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Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band (above)
Goat (below left) and Oumou Sangaré (below right)
WOMAD Charlton Park, Wiltshire
This year marked their 35th birthday and the weekend’s programme was packed as usual, from the psychedelic sounds of Sweden’s Goat, through Seu Jorge doing covers of Bowie clas- sics, to the vibrant sounds of some of Africa’s superstars. The festival never fails to provide something for everyone and this year was no exception. Although a high share of the head- liners originated from Europe and the USA (pesky visa problems held back bands like Inna De Yard), West Africa stole the weekend for us.
We hurried over on Thursday evening to catch Senegalese legends Orchestra Baobab who kicked things off with an absolute bang. It may be nearly 40 years since they started out, and 30 since they disbanded and regrouped, but this band are a collection of extremely talented and experienced musi- cians who can get anyone dancing with their heady vocals, sweet guitar twanging and funky sax sounds.
Friday was a classic action-packed pro- gramme dominated by clashes and endless decision making about who to see and for how long! Orkesta Mendoza kicked us off
with a party ranging from energetic cumbia to pogo-inducing indie-rock, drawing the crowds in from all directions. Then as the heavens opened up, we ran across the site for some much needed (and warming) jerk chick- en, an ideal little break before getting a good spot at the Open Air stage for Malian legend Oumou Sangaré. As soon as her set started, the cold and rain was quickly forgot- ten: her distinctive and powerful voice flowed over an incredibly tight band with a fantastic bassist and the contagious har- monies and dance moves of her backing singers. There was so much energy, it was impossible not to enjoy.
Photos: Cathia Randrianarivo
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