megastar performance time on sunday night at womadelaide
this time on this night usually reserved for the year's star attraction
cesaria evora, femi kuti, jimmy cliff, youssou n'dour seen in previous years
this lady also seen previously in 2001 on a side stage in mid afternoon
probably the one act seen at my first womadelaide that set the scene
a decision made at that time to return every year to this festival
since then she has become a megastar of world music in europe
has released several stunning albums and a glorious dvd
filmed at a large concert in paris with her in all her glory
bare-footed, shaven-headed, superbly accompanied
a fine testament to the warmth, rhythm and sound of mali music
so basically - very high expectations for this main stage performance
the scene also set by being witness to a low-key acoustic set the previous night
dressed in jeans, telling long and riveting stories, singing beautifully
tonight is showtime on the big stage and a huge crowd in attendance
the opening number a comforting sign we were in for a real treat
a slow and strange beat, african feel, rokia's unique voice
so the expectation seemingly justified and excitement high
rumours had gone around of a 12-piece band joining her on stage
but disappointingly there are a total of 6 musicians before our eyes
rokia, guitarist, bass-player, drummer, backing singer, ngoni player
the ngoni a small stringed mali instrument of which she normally has 2
uh-oh - signs of a shift away from tradition towards contemporary
confirmed by the sighting of whitey-boys in the rhythm department
and the next number evidence of this shift with the band rocking out
it's a very loud, clean and hybrid sound that they making on stage
still definitely african based but with strong white-man overtures
me already thinking someone has told them the change is necessary
world domination beckons but compromises are required for that
so the purist in me saddened a little by this obvious change in direction
but then again - this is rokia traore - she is adorable - let it go
and with that i give over to what turns out to be a superb show
excellent sound, great lighting, stunning musicianship, megastar
i spent most of the night with eyes clasped on the lady herself
except for the times when she stepped aside and shone the spotlight
mr bass-player in particular now appointed the king of that instrument
in one outstanding solo he effectively stole that title from juan nelson
he the man alongside ben harper and with a similar virtuoso style
at the end of the set rokia went off stage leaving the band to have some fun
the backing singer stepping forward to show off her dancing prowess
another gorgeous lady now in the spotlight with all eyes transfixed
leading to a huge round of applause and a very happy audience
all in all a brilliant show from rokia, band and management (ahem)
guess you just have to keep moving musically these days
