11 Nov 2021

Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett & Baker Boy Lead First WOMADelaide 2022 Line-Up Announcement

WOMADelaide, Adelaide Botanic Park
WOMADelaide, Adelaide Botanic Park

Returning to Adelaide’s Botanic Park from 11-14 March 2022, WOMADelaide today announced 30 incredible artists in celebration of its 30th anniversary, led by iconic singer-songwriters, Paul Kelly and Courtney Barnett and Yolgnu superstar Baker Boy.

Paul Kelly performed at the inaugural WOMADelaide in 1992, with follow-up appearances for the one-off WOMAD Indian-Pacific (a train trip from Perth to Pimba in 1996), and at the 1997 and 2006 festivals. The Adelaide-born musician, winner of 17 ARIA Awards and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, returns to his hometown with a catalogue spanning more than four decades and a legacy as one Australia’s greatest and most enduring artists.

Making her debut at WOMADelaide is Grammy nominee Courtney Barnett, in support of the release of her new album, Things Take Time, Take Time (out 12 Nov). Barnett has become a household name the world over, with a festival resumé including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Primavera and Lollapalooza and appearances on American TV’s Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Young MC Baker Boy (Danzal Baker) heads up one of the strongest First Nations line-ups in the festival’s history. Baker, who recently performed at the AFL Grand Final in Perth, is nominated for three 2021 National Indigenous Music Awards and the J Award for Australian Album of the Year for his debut album Gela. He will be joined by the NT’s breakout act King Stingray and one of Australia’s most celebrated voices Emma Donovan, performing with The Putbacks. Proud Mutti Mutti man and voice for the Stolen Generation, Kutcha Edwards returns with his ‘Bidgee blues’; powerful newcomer Barkaa takes to the WOMADelaide stages for the first time and local heroes Electric Fields will perform with Antara singers and Tjarutja First Nations Dance Collective.

Renowned electronic producer Motez will premiere a specially commissioned live project. Legendary folk-rock band Goanna will present their critically acclaimed album Spirit of Place 40 years on, with special guest First Nations collaborators. Also announced today are festival favourites Melbourne Ska Orchestra and L-FRESH The LION.

Townsville’s Dancenorth will perform their thunderous production NOISE, featuring 100 drummers from the South Australian percussion community on a purpose-built stage and Adelaide-based Restless Dance Theatre will present Écoute Pour Voir / Listen to See, where dancers share a one-on-one experience with the audience.

“Since 1992 WOMADelaide has taken audiences on a journey of discovery, celebrating music, arts and dance from around the world.

The Australian artists performing with us next year continue this tradition, demonstrating the extraordinary creative and cultural diversity that lies within our own borders. Botanic Park will be filled with the sounds of South America, the Seychelles, Iran, PNG and Africa; folk, blues, Klezmer, DJs and so much more” said WOMADelaide Director, Ian Scobie.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the impressive line-up was fitting for the Festival’s 30th birthday and its return to Adelaide’s Botanic Park.

“WOMADelaide is a highlight on our state’s calendar and we’ve already seen how excited everyone is to have it back in our city’s parklands, with pre-sales tickets having already sold in their thousands,” Mr Harrex said.

“As we reopen to domestic tourism, this iconic music festival will draw people from across South Australia and the nation and will provide a valuable boost to our state’s visitor economy at a critical time.”

THE COMPLETE LIST OF THE 30 ARTISTS ANNOUNCED TODAY IS:

  • Baker Boy
  • Balkan Ethno Orchestra
  • Barkaa
  • Courtney Barnett
  • The Crooked Fiddle Band
  • Dancenorth - NOISE
  • Eishan Ensemble
  • El Gran Mono
  • Electric Fields
  • Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
  • Goanna
  • Grace Barbé
  • Haiku Hands
  • High Ace
  • Inner City (USA)
  • King Stingray
  • Kutcha Edwards
  • L-FRESH The LION
  • Martinez Akustica
  • Melbourne Ska Orchestra
  • Motez
  • The New Monos
  • Parvyn
  • Paul Kelly
  • Reb Fountain (NZ)
  • Danse Carpe Diem/Emmanuel Jouthe, Maï(g)wenn et lesOrteils & Restless Dance Theatre - Écoute Pour Voir (Listen to See)
  • The Shaolin Afronauts
  • Sorong Samarai
  • Valanga Khoza
  • YID!

The next WOMADelaide 2022 program announcement will be made in December.

Event details at southaustralia.com.

WOMADelaide is proudly supported by the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.