WOMAD

Bomba with Derub

From Australia, Ethiopia

Wannabe ethnomusicologists beware! This lot might be something of a cultural mish-mash (they’re reggae-loving Aussies who’ve been known to work the other-worldly sound of the theremin into their repertoire), but they’re not ripe for any kind of in-depth academic study. Soulful reggae is the name of the game and goodtime drum-based grooves is their stock in trade. Known Down Under for their buoyant live shows, it’s now time for us Northern Hemisphere types to be let into the party. Their most recent album, Learn To Breathe, won some admiring glances from influential American magazine The Beat who declared it a record that “truly captures the zest and power of live performance while being loaded with memorable songs”. And that’s not all. The cultural jigsaw just got more complicated with the chaps inviting Ethiopian singer and masinko player Derub Desalegn along. His single-stringed traditional instrument and wailing vocals will prove an effective counterpoint, as evidenced with their joint set at WOMADelaide earlier this year. With the sun (hopefully) beating down on the Rivermead populace, this combo will be able to put a smile on – and remove the anorak of – even the most committed ethnomusicologist.