, enriching all who experience it.