Womad NZ 2005 – New Artist Brief Biographies

Womad New Zealand 2005 – New Artist Brief Biographies

ADEL SALAMEH TRIO (PALESTINE/ALGERIA)

Palestinian oud player and composer Adel Salameh is the ambassador of Arab music in the West. He has established a reputation as one of the finest artists of his genre, having performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls in more than 30 different countries.

BATUCADA SOUND MACHINE (NZ)

This 15-piece group creates an energetic sound that can only be described as massive! BSM's unique style is a wicked blend of samba-reggae and Brazilian beats fused with funk, hiphop and drum & bass. Their infectious feel-good beats are guaranteed to strike a deep-down party chord.

FAT FREDDYS DROP (NZ)

The legendary brotherhood of midnight marauders deliver the deepest dopest sounds around. Purveyors of a hypnotic groove of skanking urban Pacific roots, dub and electronica, no two Freddys’ gigs are ever the same as the seven band members jam each song into smoking supernovas of soul and goodness.

BALLET FOLCLORICO DE KARI KARI (RAPANUI – EASTER ISLAND)

This dynamic 14-person troupe of dancers and musicians perform sophisticated, yet invigorating choreography driven by a hot beat and a compilation of some of the island’s oldest and greatest songs.

KATCHAFIRE (NZ)

Reggae is one of the bloodlines of New Zealand music, and Katchafire is a band schooled in roots-reggae. Katchafire shows are always celebratory affairs – joyous singalongs where people of all cultures and affiliations are welcomed. Be prepared to celebrate!

LUCID 3 (NZ)

Lucid 3 inhabits a genre of its own – roots, blues, folk, pop, rock, trip-hop and whatever other pigeonholes you care to name. With a stockpile of songs that effortlessly creep into your musical subconscious, Lucid 3 weaves a compelling musical tapestry.

MORA BROTHERS (CUBA)

Papier-mâché inventors extraordinaire, the Mora Brothers create wonderful decorative paper sculptures ranging from small scale replicas to lifesize copies of shocking pink Chevrolets and gleaming Harley Davidson motorbikes. At WOMAD New Zealand 2005, the Mora Brothers will be based at Kidzone.

MWEYA (NZ)

This eight-piece afro-marimba band plays energetic music influenced by the Shona culture of Zimbabwe. Experience a childlike sense of joy and delight with this powerful and uplifting spectrum of sounds.

OSADIA (SPAIN)

Become a walking work of art – Osadia is a street animation group whose performances are based on the innovative concept of ‘hair art’. Using volunteers from the audience and a trunkload of accessories, these unique artists create daring and original hair sculptures.

OZOMATLI (USA)

Named after the Aztec god of dance, Ozomatli mash-up influences like ska, samba, salsa, punk, hip hop, funk, swing and soul into a hi-octane pan-Latino dance music. Also featuring Kanetic MC of Jurassic 5 fame, Ozomatli’s monstrously enjoyable live set will keep you buzzing for days after the event.

PATRICK DUFF & ALEX LEE (UK)

Former cornerstones of the band Strangelove, Patrick Duff and Alex Lee went their separate ways into illustrious musical careers. Duff collaborating with the likes of Adrian Utley of Portishead fame and the octogenarian South African sensation Madosini; Lee playing guitar with seminal UK band Suede. Now Duff and Lee pair up again for WOMAD!

RUIA & HAAKIWA (NZ)

A reggae/world crossover sung in a Mäori/English bilingual mix. Ruia scales musical boundaries with ease, writing unique tunes based on traditional chants, or catchy choruses and melodies referencing contemporary pop influences.

TOELEGU PANPIPE ORCHESTRA (SOLOMON ISLANDS)

This energetic and vibrant troupe plays bamboo panpipes of every length imaginable – some so large they require frames for support as they are beaten by jandals, thumped on earth or rock. The sound is incredible and mesmerising, creating an infectious rhythm accompanied by joyous dance.

TONY MACMAHON (IRELAND)

MacMahon’s remarkable accordion music has been described as a language of passion. Some say his music has a call – a draoicht – which has moved more than one listener to tears.

XAVIER RUDD (AUST)

Xavier delivers a unique and harmonious combination of lyrics, vocals, instruments and energy that is warm, powerful and emotive. With bare feet, he works the rhythm on the stomp box as he effortlessly glides his guitar through fluid melodies. The candidness of Rudd’s vocals, teamed with the depth and mysticism of the didgeridoo, all provide for a unique and inspiring performance.

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