WOMAD

Totó La Momposina y sus Tambores

From Colombia

Some artists are totem figures for WOMAD, constant presences who’ve been with us right from those days when the organisation was taking its first teetering steps. The Drummers Of Burundi are such figures, as is Youssou N’Dour. And the great Colombian singer Toto La Momposina can effortlessly sashay her way into the same club. She remains one of Colombia’s most important musical exports, a passionate lesson in history, geography and music all rolled into one flamboyant package. She hits the stage like a one-woman carnival, revealing the depth, variety and irresistibility of her homeland’s music, particularly that of its Caribbean coast. With its Spanish, Indian and African roots inexorably entwined, this is promiscuous, mongrel music of the most thrilling kind, with Toto – whether on a pulsing cumbia or a steamy bolero – never less than a supremely charming hostess. You’ll be unable to stay still in her company. She’ll get under your skin and reach down into your soul. Prepare yourself for a Toto eclipse of the heart.