FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER

HALLOWEEN AT WOMEX

So what does “World Music” really mean anyway? A phrase coined twenty years ago to help market music that didn’t fit onto any other shelf in the record shops has evolved into one of the broadest and least well-defined musical genres in the business. As one World Music expert said: “World Music is simply good music”, and today’s showcases were a clear demonstration of that.
The jouhikko is a centuries-old horse-hair bowed lyre from Finland, part of the drone tradition. Thanks to a recent revival amongst the younger generation, groups like Jouhiorkesteri have come to the forefront of the country’s folk music scene and their showcase left no one in doubt as to their enthusiasm and love for their instruments.

Iceland’s Ólöf Arnalds provided a haven of peace for WOMEXers, accompanied by her guitar and Armadillo-backed charanga. Her unique, delicately angelic voice struck a chord with the audience, quite simply charmed by her beautiful melodies.

WOMEX opens its doors to the general public for its evening’s programme of showcases, bringing new blood and somewhat less tired legs to lift the general ambiance. With two stars of their genres programmed, first el rey de la rumba catalana Peret and later Slovenian superstar Magnifico, the audience not only rose to the occasion but sang along in heartfelt chorus with their idols.

Highlights of the evening’s performances were without a doubt Ramiro Musotto & Orchestra Sudaka - a hi-energy carnival of colours and rhythms led by this master percussionist and berimbau-player; LA 33’s salsa de Bogotá – a skin-tight performance by a very young and talented combo that paid homage to the sound of NY salsa and boogaloo from the ‘70s with a groovy modern touch; Aurelio Martínez from Honduras, a worthy heir to the Garifuna tradition which recently mourned the loss of Andy Palacio, who got the audience’s hips a-swaying to the rhythm of the Garifuna drums; and the impressive Tumi & The Volume, ambassadors of South Africa’s vibrant urban music scene, who rocked the house with their fat breaks and soulful Hip Hop.

The queen of the night, the evening’s only female artist, was Kenya’s Suzzanna Owiyo. Already a renowned artist in her own country, the rainbow-hued singer songwriter presented her catchy mix of traditional Kenyan sounds and pop arrangements in a sparkling stage performance.

Back in the cosy interior of the Teatro Lope de Vega Portuguese fado singer Camané’s strong voice accompanied by the string virtuosity of his trio was preceded by a strong reputation at home and abroad, but his stage performance was not all that many delegates had expected. He was followed by David Walters and an exciting show of percussion, loops and soulful vocals from this young artist from  France and the Antilles.

And to round off the evening, anyone still standing was in for a treat thanks to DJ Ishtar whose set provided the musical backdrop for a twilight party to remember!

Marushka Vidovic