WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) was launched in 1982 by Peter Gabriel and has successfully brought its ethos, sights, global sounds, and rhythms to 32 countries, reaching millions. In 2024, WOMAD SA Concerts and Activities will take place in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Johannesburg.
WOMAD SA Festival Director Dan Chiorboli comments
“This is the third year WOMAD has been hosted in South Africa, marking an important occasion as we celebrate significant historical milestones. These events offer an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward, featuring an array of performances, workshops, and collaborations that highlight cultural diversity and social cohesion.”
Departing from the traditional global “Festival in a Field” format, WOMAD South Africa has adapted to present immersive cultural experiences in unique boutique settings, tailored to fit South Africa’s cultural landscape. The venues are intimate, and the activities are designed as boutique-style events to maximize job creation opportunities within the cultural ecosystem.
In Cape Town, supported by the City of Cape Town as the presenting sponsor, WOMAD SA is proud to partner with the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation for two special events: a one-time screening of the film “A Tree Has Fallen: Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu” and the Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert at St George’s Cathedral. This concert features top artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, PJ Powers, Zolani Mahola, Arno Carstens, Hilton Schilder & Shaheema Lakay, Joep Pelt, and Soweto Soul.
The event celebrates the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, marking the 40th anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize and his contributions to 30 years of South African democracy, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. This unplugged, acoustic, and choral concert will include a performance on the cathedral’s famous pipe organ and a selection of songs by the renowned St George’s Cathedral Choir.
Additionally, WOMAD SA is excited to collaborate with Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees for the first time to stage a special concert titled “Sonography: Stories in Roots and Blues.”
This production explores sound and music as storytelling and questioning mediums. Artists will share stories inspired by instruments and the memories they evoke, including uhadi, blik-‘n-snaar, kora, percussion, and Mississippi blues. The performance, featuring Iskwew Singers (Canada – Voices), Joep Pelt (Netherlands – Guitar & Voice), Ncebakazi Mnukwana (Khoisan Voice & Uhadi Bow), and Garth Erasmus (Khoisan instruments & Saxophone), seeks to explore new ways of listening with nuance and complexity.
The full programme for WOMAD Cape Town features the following concerts and activities:
Tuesday 1 October 19h00, Time Out Studio V&A Waterfront
- Film: “A Tree Has Fallen: Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu”.
- With Short performances by Iskwew Singers (Canada).
- Free entrance. More info: info.capetown@timeoutmarket.com
Wednesday 2 October 16h00, Fismer Hall, US Konservatorium
- Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees: Sonography: Stories in Roots and Blues.
- More info and tickets: https://woordfees.co.za/en/program/sonografie-grepe-in-roots-en-blues/
Thursday 3 October 19h30, Social & Athletic Club
- “A Taste of Brazil” with Livia & Fred (Brazil)
- Cape Town CBD – 35 Buitengracht Street.
- Bookings and info: info@theatlethic.co.za
Friday 4 October 19h00 at St George`s Cathedral 19h00
- Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert
- Featuring: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, PJ Powers, Zolani Mahola, Arno Carstens, Hilton Schilder & Shaheema Lakay, Joep Pelt & Soweto Soul (Netherlands/SA), Iskwew Singers (Canada), Nhoza Sitsholwana & Andre Kriel, Francesca Biancoli (Italy), Livia & Fred (Brazil), St George’s Choir & DSK Senior Band. The MC is Nik Rabinowitz.
- Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/273820-desmond-tutu-united-4-humanity-concert/#/
On Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October there will be concerts at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront from 14h00 to 18h00.
Additionally, there will be music workshops held in Masiphumelele and Langa on Saturday 5 October. See details on www.womadsa.co.za
WOMAD Johannesburg will take place from 9 to 13 October.
Chiorboli comments on WOMAD Johannesburg
“We have committed to investing in the inner city’s rejuvenation plans by bringing our international and local artists into multiple venues to drive the arts and culture element.”
“We realise that there is a much deeper context at play and firmly believe that this is the right thing to do in order to boost socio-economic development plans and bring culture back to the inner city.”
“The international artists will perform and collaborate with local artists at The Rand Club, Niki’s Oasis, Untitled Basement, Troyeville Hotel, Pata Pata, AMPD Studios, etc.”
WOMAD SA would like to thank the following partners and sponsors:
The Department of Sports, Arts & Culture (DSAC) under the banner of 30 Years of Democracy; City of Cape Town; Austrian Cultural Forum; Instituto Guimarães Rosa; Consulate General of Brazil, Cape Town; Canada Council for the Arts; Canada High Commission; Department of Tourism; Embassy of Spain; European Union; Kingdom of The Netherlands; Performing Arts Fund, Netherlands; WESGRO; Bassline; Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation; Don Mattera Legacy Foundation; French Embassy; Gallo Record Company; Jozi my Jozi, Lift Air; Music Arena; Hallmark Group; Time Out Theatre; Jazzathon; Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees & The V & A. Waterfront.
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