First Acts Announced For WOMAD New Zealand 2020

The first musical acts to appear at WOMAD New Zealand 2020 have been announced, unveiling two international artists to catch at the festival of world music, arts and dance at Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth). WOMAD attendees can look forward to experiencing the legendary Blind Boys Of Alabama, a Grammy-winning gospel group who are 75 years in the making, having performed in the White House for three different presidents. Joining them on the lineup so far is Welsh harpist Catrin Finch (former Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales!) and Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita, who make up the one of a kind duo behind their award-winning 2019 album SOAR. Comedian Te Radar and poet Selina Tusitala Marsh are also in the mix for the next festival, with more speakers and performers still to be announced. Soak up the details released so far…

WOMAD New Zealand 2020
Friday 13th March to Sunday 15th March - New Plymouth, TSB Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park
Featuring... Blind Boys Of Alabama, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, Te Radar, Selina Tusitala Marsh + more to be announced

Take a load of Blind Boys Of Alabama’s take on 'Amazing Grace'… 

Get a feel for mesmerising duo Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita and see what a kora actually looks like… 

Press Release:  

WOMAD New Zealand is famous for showcasing top artists from around the world and Aotearoa. The 2020 festival is no exception and will feature close to 100 hours of music, dance and voices across eight stages. Over three days Ngāmotu's stunning Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands will once again be transformed into a village of colour, energy and inclusion.  

To whet the appetite ahead of the full 2020 festival announce on Tuesday, 15th October, WOMAD New Zealand is thrilled to share two of the international artists performing and the first two World Of Words artists for the 16th year anniversary of the festival. 

For 2020, the mesmerising duo of Welsh harpist Catrin Finch & Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita will be making a welcome festival appearance as will living legends of gospel music Blind Boys of Alabama. 

"WOMAD NZ is one of my favourite WOMAD experiences. I especially love the chance to celebrate the Maori culture with others".- Seckou Keita  

"We’re so looking forward to making our NZ debut as a duo at WOMAD NZ. WOMAD is a glorious celebration of global music and this trip has been on our bucket list for some time! Can’t wait!" - Catrin Finch   

"The Blind Boys Of Alabama are excited to return to New Zealand for the first time in a number of years. and we are even more excited that we are returning to play at the WOMAD festival. come see us there!" - Jimmy Carter, Original founding member of "The Blind Boys" 

The ever-expanding World Of Words stage, now held on the sun-drenched lawn of the Kunming Garden will be hosting beloved entertainer Te Radar and pacific poet Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh.  

WOMAD New Zealand is also elated to announce two new additions to the festival for 2020.  

STEAM Lab
Being hosted on a brand new stage in the tranquil setting of the Pinetum is WOMAD New Zealand's first-ever STEAM Lab. Come and hear speakers from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics fields talk about incredible breakthroughs and their journey of innovation.  

BOOK CLUB 
Introducing WOMAD New Zealand's inaugural Book Club. The book chosen for the 2020 festival is We Can Make A Life by Chessie Henry. Book Club aims to bring people together to express their perspectives and explore the themes within the book while getting insights from Chessie herself. 

WOMAD New Zealand remains a place to bring artists together from all over the globe to break down barriers, educate, inform and inspire. Come and lose yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes that blend together to make up the vibrant WOMAD experience!