WOMADelaide has unveiled a huge lineup for its 35th anniversary, with Underworld, Fatoumata Diawara, Christine Anu and more joining the four-day festival in 2027.
The annual celebration of music, arts and culture will return to Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from March 5th-8th, bringing together artists from across the globe for its milestone edition. The latest announcement builds on the festival’s earlier lineup reveal, which confirmed US soul singer Leon Bridges, British ska legends Madness and desert blues collective Tinariwen among the first acts heading to Adelaide.
Leading the new additions are British electronic pioneers Underworld, whose influence on dance music stretches back decades, with tracks including the rave anthem “Born Slippy .NUXX”. They will be joined by Grammy-nominated Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, whose career has included collaborations with Damon Albarn, Oumou Sangaré and Disclosure.
Canadian duo Angine de Poitrine will also make an appearance, bringing their unconventional blend of math-rock, elaborate costumes and theatrical performances to Australian audiences.
Several familiar faces are also returning to WOMADelaide for the anniversary celebrations, including Christine Anu, who last performed at the festival in 1997. Ukrainian folk quartet DakhaBrakha will make their return after first appearing in 2011, while Indian violin virtuoso Dr. L. Subramaniam, who performed at the inaugural WOMADelaide in 1992, will also take the stage.
Elsewhere, American theatrical pop duo Haute & Freddy will make their Australian debut, alongside Turkish psychedelic folk-rock outfit Altın Gün and Spanish singer-songwriter Maria Arnal.
Dance music fans can look forward to sets from legendary DJ and producer Kenny Dope, best known as one half of Masters at Work, and London DJ Bradley Zero, who was among the original programmers of Boiler Room.
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The international contingent also includes India’s first all-female rap group Wild Wild Women, Jamaican reggae artist Hempress Sativa, South African collective BCUC, Madagascar/Réunion’s Claudio Rabe and Thai ensemble Khun Narin.
Bhutan Balladeers will make history as the first Bhutanese act to perform at WOMADelaide, while Puerto Rican big band El Laberinto del Coco and Anglo-Irish folk quartet The Haar are also among the new additions.
Representing Australia is rapper and producer Trials, best known as one half of A.B. Original, who will showcase his new solo project. The broader program also features Ngaiire’s Musik Blok, Eliza Hull, Jamaica Moana and a collaboration between Gravity & Other Myths and SAZ.
WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie said reaching 35 years was a significant milestone for an event that began as an “experiment” in bringing international music and culture to Adelaide. “Beginning as a wild experiment, WOMADelaide has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary artists to Adelaide for 35 years – and 2027 will be no different. To have stood the test of time and become one of Australia’s longest running and most cherished festivals is an enormous honour,” he said.
“But what makes it truly special is that the spirit of discovery, connection and celebration that sparked WOMADelaide in 1992 is as alive today as ever.”
WOMAD founder and musician Peter Gabriel added: “As we celebrate 35 years of WOMADelaide, I’m reminded how extraordinary this festival and its audience truly are… I am immensely proud of what this festival stands for and for the open-minded and adventurous audience that brings it to life.”
Beyond the music, the 2027 program will feature performances from South Korea’s Ambiguous Dance Company, whose Body Concert combines contemporary dance with the energy of a live music performance.
British artist Luke Jerram will bring Helios, a seven-metre-wide illuminated replica of the sun, to the festival grounds, while French performance troupe Les Goulus will return with three interactive productions.
Festival favourites Taste the World, KidZone and The Planet Talks will also return, offering cooking demonstrations, family activities and discussions exploring environmental and global issues.
First held in 1992, WOMADelaide has grown into one of Australia’s longest-running music and arts festivals, with its annual March gathering showcasing artists from across musical traditions, cultures and continents.
WOMADelaide 2027 takes place from March 5th-8th at Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla.
Tickets are on sale now here, with further artists still to be announced.
For complete festival and ticket information, see here.
