WOMADelaide Unveils Exciting First Artists: Yothi Yinda, Obongjayar, & More!
WOMADelaide, Australia’s vibrant and multifaceted festival, has unveiled the initial lineup of 49 artists set to captivate audiences in 2026. Featured acts include Yothu Yindi, Obongjayar, Marlon Williams, among others.
Festival Overview
The 29th iteration of this beloved festival will occur from March 6th to 9th, promising a musical odyssey that stretches from Bhutan to the Kimberleys and encompasses Cuba, Ukraine, and beyond.
Main Highlights
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the iconic Australian act Yothu Yindi will present a special rendition of Tribal Voice. Nigerian singer Obongjayar, known for his collaboration on the hit “adore u” by Fred again.., will bring his unique Afro-funk sound to Australia. New Zealand’s Marlon Williams will perform alongside Kapa Haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua, while spiritual jazz and South Asian classical styles will be offered by Indian-American artist Ganavya.
Other standout performances will feature Kankawa Nagarra, an 82-year-old First Nations gospel vocalist, Cuban Grammy nominee Roberto Fonseca, the Scandinavian folk group Åkervinda, and Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi, who returns after a seven-year hiatus. Soul artist Jalen Ngonda will also take the stage, fresh from his Glastonbury appearance.
Exclusive Performances
This year’s lineup will also include Australian premieres like renowned Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker’s innovative piece Rosas danst Rosas, as well as the Ukrainian-Canadian group Daughters of Donbas and the French ensemble Orange Blossom. Additionally, the festival will welcome its first Bhutanese performers, the Bhutan Balladeers.
More Artists to Anticipate
Joining the previously announced acts are Yolngu rapper Baker Boy, American singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, and Irish folk band Beoga, as well as the ABC’s Pacific Break winner, Mantis from Vanuatu.
For those interested, the complete artist lineup is available below.
WOMADelaide Experience
Since its inception in 1992, WOMADelaide has transformed into a spectacular celebration of global music, arts, and dance, drawing countless visitors to Adelaide’s Botanic Park. Each lineup offers a fresh experience, providing attendees not just music, but an enriching festival atmosphere.
The 2026 event will reprise popular programs such as Taste the World, the WoMarkets, KidZone, Planet Talks, and The Sanctuary Restaurant. The Around the Park initiative will showcase an array of creative performances as well.
Words from Organizers
WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie emphasized the festival’s unique ability to present diverse music and art on a grand scale, appealing to audiences of all ages. “WOMADelaide offers a magnificent opportunity to explore new sounds that might quickly become favorites,” he shared.
Tourism South Australia’s Minister Zoe Bettison noted, “WOMADelaide has earned its place as one of the most esteemed festivals in the nation, celebrated by locals and global visitors alike. It showcases world-class talent and creates a complete festival experience that benefits the local community, filling hotels and restaurants.”
Key Details for WOMADelaide 2026
When: Friday, March 6th – Monday, March 9th
Where: Botanic Parks/Tainmuntilla, Adelaide SA
Artist Lineup (A-Z)
Åkervinda (Sweden)
Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy (Ghana)
Annahstasia (USA)
Any Young Mechanic (AUS)
Ashkan Shafiei (Iran/AUS)
Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou (Morocco)
Australian Art Orchestra with Kojoe & Hikaru Tanaka — Raw Denshi (Japan/AUS)
Baker Boy (AUS)
Balaganesan & Bageswari (India)
BARKAA (AUS)
Beoga (Ireland)
Bhutan Balladeers (Bhutan)
Blinky Bill (Kenya)
Bobby Alu (Samoa/AUS)
Born in a Taxi (AUS)
BVT (Philippines/AUS)
Chloe Loftus Dance – The Air Between Us (NZ/Belgium)
Cie Hors Surface (France)
Crazy P (DJ set) (UK)
Daughters of Donbas (Ukraine/Canada)
Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek (Turkiye)
Džambo Aguševi Orchestra (Macedonia)
Ganavya (India/USA)
GANNA (Ukraine)
Iron & Wine (USA)
Jalen Ngonda (USA/UK)
Jyoty (UK)
Kankawa Nagarra (AUS)
La Perla (Colombia)
The Lazy Eyes (AUS)
Lewis Major Projects (AUS)
MĀ (NZ)
Mantis (Vanuatu)
Marlon Williams (NZ)
Maryam Rahmani (Iran/AUS)
My Chérie (South Africa/AUS)
Nattali Rize (AUS/Jamaica)
Obongjayar (Nigeria/UK)
Orange Blossom (France)
Osadía (Spain)
Roberto Fonseca (Cuba)
Rosas – Rosas danst Rosas, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker (Belgium)
Sama’ Abdulhadi (Palestine)
Stan’s Café (UK)
Troy Cassar-Daley (AUS)
Xylourides (Greece)
Yothu Yindi (AUS)
Yuka Okazaki (Japan/France)
The Zawose Queens (Tanzania)
