Review: Womad UK 2016 @ Charlton Park (Malmesbury, 28th – 31st July 2016) - Page 3 of 3

The well-rounded sound of Brazilian band Cabruêra helped everyone set Sunday in motion in a smooth way. The band from Paraíba encouraged the people gathered under the Big Red Tent to move and dance, following their funky and psychedelic tunes deeply rooted in the nordestino music tradition and reviving forró, baião and samba harmonies.

Only a few minutes later, Lisbon-born Lura (with Cape Verdean roots) used the mellow accent of Portuguese to enchant her audience. The singer exalted her cultural heritage, bringing to WOMAD the sound of the Atlantic archipelago and making it more accessible to the audience with pop and R&B flavours.

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Konono No.1 stuck to their style as faithfully as possible. This unique ensemble from Kinshasa has changed the way music is played in their native Congo, spreading Congotronics music all over the world and influencing dozens of artists during the last decades. They also hypnotised the WOMAD crowd, thanks to their insistent and spellbinding sound built on the unmistakable electric likembé, relentless percussion and complementing call-and response vocals.

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Right after Konono No.1, another significant African musician grabbed the spotlight. Pat Thomas, supported by the remarkable Kwashibu Area Band, proved why he’s considered one of the most important highlife, afro-pop and afrobeat interpreters. The Ghanian vocalist and songwriter has worked with personalities such as Ebo Taylor, Tony Allen and Nat King Cole, and has become one of the most recognised voices in Ghana. He led the Open Air Stage audience through a lively swinging set, recalling 1970s West African beats.

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Less than an hour later Congo was again the protagonist with Baloji and L’Orchestre de la Katube. The Belgian-born MC is rightfully considered one of the coolest acts around. On stage, he’s charismatic and brilliant, gifted with an innate magnetism that allows him to catch everyone’s attention. He can sing, dance and send meaningful messages certain that all eyes and ears are on him.

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He was accompanied by an experienced Pan-African orchestra, helping him transform every tune, giving fans a unique experience. Les Amazones d’Afrique’s performance was a real treat. The all-female super group composed of some of the best West African artists represented an unusual show for the WOMAD audience. The Siam Tent welcomed some extremely talented voices from Mali (such as Mariam Doumbia, Mamani Keita, Rokia Koné, Inna Modja), Nigeria (Nneka) and Gabon (Pamela Badjogo). Through the interpretation of some of their most popular songs, the artists conveyed a strong message about women’s rights, equality and empowerment in Africa.

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After such an intense afternoon and early evening, the final day of WOMAD 2016 was into the final stretch. There was still a chance to move and clap hands one last time, thanks to the closing dances of the festival. In the lush setting of the Ecotricy in the Arboretum Stage, Afriquoi unfolded their perfect mix between UK electro vibes and upbeat attitude, Central African rhythms and guitar lines, with a mesmerising kora sound by Gambian Jally Kebba Susso.

The farewell act of WOMAD 2016 was Gypsy Hill. The band brought to Molly’s Bar a buoyant blend of Balkan beats, Caribbean up-tempo sounds and electronic arrangements along with the venerable stage presence of front-man DJ Kobayashi.

Now that we can finally catch our breath after summing up our Womad 2016 experience in a few words, we are even more convinced about the uniqueness of this festival. The event, which rhythmically turns the peaceful Wiltshire countryside upside down for four days each July, is becoming more and more a synonym for inclusiveness. Amongst the certainties in life, you can easily add the fact that once at WOMAD you’ll always hear the music you’re looking for.