Paitya Dance Group and Kurruru Indigenous Youth Performing Arts will join forces on Stage one to formally welcome the artists and audience, and kick off WOMADelaide 2006.

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Known since the 50s as 'Mama Africa', the magnificent and outspoken Makeba was African music's first and foremost star on the world stage. This will be her farewell tour!

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'Sega' is the traditional music from the days of slavery in Mauritius - and it hasn't lost its charm. Jalsa Creole's vibrant instrumentation and striking dancers stir up a frenzy of hot rhythms!

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African Polyphonies
Coco's vocal workshop will be a journey to the land of African polyphonies where she will be your guide, encouraging everyone to explore their natural ability to sing either alone or in harmony with others. Singing is a part of every day life in many African countries, accompanying day-to-day tasks and celebrations as well as providing spiritual support in times of trouble. Coco believes singing can be a healing activity and she invites everyone to be part of this interactive vocal polyphony session, taking in influences not just from the continent of Africa but from all around the world. Coco will be joined by Serge Ngando on percussion.
W
www.coco-mbassi.com

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Crowd favourites from the annual Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, this is a rare chance to see an amazing group of songmen, musicians and dancers from Galiwin'ku and Milingimbi.
With thanks to the Yothu Yindi Foundation

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Lyrical Celtic tunes by renowned accordionist Sharon Shannon, guitarist Jim Murray, devil fiddler Dezi Donnelly and piper Michael McGoldrick from Capercaillie.
www.daisydiscs.com
BY ARRANGEMENT WITH SEAMUS FINNEREN

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A hothouse of Andean and 'old skool' hip hop rhythms, the nine members of LABJACD are drawn from Melbourne's best salsa, jazz, funk and Cuban big bands.
www.labjacd.com

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Based in Adelaide after growing up in a myriad of cultures in Europe and India, Chakrini is an emerging acoustic singer-guitarist with a refreshingly back-to-basics approach.
www.chakrini.com

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Australia's favourite singer-songwriter returns to the festival after 10 years, backed by sizzling country music artists. Don't miss their moody bluegrass renditions of Kelly and other classic songs of sorrow, wonder and hope.
www.paulkelly.com.au

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Tommee creates sun-drenched funk/reggae, incorporating five languages and the kecapi, a West Javanese stringed instrument, into his music.
www.tommeemusic.com

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Kandyan Traditional Dance and Percussion
Ravibhandu founded his dance company and school in 1984 and he is one of the most influential percussionists, dancers/choreographers living and working in Sri Lanka today. The traditional music and dance from the hill town of Kandy is some of the most spectacular to be found in the country. Fabulous costumes, a complex variety of percussion and acrobatic dance moves make up dramatic performances. As artistic director of the national dance troupe, Ravi will demonstrate how each and every one of these art forms is brought together to produce a phenomenal display of music and dance.
W

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A French-Canadian roots band which plays with an almost hyperactive exuberance, La Bottine Souriante have won dozens of awards for their musical genius and headlined festivals across the world for 30 years.
www.bottinesouriante.com

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A ska-flavoured postcard from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the 'Limestone' project is the first collaboration between the lead singers of The Black Sorrows and Bomba. Also featuring guest artist Dareb Desalegd (Ethiopia).
www.joecamilleri.com.au
www.bomba.com.au

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From the tribal country of Kuki Yalanji in Far North Queensland, the Briscoes' original music is engaging rootsy soul-funk, R&B and gospel tinged with heavenly harmonies.

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Led by the compelling Johnny Kalsi (also of the Afro Celts), the troupe beats out mesmeric, celebratory rhythms on huge dhol drums; large Indian wooden drums with two goat skin surfaces.
www.dholfoundation.com

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A remarkable musician-poet-troubadour-composer and social commentator whose catchy songs (over 300, and counting!) have sprung from his musically rich but tough background in one of the world's poorest regions.

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Desert Mysteries
Hameed Khan, an expert in the music of Rajasthan - the western desert area of India - has developed an innovative interpretation of music from the Thar Desert, by adding a new richness and warmth. He will explain a little about the many different traditional instruments used by Musafir and their various particularities, and give a demonstration. He will also show how he develops musical improvisations, by introducing some of the basics of Indian music to the audience, discussing the music scene in India, and how its current craze for electronic music is becoming detrimental to traditional music.
W
www.musafirmusic.com

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A classical/jazz composer regarded as the 'Paganini of Indian Classical music', Subramaniam has a reputation for spell-binding landmark concerts that transport and inspire his audience.
www.indianviolin.com
By arrangement with the Nataraj Cultural Centre and supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

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India's master of the sarod, a 19-stringed instrument that rivals the sitar in north Indian classical music. A sixth generation virtuoso who is much loved for his inventive and hypnotic style.
www.sarod.com
By arrangement with the Nataraj Cultural Centre and supported by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.

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Melodic, moving songs and unusual instrumentation, all delivered with more than a touch of humour, Bowditch is a rising star on the Australian folk/indie scene.
www.clarebowditch.com

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