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 Masters who 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 (Aotearoa) whose fusion of reggae, heavy rock, dub and funk will get you dancing.

There are many, many, more exciting artists to discover at the WOMAD 2017 Festival, more below.

In alphabetical order: 9Bach (Wales), Ana Tijoux (Chile), Archie Roach (Australia), Aziza Brahim (Western Sahara), Bebel Gilberto (Brazil), Brushy one string (Jamaica), Emir Kusturica & the No Smoking Orchestra (Serbia), Hanoi Masters (Vietnam), Hot 8 Brass Band (USA), Inna Mojia (Mali), La Mambanegra (Colombia), Lord Echo (Wellington/Aotearoa), Mercedes Peón (Spain), Mt Eden (Auckland/Aotearoa), Oumou Sangare (Mali), Rob Ruha (Matakaoa (Gisborne)/Aotearoa), Sinkane (Sudan/USA), Sons Of Zion (Auckland/Aotearoa), The East Pointers (Canada), The Soil (South Africa), The Specials (UK), The Swan Sisters (Christchurch/Aotearoa), Sudha Ragunathan (India), Swamp Thing (Tauranga/Rotorua/Aotearoa), Warsaw Village Band (Poland)

WOMAD 2017 sees the festival celebrate its 13th anniversary in the stunning 55-acre Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth. Over the years, WOMAD NZ, has rightfully gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful outdoor festivals in the world.

The main stage is set at the base of a natural amphitheatre and not only provides a stunning setting, but an acoustic experience second to none. The other three stages are located throughout Brooklands Park, with every square inch oozing the vibrancy of WOMAD.

The maximum capacity for WOMAD is 15,000 ticket holders per day so you’ll never feel like you are in a mosh pit – in fact bring a blanket and enjoy refreshments in stylish chill out areas, watch a cooking demonstration or explore the stalls and workshops, the kids will be entertained at Kidzone with workshops especially for them spread over the weekend. WOMAD’s not just music! There’s plenty of other things on site to discover, come along and soak up the warmth of the WOMAD vibe.

The WOMAD campsite is situated next to the festival within the New Plymouth Racecourse and TSB Stadium. The festival site is also located a short distance from New Plymouth’s centre, if you book early you could even get a motel or hotel or house close enough to walk.

WOMAD

March 17-19: Bowl Of Brooklands, New Plymouth

Ticket information via WOMAD