WOMADelaide—short for World of Music, Arts and Dance—is Australia’s most prominent multicultural music and arts festival, and a powerful stage for African artists to share their voices with the world. Held in Adelaide’s lush Botanic Park, the four-day event brings together artists from more than 40 countries, with African music often taking center stage.
Over the years, icons like Youssou N'Dour (Senegal), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), and Yemi Alade (Nigeria) have electrified audiences with their magnetic performances. These artists don't just entertain—they educate, using their music to speak on gender equality, cultural pride, and social change. Whether it's Afropop, kora melodies, or traditional drumming, WOMADelaide introduces diverse Australian audiences to Africa’s sonic landscape.
But music is only part of the magic. The festival includes Planet Talks—panel discussions on climate, Indigenous knowledge, and global justice—as well as interactive dance classes, cooking demonstrations with African chefs, and market stalls selling ethically sourced crafts. There's a strong emphasis on sustainability, community, and cultural respect.
WOMADelaide isn't just about global beats—it’s about global consciousness. It provides African artists with one of the biggest platforms in the southern hemisphere, spotlighting the continent's creativity and resilience while inspiring cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.