Eight Acts To See At Womad 2023

Ahead of Omad's return after a two-year hiatus, we've tagged the line-up and watched plenty of clips so you don't have to.

Here's our top eight, featuring four international and four Kiwi acts.

PAK (Germany)

The German techno-brass orchestra of 11 musicians will not go unnoticed. Think of your favorite clubs as belts with real hardware instead of computers. Find them on the Bowl Stage on Friday at 8pm and again on the Brooklands Stage on Saturday at 7pm. You won't regret going there twice.

More details:
* World famous German techno marching band Mute have arrived and claimed their red jackets
* Rap and jazz are better together: Tom Scott presents his latest project at the Wellington Jazz Festival

Great Sampa (Zambia)

Ruth Langmore's Ozark favorite (watch Season 4, Episode 2), Zambian rapper Big Sam, has just one show, his final performance on the Bowl Stage on Sunday night at 8:45 p.m., so save your energy, because it's a good one.

Mdu Moktar (Niger)

Guitar prodigy Mdou is said to have been inspired by an Eddie Van Halen YouTube video. It's easy to see why - cutting. You can catch the rocker and band on the Brooklands Stage on Friday at 7pm and the Bowl Stage on Saturday at 6pm.

Simafun (Cuba)

Honest Cubans will definitely put you in the mood. If it weren't for the videos of his live performances, this would be a high-energy affair that would have you swaying your hips to him. Find them on the Simafunk Bowl stage on Saturday at 8pm or the Brooklands stage on Sunday at 7.45pm.

Fly My Pratts (New Zealand)

The joint line-up includes some of the biggest names in New Zealand music and the sound of the big band will be an epic way to end your first night at Womad. They play their only show at the Bowl on Friday from 10 p.m.

Avantdale Bowling Club (New Zealand)

Aotearoa's Saturday night hip-hop events are a must-see and highly recommended. Check out Avantdale's premier bowling club, who will be mixing a touch of jazz with Tom Scott's stylish rap songs at 9pm on the Brookland Stage.

Mazbu Q (New Zealand)

After that, hurry to see Mazbou Q on the Gables stage at 10:15 p.m. British-born, Makaurau-born Nigerian artist Tamaki is set to become a hot favorite in hip-hop, mixing rap with hard rock and funk.

Kita (New Zealand)

A little psychedelic, a little alt-rock and a little pop, find Keith on the more intimate Dale stage on Sunday at 7.45pm. One of the best things about Womad is the little surprise when the team takes off, and we think Kita will be just that. Plus, after shooting them, you'll be well on your way to taking a few steps towards the Big Sampa bowl.

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