WOMADelaide reveals 2027 line-up marking 35 years of The World's Festival

As WOMADelaide prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, the festival has revealed a vibrant and eclectic lineup for its 2027 edition. Taking place from March 5 to March 8 at Adelaide’s Botanic Park on Kaurna Country, the event continues its tradition of showcasing a wide spectrum of global sounds and cultural performances.

Since its inception in 1992, WOMADelaide has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s premier festivals, drawing international artists alongside homegrown talent. This year's roster underscores the festival’s commitment to musical diversity and discovery with 36 confirmed acts spanning multiple genres and continents.

Leading the charge is the legendary British electronic duo Underworld, whose career spans over four decades. Renowned for their influential track “Born Slippy .NUXX,” famously featured in the film Trainspotting, Underworld’s inclusion highlights the festival’s appeal to electronic music enthusiasts and long-time fans of innovative dance music.

Making her WOMADelaide debut is Texas-born soul singer Leon Bridges, known for his smooth vocal style and infectious rhythms. His recent album, Happiness Anytime, signals a fresh chapter in his career, promising an engaging live experience for festivalgoers.

Adding to the international flavor, Quebec’s Angine de Poitrine will introduce Australian audiences to their distinctive instrumental rock, notable for its eccentric visual presentation and hypnotic soundscapes. Similarly, British ska-pop group Madness returns to Australia after a decade, offering a set rich with their timeless hits that have defined the genre.

The festival also spotlights artists who blend traditional roots with contemporary influences. Malian singer and multi-instrumentalist Fatoumata Diawara, celebrated for her captivating voice and collaborations with artists like Disclosure and Gorillaz, will bring her soulful melodies to the stage. Meanwhile, Tuareg band Tinariwen returns with their desert blues, delivering powerful messages of protest and hope through their latest album, Hoggar.

Other notable international contributors include the Dutch-Turkish psych-rock ensemble Altin Gün, Los Angeles-based synth-pop duo Haute & Freddy, Spanish vocalist Maria Arnal, and London DJ and label founder Bradley Zero, known for his influential role in the underground music scene.

Local representation remains robust with Australian icon Christine Anu ready to share her culturally rich repertoire. First Nations rapper and producer Trials will present his solo work, while Ngaiire will highlight emerging talent from Papua New Guinea through her Musik Blok mentorship program. The lineup also welcomes returning acts such as Ukrainian folk fusion group DakhaBrakha and Indian violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam, a participant in the festival’s inaugural year.

Diversifying the program further, the festival includes Japan’s punk group Seppuku Pistols, India’s first all-female hip hop collective Wild Wild Women, Irish folk band The Haar, South African afro-psychedelic group BCUC, Jamaican dub artist Hempress Sativa, and Belarusian accordion innovator Yegor Zabelov.

Festival director Ian Scobie has acknowledged WOMADelaide’s longevity and status as one of Australia’s most respected cultural events, emphasizing the significance of its enduring international and local appeal. Though additional artist announcements are anticipated, the current lineup promises a rich palette of sounds and performances that reflect the event’s global ethos.

With tickets already available, WOMADelaide 2027 is positioned to continue its legacy as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and musical exploration, bringing together artists and audiences from around the world in a celebration of creativity and community on Kaurna Land.