WOMADelaide @ Botanic Park, Adelaide 6/3/2026
With the gates open and the crowd slowly trickling in, the 2026 installation of WOMADelaide is officially underway as the familiar screech of flying foxes echoes across Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla.
After years of scorching heat, the weather this Friday is nothing short of glorious, the perfect conditions for a Friday evening frothy under a Moreton Bay Fig.
As patrons pick their place with deck chairs and picnic rugs, the festival starts to come alive, though global travel chaos has already forced some early schedule changes, the first major act this year kicking off on Stage 2.
Sauntering to the mic under the afternoon sun to greet a dedicated army of indie mums and dads, Iron and Wine – aka Sam Beam – immediately has the crowd in the palm of his hand early, opening with his iconic cover of The Postal Service’s Such Great Heights.
Treating the audience to a career-spanning set, including favourites like Flightless Bird, American Mouth and Upward Over the Mountain, he pauses to comment on the weirdly positive reception to slightly depressing songs – but hey, that’s indie folk music for you. With his dry hipster wit, and signature velvet-smooth voice, Beam remains one of alternative music’s most endearing storytellers.
Opening proceedings at the Foundation Stage tonight is Grammy-nominated pianist and former member of the Buena Vista Social Club, Roberto Fonseca. Flanked by his formidable band – including saxophonist Jimmy ‘the funky’ James, and powerhouse drummer Ruly Herrera – Fonseca delivers a sound that is earthy, energetic and deeply rhythmic. The iconic pulse of his Cuban piano providing the perfect invitation for the Friday night crowd let loose and shift into party mode.
As Fonseca weaves together the past and present through a setlist of old and new favourites, the backdrop displays a journey of his career—including a moving tribute to the departed legends of the Buena Vista Social Club. This merging of eras brings a standout singalong moment with a rendition of Hey Jude, with an unmistakable Cuban flavour.
With the sun down and the crowd fueled by a cocktail or two, the energy shifts toward the pines of Stage 3 for a pint and a jig. Currently touring Australia with Ed Sheeran, Irish quintet Beoga prove they don’t need a mega pop-star’s backing to command a stage.
Between the witty Irish banter, the driving thwomp of Eamon Murray’s bodhrán, and silky fiddle of Niamh Dunne, Beoga deliver an atmosphere which is infectious and distinctly joyous. It’s a set rowdy enough to get the old and young dancing, with splashes of tender moments that prove some music doesn’t need lyrics to tell a story.
Like stumbling upon a jazz-techno spaceship in the middle of the forest, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange are transmitting a completely unique frequency at Stage 7. Led by drummer-producer Ziggy Zeitgeist, and backed by tight bass, keyboards, and percussion, the sound is not quite jazz, not quite dance music, yet is undeniably accessible.
Whether fueled by the music alone or by other supplements, the spectators are mesmerised by a collective groove that climaxes with a finale that threatens to launch the stage into another dimension. Did I mention they also have the best name on the bill?
Amassing the largest crowd for the night is one of Italy’s most influential and visionary musical artists, Jovanotti. Donning a shimmering gold and green shirt with a signature backwards cap, the fifty nine-year-old singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer shows zero signs of slowing down, spending the set bouncing and skipping across the stage to his trademark, upbeat mix of pop, hip-hop, rap and funk.
Beaming his infectious smile at a sea of adoring fans – who clearly have no trouble keeping up with Italian lyrics – Jova brings the Foundation Stage to a triumphant close. His clever inclusion of Men at Work’s Land Down Under ensuring a massive unified singalong. I never knew Italian rap could be this much of a party.
Serving up a potent cocktail of house, funk and soul – complete with generous garnishes of club bangers, Crazy P bring the club vibe to WOMAD ushering the crowd into the next phase of the night. Mixing 70’s and 80’s staples with contemporary techno, they create a feel-good atmosphere that brings the stage to a joyous close, setting the tone for what promises to be an epic long weekend.
WOMAD Review By Matt Eygenraam