This July, music lovers from around the globe converged at Charlton Park for the world-renowned WOMAD Festival—an event that celebrates music, arts, and culture from every corner of the earth. Founded by the legendary Peter Gabriel, WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of diversity and creativity, aiming to foster cross-cultural understanding and unity through the universal language of music.

For Jude, BeatFeet's Artistic Director, the weekend at WOMAD was nothing short of magical. Immersed in a whirlwind of rhythms, dances, and vibrant performances, Jude not only soaked in the festival's atmosphere but also lent a hand at The Kore Workshop, a creative space run by Kath and Adam, who split their time between the UK and Southern Senegal.

WOMAD: A Festival Like No Other

Since its inception in 1982, WOMAD has become a beacon for global music enthusiasts, drawing artists and audiences from all over the world to share and experience the diversity of musical traditions. Peter Gabriel’s vision for WOMAD was to create a platform where artists from different cultures could come together, inspire each other, and connect with audiences in a meaningful way. The festival, held annually at Charlton Park, has remained true to this mission, offering a kaleidoscope of sounds, sights, and experiences.

Jude's Festival Highlights: Workshops and World-Class Performances

The WOMAD experience is as much about participation as it is about spectating, and Jude made the most of the festival’s interactive workshops. The All Singing and All Dancing tents were the heart of the festival’s participatory spirit, and Jude found particular joy in the Sabar percussion workshop with Modou Diouf and the Reggaeton session with Leandro Charanga.

Sabar Percussion with Modou Diouf: Originating from Senegal, Sabar is a traditional drumming style that’s both exhilarating and physically demanding. Under Modou Diouf’s expert guidance, participants were introduced to the intricate rhythms of Sabar, learning to play the drum while also experiencing its connection to dance and community celebrations in Senegal.
Reggaeton with Leandro Charanga: Hailing from Cuba, Leandro Charanga’s Reggaeton workshop was a high-energy affair, blending Latin rhythms with hip-hop influences. Participants grooved to the infectious beats and learned the moves that make Reggaeton one of the most popular dance genres around the world.

When not drumming or dancing, Jude had the pleasure of experiencing a diverse lineup of concerts, each showcasing the unique soundscapes of different cultures. Here are some of the standout performances:

Amadou and Mariam: This Malian duo, known as the "Blind Couple from Mali," enchanted the audience with their blend of traditional Malian music and contemporary pop sounds. Their music, infused with blues, rock, and African rhythms, was a perfect example of how cultural fusion can create something truly special.
Tank & The Bangas: Hailing from New Orleans, Tank & The Bangas delivered a vibrant performance that fused funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word. Their eclectic style and powerful stage presence made their set one of the most energetic and memorable of the festival.
Defmaa Maadef: Representing the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, Defmaa Maadef brought traditional Wolof drumming and dance to life. Their performance was a powerful expression of the deep rhythms and dynamic movements that define Senegalese culture.
Qawwali Flamenco: This unique ensemble seamlessly blended the devotional music of Qawwali from South Asia with the passionate, guitar-driven melodies of Flamenco from Spain. The result was a mesmerizing fusion that captivated the audience with its intensity and emotion.
Zowese Queens: The Zowese Queens brought the vibrant sounds of Zimbabwe to WOMAD, performing traditional Mbira music with a modern twist. Their harmonies and the distinctive sounds of the Mbira (a traditional thumb piano) transported listeners to the heart of Zimbabwean culture.
Deerhoof: Known for their experimental rock sound, Deerhoof’s performance was a sonic adventure. With unpredictable rhythms and a mix of punk, noise, and pop elements, the band challenged the audience to think differently about what music can be.
Cerys Hafana: This Welsh multi-instrumentalist and singer captivated the crowd with her ethereal voice and innovative use of traditional Welsh instruments like the crwth and pibgorn. Her music, rooted in the folk traditions of Wales, felt both ancient and refreshingly modern.
Gnawa Blues All Stars: Led by the charismatic Moroccan Maâlem Simo Lagnawi, Gnawa Blues All Stars delivered an electrifying performance that blended the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music with blues and jazz influences. Their music, steeped in the cultural heritage of North African culture, created a trance-like atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience.
Justin Adams and Mohamed Errebaa: This dynamic duo brought together the raw, bluesy guitar of Justin Adams and the haunting, traditional sounds of Moroccan Gnawa music played by Mohamed Errebaa. Their collaboration was a testament to the power of musical dialogue across cultures.
Sampa The Great: A true force of nature, Samba the Great is an electrifying Zambian-born, Australia-based rapper and singer. Her performance at WOMAD was a powerful mix of hip-hop, jazz, and Afrobeat, delivering socially conscious lyrics with a fierce energy that captivated the crowd.
Mangrove Steelband: Closing out Jude’s WOMAD experience was the vibrant sound of the Mangrove Steelband. This London-based ensemble, rooted in Caribbean culture, brought the festival to life with their infectious calypso and soca rhythms, creating an atmosphere of pure joy.

Onward to Shambala: Join BeatFeet in the Enchanted Woods

With WOMAD Festival wrapped up, Jude and the BeatFeet creative team are already gearing up for their next adventure: at this year’s Shambala Festival. This August, you can find us in the Enchanted Woods, where we’ll be making music and spreading the joy of rhythm with families and festival-goers of all ages. We can’t wait to continue our journey of creativity, connection, and global grooves.

Stay tuned for more updates from Shambala and beyond. If you’re inspired by the magic of WOMAD and want to bring global rhythms to your own event, don’t hesitate to contact BeatFeet—we’re ready to drum, dance, and make music with you!

A Womad Festival Adventure! Journeying through global music and creative arts!

WOMAD: A Festival Like No Other

Jude's Festival Highlights: Workshops and World-Class Performances

Onward to Shambala: Join BeatFeet in the Enchanted Woods