Angelique Kidjo And David Suzuki Named For WOMADelaide 2016

24 September 2015 | 8:56 am | Staff Writer

Plus a set of amazing artists

In gearing up for its 20th year, WOMADelaide (World Music and Dance Festival) has announced two impressive names for its 2016 line-up of speakers and artists — Grammy-winning artist and activist Angélique Kidjo for her very first Australian appearance along with Canadian educator, academic and environmentalist David Suzuki.

Kidjo will be backed by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in presenting three-part movement Ifé, which will take place as part of WOMADelaide's opening night ceremonies.

Dr Suzuki has numerous accolades for his works in the realms of science and the environment, as well as having penned over 55 books, 19 of which are for children. He'll be speaking as part of the Planet Talks program presented by the University of South Australia.

A number of incredible artists come packaged in today's announcement as well, in the form of Melbourne outfit The Cat Empire, Wisconsin alt rockers Violent Femmes, highly-regarded South African choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo and many more.

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WOMADelaide is due to take place from 11 to 14 March at the Botanic Park.

Check out the full first announce below.

WOMADelaide 2016

Angélique Kidjo (Benin) & Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (Aus)
David Suzuki (Canada)
47 SOUL (Palestine/Syria/Jordan)
Australian Dance Theatre (Aus)
The Cat Empire (Aus)
DakhaBrakha (Ukraine)
Diego el Cigala (Spain)
Edmar Castaneda Trio (Colombia/USA)
The Jerry Cans (Canada)
John Grant (USA)
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa)
Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat (Iran)
Marlon Williams (NZ/Aus)
Orange Blossom (France/Egypt)
Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico (Greece)
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria)
Songhoy Blues (Mali)
Violent Femmes (USA)
David Suzuki (Canada)
Tanya Monro (Aus)
First Dog On The Moon (Aus)
Simon Hackett (Aus)