Second Official Line-Up Announcement For Womad

FOR RELEASE
FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2007

The Second Official Line-Up Announcement For Womad 2008

One of NYC’s hottest DJ’s, the “Ray Charles” of Cambodia and an award winning percussionist join the already stellar line-up of artists heading to New Zealand for WOMAD New Zealand 2008.

New York City’s DJ Nickodemus has confirmed for WOMAD New Zealand 2008 and is bringing his unique hip-hop flavour to the 3-day festival, incorporating break beats and brisk grooves with live percussion. Joining him in what has become a line-up of world-class proportions is chapei (a Cambodian long-necked lute) artist Kong Nay, respectfully dubbed the Ray Charles of Cambodia. Although blind since aged four, Nay is best known for his mesmerizing stage presence and incredible improvising, akin to hip hop’s free-styling. He is considered a precious gem in the crown of Khmer culture, and a source of pride for Cambodians across the world.

From Burkina Faso comes Farafina. Founded in 1972, this group combines traditional Burkinabé instrumentation with contemporary guitar and keyboards. Over their illustrious career they have collaborated with the likes of The Rolling Stones and Brian Eno, and performed in front of 72,000 people for Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebration at Wembley Stadium.

World-renowned percussionist Joji Hirota from Japan will be playing one performance only during the festival, with members of the New Zealand String Quartet and Carolyn Mills and Hiroshi Ikematsu from the NZSO. Also joining the line-up is Ugandan dancer and musician Pedson Kasume, founder of the Xpera Uganda music and dance company. Joining Pedson at WOMAD 2008 will be fellow Xpera Uganda troupe member Rodgers Ssekyewa. At the festival, they will lead a percussion and dance workshop on stage and host workshops throughout the weekend.

The line-up of New Zealand acts has also grown, with some of our best loved artists joining the bill.

From Wellington, The Phoenix Foundation perform for their first time at WOMAD, plus the always entertaining Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, experimental nine-piece ensemble Village of the Idiots and singer/songwriter Age Pryor. Also hailing from the capital, Jess Chambers & The Firefly Orchestra will make an appearance, as will honourary New Zealander, Aussie singer/songwriter Tim Guy, whose band includes the talented Anna Coddington and Ned Ngatae.

The world’s foremost authority on traditional Maori instruments (ngä taonga püoro), Richard Nunns will perform with Green Fire Islands, as well as present a Taonga Puoro Workshop during the weekend. And to top off the stunning New Zealand programme, NZ Blues legend Midge Marsden will be returning home to Taranaki appearing with the Midge Marsden Band and singer/guitarist Darren Watson.

TAFT Chief Executive, Suzanne Porter says: “We are delighted to be adding more acts to our already impressive line-up. The calibre of talent both locally and internationally means we might be in for the best WOMAD yet and we expect the event to sell out again this year”

As well as music, dance and performance, WOMAD also features captivating artist workshops for adults and children, a global village offering retail, food and charity stalls. Plus kids can enjoy Kidzone and the Under Five Zone. There is also the option to camp at the adjacent racecourse or stay marae-style in the TSB Stadium.

Suzanne comments: “All of this helps create the family-friendly vibe that is so unique to this event and it is this experience that keeps people returning every year".

WOMAD full price three day passes are available from Ticketek - www.ticketek.co.nz.
A three day pass is $190, a three day pass & camping is $235 and a three day pass & Marae-style accommodation is $250. One day tickets are also available.

The WOMAD 2008 full line-up features: Age Pryor (NZ), An Emerald City (NZ), Beirut (USA), Black Grace (NZ), Cesaria Evora (Cape Verde), Clube do Balanco (Brazil), David D’Or (Israel), Dr Natesan Ramani (India), Farafina (Burkina Faso), Green Fire Islands (NZ), Gyuto Monks (Tibet/Australia), Jess Chambers & the Firefly Orchestra (NZ), Joji Hirota Trio (Japan), Kong Nay (Cambodia), Kora (NZ), Manjiri Kelkar (India), Mavis Staples (USA), Midge Marsden Band with Darren Watson (NZ), New Zealand String Quartet (NZ), Nickodemus (USA), Pedson Kasume (Uganda), The Phoenix Foundation (NZ), Richard Nunns (NZ), Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (USA), SJD (NZ), Susana Baca (Peru), Taraf de Haidouks (Romania), Terem Quartet (Russia), Tim Guy (NZ), Titi Robin Quintet (France), Toumani Diabate’s Symmetric Orchestra (Mali), Village of the Idiots (NZ), Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra (NZ), Whangara Mai Tawhiti (NZ).

The full artist line-up and detailed information including artist videos and music tracks are available on the WOMAD website www.womad.co.nz

ENDS

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