As the southern hemisphere prepares for its premier world music celebration, WOMADelaide has presented the first 49 artists for its 2026 festival, showcasing an impressive array of talent representing more than 30 countries.
The 29th edition of the renowned festival will transform Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla into a cultural melting pot from March 6-9, continuing its 33-year tradition of musical discovery and cultural exchange.
The lineup features an eclectic mix of established icons and emerging talents spanning continents and genres. UK’s PJ Harvey, twice Mercury Prize winner known for her experimental alternative rock, headlines alongside Germany’s Nils Frahm, whose mesmerizing compositions blend classical piano with electronic innovation.
A global tapestry of musical mastery, from PJ Harvey’s alternative brilliance to Nils Frahm’s electronic-classical fusion.
Portuguese Fado sensation Mariza will bring her emotive traditional sounds, while Serbia’s Goran Bregović & His Wedding & Funeral Band will deliver their characteristic Balkan folk-rock fusion.
The festival’s global reach extends from Bhutan to Cuba, Ukraine to Papua New Guinea, reinforcing WOMADelaide’s commitment to diverse cultural representation. The opening night promises to be spectacular with PJ Harvey’s return after an eight-year absence, featuring a full-band experience that fans have eagerly anticipated.
Indigenous Australian performers feature prominently, with Yolngu rapper and dancer Baker Boy and the acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre bringing First Nations artistry to the international stage. Artists from the Kimberleys region will share cultural narratives alongside performers from Estonia, Mozambique, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Beyond music, the four-day event encompasses dance, visual arts, culinary experiences, and idea exchanges, creating immersive communal experiences within the picturesque parklands setting. Festival organizers have created significant buzz with this early announcement, setting the stage for additional lineup updates expected in November.
Many performing artists will likely generate substantial income through sync deals with filmmakers and advertisers seeking authentic world music for their productions.
The festival respectfully acknowledges its location on traditional Kaurna lands, integrating this recognition into its celebration of global arts.
Flexible ticketing options include both 4-day and 3-day packages, with early purchase incentives already underway.
Festival organizers have promised additional artist announcements to complement the initial 49 performers. Many artists are leveraging social media advertising to build anticipation among fans ahead of the festival, sharing behind-the-scenes content and musical teasers. The extensive programming aims to facilitate cross-cultural discovery while maintaining WOMADelaide’s reputation as Australia’s most diverse and surprising musical gathering, offering attendees unprecedented access to world cultures through artistic expression.
