WOMAD South Africa – The World’s Festival

Conceived in 1982 by British musician Peter Gabriel, WOMAD has since brought the sights, sounds and rhythms of the world to over 30 countries and an audience of millions – and South Africa was privileged to be next on the itinerary for the event’s 40-year celebration. The WOMAD South African Safari 2022 was presented successfully as a series of unique, boutique-style events in Cape Town, Hermanus, Soweto and Johannesburg.

There were a number of collaborations and free interactive workshops for local creatives. The main theme for 2022 was based on “First Nations” indigenous artists from Canada, USA, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa’s Khoisan community. This theme was so well received that it will continue in years to come.

Some of the collaborations that Dan has curated were Sibusile Xaba (SA) and Esinam (Belgium/Ghana); Nobuhle (SA) and Karla Grunewaldt (Chile); Nosisi Ngakane (SA) and Digging Roots (Canada); Nelisiwe Mtsweni (SA) and D’DAT (USA); Khaya Mgozulu (SA) and D’DAT (USA); Felix Aromoro (Nigeria) and D’DAT (USA); Azah (SA) and Tiki Taane (New Zealand); Zolani Mahola (SA) and Modena City Ramblers (Italy) and African Jazz Pioneers & The Mahotella Queens (SA).

He is also the founder of the pioneering Awesome Africa Festival, a conceptualiser and producer of events,  the originator and driving force behind The Liberation Project and The Solidarity Express, the Festival Director for WOMAD in South Africa and serves as a Global Ambassador for Project Rhino.