William Crighton. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Welcome to our coverage of the final day of WOMADelaide! These last few days have been such spectacular fun and today should be no exception as Fuel Fandango, Nattali Rize and The Specials take the stage.

William Crighton

Armed with a ukelele, this heavily bearded blues musician enthralled the crowd with his Bob Dylan-esque lyrics (sample line: “Jesus got the blues and I’m about to lose”). The measured pace of Crighton’s music was greatly appreciated by audience members nursing hangovers from the night before.

Fuel Fandango. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Fuel Fandango

Sporting a Frida Kahlo-esque floral crown, this Spanish duo electrified Stage 3. Combining traditional flamenco with synth-pop, this set was a hit amongst the Hey Reflecto wearing young families.

Nattali Rize. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Nattali Rize. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Nattali Rize

Bringing reggae to the Foundation stage, this act featured a guitarist wearing a ridiculously cool Daft Punk helmet. Fronted by former Blue King Brown vocalist Natalie Pa’apa’a, a heartfelt call to fighting social injustice was made in between songs.

Kelly Menhennett. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Kelly Menhennett

One of the more vocal crowds this WOMADelaide festival was probably at singer-songwriter Kelly Menhennett‘s set. Playing the smaller Zoo Stage, this South Australian drew cheers with songs that referenced local geographical points, such as the Murray River.  

A.B. Original. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

A.B. Original 

This hip-hop duo‘s set opened with a traditional Indigenous song and dance performance. What followed was a scorching show with fiery verses reminiscent of the hip-hop stylings of legends, N.W.A. Despite the use of heavy coarse language, most of those dancing at the front were cherubic toddlers sitting on the shoulders of their very cool parents.

La Mambanegra. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

La Mambanegra 

We were transported to the beaches of Colombia in this incredibly fun, salsa-heavy set. Despite #womadfatigue setting in before the start of their show, it was difficult to stop dancing to the South Americans‘ exotic rhythms.

Aziza Brahim. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

Aziza Brahim 

An angelic delight, Aziza Brahim‘s subdued show was the perfect soundtrack to seeing the sun set. Inspired by songs and tales recited by her grandmother, this Sahrawi songbird charmed the audience with her powerful vocals and luminous presence.

The Specials. Photo credit: Rachel Wong

The Specials 

Godfathers of British Ska, this celebrated group played hit after hit, including the beloved “Ghost Town“. The best possible act to close WOMADelaide 2017, spirits (and individuals) were high as these superstars made this year’s festival one of the best we’ve ever seen. 

– Rachel Wong and Masya Zabidi