Firstly highlighting some of the bands that impressed me in the Womex showcases:
Tabanka are an energetic 7-piece Cape Verdean funaná band from Rotterdam.
The Garifuna Collective carry the Central American Garifuna musical tradition in the wake of Andy Palacio and Aurelio.
Moonlight Benjamin puts a Haitian voodoo spell over a heavyweight rock sound.
Gaye Su Akyol blends psychedelia, surf guitar and Turkish song into a compelling mix.
Barcelona’s Aurora’s piano-led jazz-flamenco was the star of the Womex opening night.
Also:
Salif Keita needs no introduction - the golden voice of Mali, with a new record.
Delgres are a Mississippi-inspired trio with links to Guadeloupe.
Fofoulah are an electronically-enhanced percussive outfit, based in London and featuring Gambian vocals and sabar from Kaw Secka.
Damily are a Madagascan tsapiky guitar band.
Jaune Toujours are veteran funky socio-politics from Brussels.
Cesare Dell’Anna & GiRODiBANDA are from Southern Italy.
The “Small Island Big Song” project was the brainchild of Australian Tim Cole and his Taiwanese partner Baobao Chen. They followed seafaring routes from Taiwan to New Zealand, Easter Island, Madagascar and all places in-between, recording local musicians in cultural communities under threat from climate breakdown and rising sea-levels.
There are upcoming Dublin gigs next week from veteran Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia (Monday), and Afro-space jazz man Idris Ackamoor (Friday), both in the Sugar Club, and the Punch Brothers in the National Concert Hall (Monday).
Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe" broadcast on Monday November 12th. The programme goes out every Monday at 10pm to midnight on 103.2FM and is available live at www.dublincityfm.ie
1. Tabanka: “Intro”.
2. Tabanka: “Spertador”. Both from “Spertador” (Tabanka 2018).
3. The Garifuna Collective: “Wire Waist”. From promotional album “Garifuna Collective - Womex 18” (
4. Salif Keita: “Were Were”. From “Un Autre Blanc” (Naïve 2018).
5. Moonlight Benjamin: “Chan Dayiva”. From “Siltane” (Ma Case 2018).
6. Gaye Su Akyol: “Halimiz Itten Beter”. From “Istikrarli Hayal Hakikattir” (Glitterbeat 2018).
7. Delgres: “Mo Jodi”. From “Mo Jodi” (Jazz Village 2018).
8. Fofoulah: “Ndanane”. From “Daega Rek” (Glitterbeat 2018).
9. Damily: “Mivaliky Tany Toy”. From “Valimbilo” (Bongo Joe 2018).
10. Jaune Toujours: “Save Le Monde”. From “Europeana” (Choux de Bruxelles 2018).
11. Cesare Dell’Anna & GiRODiBANDA: “Giro di Banda”. From “Guerra” (11/8 Records 2018).
12. Punch Brothers: “Jungle Bird”. From “All Ashore” (Nonesuch 2018).
***Punch Brothers play the National Concert Hall on Monday 19th November***
***Interview with “Small Island Big Song” producers Tim Cole & Baobao Chen with tracks from the album:
13. Charles Maimarosia: “Naka Wara Wara To’o” (Solomon Islands).
14. The Ankivio Village Band: “Hisoma Sa Ts Hisoma” (Madagascar).