WOMAD FESTIVAL Charlton Park, Wiltshire, July 28-31
FRIDAY afternoon in leafy Wiltshire and already this sleepy corner of England is exploding like a frenzied late-night rave in Soweto. A late addition to the long-running global music festival, “Afropsychedelic” collective BCUC – Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness – are intent on making a big impact with their thunderous blend of township rhythms, fizzing electronics, gospelinfused vocals and staccato raps. A high-voltage showman, frontman Jovi Nkosi climbs the lighting rig, perches on the bass speakers and commands the crowd to mosh. “Woop woop!” he booms. “That’s the sound of the police…”
WOMAD has had a bumpy ride, who rescued the debut festival from financial ruin four decades ago. Like a proud dad, Gabriel has popped back this year to witness his baby reach midlife maturity.
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