WOMADelaide's 30th birthday celebrations are in full swing with the first 30 acts of the 2022 line-up revealing a stacked bill of Australian living legends as well as a glut of the nation's finest emerging musical acts.
Next year will see the cultural festival return to its spiritual home in the picturesque surrounds of Adelaide's Botanic Park (11-14 March) with its traditional seven-stage format.Part of the inaugural 1992 line-up, set to return to the WOMADelaide stage will be lauded singer-songwriter and Adelaide native Paul Kelly, whose four-decade career has spawned some of Australia's most beloved ballads ('Before Too Long', 'Dumb Things', 'How To Make Gravy' and 'From Little Things Big Things Grow').
Another celebrated Aussie singer-songwriter with a knack for making everyday moments come to life, Courtney Barnett will make her WOMADelaide debut in 2022, fresh off delivering her newest studio album 'Things Take Time, Take Time'. Courtney is no stranger to the world's biggest festivals having played Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.
Part of the prestigious Flying Nun Records label, New Zealand's Reb Fountain will journey across the Tasman, with the 2021 Taite Music Prize winner to perform songs from her 2020 self-titled album and this year's equally gorgeous record 'Iris'. One of the biggest acts of 2021,
Yolgnu superstar Baker Boy has had a mega year; from performing at the 2021 AFL Grand Final, to receiving a J Award nomination for Australian Album Of The Year (for his debut record 'Gela') as well as three 2021 National Indigenous Music Awards noms.
Other Indigenous artists making the trip to WOMADelaide in 2022 include blues-soul vocal powerhouse Emma Donovan performing with The Putbacks (who are nominated for two 2021 ARIA Awards), and breakout stars and your next favourite band King Stingray (stream 'Milkumana' and 'Get Me Out' to join the bandwagon).
Proud Mutti Mutti man and voice for the Stolen Generation, Kutcha Edwards returns with his 'Bidgee blues'; powerful newcomer Barkaa takes to the WOMADelaide stages for the first time; and local heroes Electric Fields will perform with Antara singers and Tjarutja First Nations Dance Collective.
Forty years since the release of their 'Spirit Of Place' record, folk-rock band Goanna will reform for the first time in almost 25 years to perform their seminal album with a collection of special guest First Nations collaborators.
On the electronic tip, Adelaide producer-artist Motez will create and perform a specially commissioned live project.
There'll also be an electronic OG in the house when Kevin Saunderson (part of The Belleville Three, who are credited with pioneering techno music) brings his band Inner City (active since 1987) to Adelaide – the group released a new album last year featuring Kevin's son Dantiez Saunderson and spoken word contributions from Idris Elba.
Townsville's Dancenorth will perform their thunderous production 'NOISE', featuring 100 drummers from the South Australian percussion community on a purpose-built stage. While Adelaide-based Restless Dance Theatre will present 'Écoute Pour Voir (Listen to See)', where dancers share a one-on-one experience with the audience.
WOMADelaide favourites Melbourne Ska Orchestra and L-FRESH The LION will also join the 2022 line-up. Other highlights of the line-up include The Crooked Fiddle Band, Grace Barbé, Haiku Hands, The New Monos, Parvyn and The Shaolin Afronauts.
"Since 1992 WOMADelaide has taken audiences on a journey of discovery, celebrating music, arts and dance from around the world," WOMADelaide Director, Ian Scobie says.
"The Australian artists performing with us next year continue this tradition, demonstrating the extraordinary creative and cultural diversity that lies within our own borders.
"Botanic Park will be filled with the sounds of South America, the Seychelles, Iran, PNG, West Papua and Africa; folk, blues, Klezmer, DJs and so much more."
Stay tuned for the next round of 2022 artist additions, due next month. 2022 tickets are on sale. More information.
WOMADelaide 2022 takes place at Botanic Park (Adelaide) 11-14 March.
WOMADelide 2022 Line-up
Baker BoyBalkan Ethno Orchestra
Barkaa
Courtney Barnett
The Crooked Fiddle Band
Dancenorth - 'NOISE'
Eishan Ensemble
El Gran Mono
Electric Fields
Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
Goanna
Grace Barbé
Haiku Hands
High Ace
Inner City
King Stingray
Kutcha Edwards
L-FRESH The LION
Martinez Akustica
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Motez (live)
The New Monos
Parvyn
Paul Kelly
Reb Fountain
Danse Carpe Diem/Emmanuel Jouthe, Maï(g)wenn et lesOrteils & Restless Dance Theatre - 'Écoute Pour Voir (Listen to See)'
The Shaolin Afronauts
Sorong Samarai
Valanga Khoza
YID!
