What's new

WOMAD NZ 2010 CD provides a musical journey around the world
Can’t wait for WOMAD – experience the sounds of WOMAD New Zealand 2010 on the newly released compilation CD, WOMAD NZ 2010: Sounds of the Planet.
The CD is the official compilation released ahead WOMAD. Providing a snapshot of WOMAD 2010, the 14 artists featured on the compilation CD take listeners on a journey through a bold cross-section of genres, cultures, nationalities and generations – from the soulful strains of Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed to the pristine classical folk of Finland’s Lepistö & Lehti; from the outrageous chanson ska punk of Babylon Circus to the plaintive oud virtuosity of Algeria’s Kamel El Harrachi.
The hot and feisty gypsy fusion of Ojos de Brujo, where flamenco meets hip hop; Mariem Hassan’s emotive refugee cry from the Western Sahara; and haunting prairie rock of Calexico that billows from the hot Arizona winds provide a whirlwind of experience of the wider world of music in your own living room. WOMAD NZ 2010: Sounds of the Planet is available now from record stores and usual music retailers.

WOMAD NZ 2010: Sounds of the Planet track listing:

1. Kamel el Harrachi – Ya Rayah
2. Calexico – Victor Jara’s Hands
3. Lepistö & Lehti – Helsinki
4. Ojos de Bruo – Nuevo Vida
5. The Skatalites – New York Minute
6. Public Opinion Afro Orchestra – Two Sides of the Truth
7. Mahmoud Ahmed (Ethiopiques) – Ere Mela Mela
8. Babylon Circus – La Cigarette
9. Mariem Hassan – La Tumchu Anni
10. Ladi6 – Walk Right Up
11. Mairtin O’Connor Trio – Crossroads Crossroads
12. Dub Colossus –Sima Edy
13. Amal Murkus – Stranger in a Far City
14. Nickodemus – Mi Swing es Tropica

EMPRESS Stiltdance
While you are at WOMAD make sure you cross paths with flirtatious flowers, glowing suns and curious red dragons - all walking tall on stilts! With over 14-years of experience EMPRESS Stiltdance has presented stilt walkabout acts in over 15 different countries. Based in Wellington with branches now in Amsterdam and Melbourne EMPRESS walkabout characters are in demand all over the world and they are coming to WOMAD NZ. Elegant fun and fantasy guaranteed!

Gyuto Monks of Tibet
Following a year back in the Gyuto Monastery in Dharamsala, Gen Lama Thupten Phuntsok returns to WOMAD with a new group of Gyuto Monks determined to counter the ills created by the global financial crisis by chanting each day a special set of prayers to bring prosperity and peace to those suffering anxiety and stress. Each day in the Gyuto Mandala Tent the monks will create a beautiful sand mandala in between meditation classes, public talks and the very popular and special Jab Khru healing ceremony – a simple but powerful tantric ritual for those who wish to shift or change something in their life, either physical or mental. The Dell Stage will be the venue for a unique harmonic chanting performance complete with long horns and the rich brocade Dakini costumes while the acclaimed Gyuto cook Tenzin Tsultrim and monks will reveal the secrets of the famous Gyuto chilli when they make Tibetan momos at Taste the World.

Reflective Community
WOMAD is not just about music – it also oozes art and culture. We’re delighted to announce that Ashley Turner’s ever changing light-based installation Reflective Community will be on site at WOMAD 2010. This interactive totem installation utilises reflective materials and is highly reactive when illuminated with LED light. The title refers to the notion of our being a reflection of what we see, do, or create. Thus, as a community surrounded by creativity, music, people and light we become such. A Reflective Community. This work is part of an on-going series of totems and light-based installation work by artist Ashley Turner.

Check out our video
Thanks to Marwin from the Netherlands and the team at Waves for putting this together. We hope you enjoy this youthful view of previous WOMAD festivals. And thanks to Fat Freddys Drop for the use of their track Roady.

Non Flash users: Artists • Schedule • Site Map • Shop • Tickets • Festival Experience • Accommodation • Sponsors • Sign Up • Contact Us • Media • Gallery • Getting Here

The Flags!!  by Angus Watt