WOMADelaide this year was like stepping into an eclectic, global village where the heat wasn’t just a backdrop but a character in its own right, blazing down on us for four solid days.
The absence of colossal headliners such as Florence and the Machine or Bon Iver, which last year brought record crowds, gave this festival a refreshingly laid-back feel. It felt like WOMAD had hit the reset button, returning to its roots with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged festival-goers to stroll from stage to stage, with the freedom to plop down and enjoy the moment wherever they wanted. The cool sprinklers and misters and a thoughtful layout redesign meant that finding a cool haven from the relentless heat was never too much of a trek.
The biggest name on the bill, Jose Gonzalez, with his Argentinian-Swedish roots, delivered an acoustic set that perfectly matched the environment. His soft, soothing melodies were a balm to the soul, providing much-needed comfort as the temperature soared. As dusk fell each night, the transformation of the crowd was palpable; hats were stowed away, and fans clustered around the stages. While Gilberto Gil, the Brazilian legend, infused the main stage with his peace-promoting tunes that spanned folk to funk, I found myself captivated by Emma Volard’s mesmerizing RnB vocals on a smaller stage in Frome Park, her energy igniting a dance frenzy in a packed tent.
A truly spellbinding moment was discovering Arooj Aftab’s performance. Her enchanting voice, coupled with the simplistic beauty of an acoustic guitar and double bass, drew us into a serenade that felt almost spiritual, echoing why the New York Times heralded her among the best live acts.
Yet, the crowning glory unfolded on Stage 2, Saturday night, with Thee Sacred Souls from San Diego. Initially slated for an earlier slot, they instead wrapped up the evening on Stage 7, a last-minute change courtesy of the overheating bats overhead. Their blend of Motown and soul, spearheaded by Josh Lane’s compelling vocals, had everyone singing along—a feat made all the more impressive given their singular album repertoire. It was an unforgettable finale of the night.
This year’s WOMADelaide, stripped of its mega-star allure, offered something perhaps more valuable: an intimate celebration of diverse music and cultures, where the joy was in the journey from one musical world to another, under the shared sky of a sweltering Australian summer. It was a reminder that sometimes, the heart of a festival isn’t about the size of its headliners but the magic of discovery and the connections we forge through music.
