Morcheeba, Gilberto Gil, Nitin Sawhney join WOMAD 2024 lineup

6:22 pm on 25 October 2023

British trip-hop group Morcheeba are headlining the 2024 WOMAD festival in New Plymouth. Photo: Michelle Hayward

The director of the Womad festival in Taranaki has landed a personal favourite among 18 new acts revealed for next March's event at its launch in New Plymouth today Wed 25 Oct.

Joining the previously announced Jamaican reggae sensation, Ziggy Marley, are Senegalese icon Baaba Maal, with his rich blend of traditional West African rhythms, and Brazilian bossa nova legend Gilberto Gil.

For Womad director Suzanne Porter, one name stands out - Morcheeba, who will cast a dreamy spell over the Bowl of Brooklands.

Formed in England in the mid 1990s, Morcheeba's atmospheric trip-hop and the soulful vocals of Skye Edwards quickly made them a household name. Ten albums and 10 million sales later, and with big tracks such as "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day" and "The Sea" under their belt, they still exude an effortless cool.

"I was a bit of a fan back in the day, It's a nostalgia thing, you know, I've only ever listened to them - I've never even watched them, so it was quite cool to see the imagery that came through, the video.

"It takes you back to a time and place in your life where maybe you wish you were back there now. So, I'm absolutely delighted to have them."

As her wildcard for the event, Suzanne Porter opted for Son Rompe Pera - who play a fusion of Mexican folk with a modern twist.

Born and raised deep in the outskirts of Mexico City, the Gama brothers are keeping alive the rich legacy of marimba music taking it from the garage/punk world of urban misfits into the 21st Century, via punk, rockabilly and ska.

Her New Zealand pick was Rei, who blends hip-hop, pop and te reo Māori with kapa haka-inspired modern dance music.

Anthonie Tonnon Photo: supplied

Meanwhile Taite Music Prize winner, Anthonie Tonnon, who performed at the launch, joins the many New Zealand acts in the line-up.

Tonnon won the 2021 Taite for his album, Leave Love Out Of This.

He is returning to a full band line-up for Womad creating a hybrid human-electronic form that combines the control and connection of technology with the physicality of a live rhythm section.

Few forge the paths the Whanganui-based Tonnon has and while experiments with synthesizers and samplers may have changed his sonic palette, a constant is his lyrics - which find character-driven stories in existential subjects.

Bailey Wiley recording at Red Bull studios Photo: Copyright - Scott Sinton

Tonnon will be joined on the festival bill by a bevy of fellow Kiwis including the velvety soul of Bailey Wiley, the high-octane DJ skills of Lady Shaka and the diverse performances of Te Kaahu's magical waiata, and the previously announced electro-pop of Strawpeople.

Senegalese superstar Maal comes from a family of West African griots - travelling poets, musicians and storytellers - and his distinctive sound fuses traditional African instruments and rhythms with a modern electronic approach.

After more than four decades of recording, performing and refining his hybrid of tradition and innovation, Maal mixes themes both local and universal to produce deep, immersive soul music.

Brazilian guitarist Gilberto Gil Photo: Gilberto Gil

Gilberto Gil is a pioneer of the Tropicália movement and the 81-year-old singer-songwriter has had a career spanning six decades, enjoying hits in each one.

Known for his musical innovation and political activism, Gil's Aquele Abraço farewell tour showcases his repertoire of folk, samba, bossa nova, reggae, disco and funk with his family band.

British musician, producer and composer, Nitin Sawhney is a formidable talent across many genres, from his own brand of British electronic and fusion music, to composing for orchestras and artists such as Paul McCartney, Sting and dancer Akram Khan.

He has recorded more than 20 solo albums, composed more than 70 film and TV scores, and is a passionate cultural and political commentator.

Latest additions to the Womad line up: