First Lineup Taster for WOMAD Announced

WOMAD Aotearoa has today revealed the first artists set to take the stage at the iconic Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park, Taranaki, from 12–14 March 2027, with award-winning Aotearoa musician Troy Kingi, Grammy Award-winning Tuareg band Tinariwen and pioneering Fijian Flying Circus the first names announced for the three-day celebration of global music, culture and creativity.

One of Aotearoa’s most celebrated musical shapeshifters, Troy Kingi will present two unique sets at WOMAD Aotearoa 2027. The first being a celebration of the first nine albums of Kingi’s ambitious 10|10|10 project – 10 albums in 10 genres over 10 years, alongside special guests. For the second performance he’ll be joined by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for a special world-premiere performance marking the culmination of his 10|10|10 project with the unveiling of his tenth and final album: 10|10|10 – The Final Chapter with The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

A symbol for Tuareg resistance and poetry since 1979, Tinariwen blends blues with Saharan traditions to create a unique sound that has turned the heads of artists from Robert Plant to José González. Almost 50 years later, with a 2018 WOMAD Aotearoa performance and four WOMADelaide appearances under their belt, the Grammy-winning band remain dedicated to spreading awareness of the plight of the Tuareg people through a powerful marriage of traditional drums, electric guitars and immersive storytelling. Tinariwen are looking forward to bringing their distinctive sound and powerful musical legacy back to WOMAD Aotearoa.

The Fijian Flying Circus, brings a world-first fusion of Fijian storytelling and contemporary circus. The group, created by renowned Pacific dance company VOU, has toured to more than 35 countries. The production is the first and only homegrown circus company in the Pacific Islands. Fijian Flying Circus brings spectacular circus and dance performances along with storytelling and Fijian cultural workshops.

Drew James, Event Director says “We are really proud to give New Zealander’s a taste of what is to come for WOMAD Aotearoa 2027.  Featuring an ambitious world-premiere of one of Aotearoa’s distinctive artists with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as backing band, a Grammy Award-winning African desert blues with an extraordinary musical legacy, and contemporary circus and dance from the Pacific. They’re all very different, but that breadth is exactly what WOMAD is about – bringing exceptional artists, cultures and creative ideas together in one place. And this is only the first taste of what’s to come.”

This first announcement offers a taste of the extraordinary mix of music, performance and cultural discovery to come, with more artists and experiences still to be revealed.

WOMAD Aotearoa returns to the Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park, Taranaki, from 12–14 March 2027. Tickets are on-sale now from womad.co.nz

WOMAD AOTEAROA

12 – 14 March 2027

Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park, Taranaki

TROY KINGI PRESENTS:

10|10|10 – THE FINAL CHAPTER

WITH THE NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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TINARIWEN

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FIJIAN FLYING CIRCUS