WOMADelaide has started revealing its 2027 lineup — and its first three artists are substantial.

Madness, Leon Bridges and Tinariwen will perform at the Australian festival when it returns to Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla in Adelaide from 5–8 March 2027.

The festival will also celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Madness are coming to WOMADelaide

Legendary British ska-pop band Madness provide the most immediately recognisable booking from the first announcement.

The group behind songs including Our House, Baggy Trousers and One Step Beyond will make a rare Adelaide appearance.

It’s an interesting booking for WOMADelaide because the festival has always stretched its definition of world music far beyond traditional genres.

Leon Bridges joins the lineup

Grammy-winning American singer Leon Bridges is the second major artist announced.

His WOMADelaide performance is expected to feature a full ensemble including backing vocalists and horns.

Bridges’ combination of soul, R&B and contemporary pop should make him one of the biggest crossover artists on the eventual lineup.

Tinariwen bring desert blues to Adelaide

The third confirmed artist is Tinariwen.

The Grammy-winning Tuareg group have become one of the world’s best-known exponents of desert blues, blending electric guitar music with musical traditions from the Sahara.

Putting Madness, Leon Bridges and Tinariwen into the same first announcement says quite a lot about what WOMADelaide is trying to do.

When is WOMADelaide 2027?

WOMADelaide takes place from 5–8 March 2027 at Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla in Adelaide, South Australia.