Womad, the world's music festival

Womad is super special. Being here feels like travelling. I haven't been out of Enzed since summer 2013, so it's my back packing substitute. A reminder there is a world out there peopled by cultures for whom music is life. This year the festival is overshadowed by Covid. Outside the gates. Ziggy Marley cancelled but it seems all the other musicians threw caution to the wind. Music comes first and, once inside the gates, we all forget about the threat of the virus for a while.
My favourite stage, because it's small and intimate, is the Dell. I've loved African music since I discovered Baba Maal and Selif Keita in the world section of the Virgin music store on Oxford Street. So I make a beeline for the Dell where the Trio Da Kali from Mali are performing. They come from a long line of distinguised griots, hereditary musicians, and take their name from an iconic praise song in the griot repertoire- da kali means to swear an oath. I have an ace view till a 6 foot 8 pyjama suit wearing, lanky man plants himself in front and waves his limbs like seaweed on the ocean floor. He's in the moment.
David and I have a swim break and watch TV news. As of 1am Monday, New Zealand is closing its borders, with the exception of the Pacific Islands. Other nationalities can come in but they have to self-isolate for two weeks. How's that going to work? Kahu's going to miss his grandad's 100th birthday in June.
The evening produces Kiwi band L.A.B, Laura Marling who has just won top female artist at the Brit Awards, and sounds a bit like Joni Mitchell. To wind up, a kick arse 12 piece big band collective of Havana's top musicians and New York City's Latin scene. It's cool sitting on the cool earth under the Southern Cross in the volcanic amphitheatre of the Bowl.

Trio Da Mali minus the lanky dancer

Laura Marling- gorgeous vocals