Review – WOMADelaide: Day 3
Image: Dub Inc.
There was a slightly smaller crowd for Day three of WOMADelaide but the festival was still in full swing.
Highlights included the Brown Hornet playing a blend of funky grooves, metal and rock. The crowd gathered with a mixture of curiosity and amusement to see frontman Dylan Lewis, best known as host of the ABC’s Recovery program and later Video Hits. His eccentric performing style attracted many onlookers.
Brown Hornet formed in 1993, from a group of school friends, and they were on hiatus between 2004 and 2011. A reunion show at the end of 2011 bought them back together, reigniting their passion for performing.
Next up was Dub Inc., presenting their unique style of reggae in workshop. They described this as more energetic with bigger base, than the usual Jamaican style.
Lead singer Aurélien moved between French and English, occasionally calling upon the assistance of an interpreter to explain some of the more complicated musical concepts.
It’s clear these guys have a social conscience, with songs like Métissage – which translates to ‘miscegenation’ in English – written about interracial culture, and exile due to intolerance.
Based in France, group members have diverse origins such as Benin, West Africa and Algeria.
One of the best things about WOMADelaide would have to be the small stages that let audiences get up close and personal with their favourite artists.
Set-up on picnic blankets and deck chairs, an audience gathered around the Speakers Corner stage for Tunisian protest singer Emel Mathlouthi.
Sparkling in a gold dress and red pumps, Mathlouthi gave a heartfelt performance of songs from her album Kelmti Horra (My Word Is Free).
Mathlouthi said when ntroducing her song The Road is Long: “It’s hard to find a military strong enough to break human hatred.” Adding that the road to freedom was very long.
The night ended with a very theatrical display by Algerian rocker Rachid Taha, reminiscent of the Eurovision song contest.
It was obvious Taha has been influenced by many rebel rock stars before him. He invoked the likes of Johnny Cash, with the band all donning black sunglasses.
In a thick accent he addressed the crowd: “You want to rock and roll baby?” while gyrating back and forth. An encore of The Clash’s Rock the Casbah was well received, rounding out the set and day three of WOMADelaide. (VP)
WOMADelaide, Mar 7-10, Botanic Park, Adelaide, womadelaide.com.au
BY VANESSA POWELL
You May Also Like
