Those two giants of the world music scene, Andy Kershaw and Charlie Gillett, reveal what they're looking forward to and what they recommend at this year's festival. And don't forget to catch special editions of their shows from WOMAD.
KERSHAW'S PICKS
Culture
Joseph Hill, frontman of Culture, parted from his backing singers in 1982. But he continues the legacy of the band that broke in the early 1970s, whose trademark sound and lyrics of stark prophetic warnings has attracted a crowd far wider than reggae alone. Traditionally renowned for electrifying live performances, Hill will be more than at home in the festival arena.
Youssou N'Dour
Rolling Stone magazine once described Youssou N'Dour's voice as "so extraordinary that the history of Africa seems locked inside it." In his native Senegal this drummer, singer and bandleader is a living legend. He's the leading exponent of 'mblax', a style of music which combines traditional rhythms with modern electric instruments. Don't miss the best known African musician in the world today.
Robert Plant
A rock legend who refuses to rest on his laurels, constantly innovating, discovering and incorporating new sounds and styles. This current direction proves the time he spent at the Festival in the Desert was not wasted.
GILLETT'S PICKS
Mahmoud Ahmed
Back home in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, praise and adoration has rained down on Mahmoud Ahmed for decade after decade, making him a true icon of East African music. Expect a performance of intensity from this emotional singer, now in his early sixties, who has been favourably compared to James Brown and Otis Redding.
Yasmin Levy
Yasmin Levy's voice revives the ancient art of Ladino singing, whose songs reach back to 15th-century Spain. A relative unknown 18 months ago, she now claims a BBC Award for World Music nomination and two stunning albums. To quote Charlie Gillett: "I close my own eyes and Yasmin Levy fills my head with her voice, searing, soaring, sighing. When she stops, I unwillingly open my lids and face reality."
Ilham Al Madfai
Ilham Al Madfai was initially of Baghdad's rock'n'roll band in the 60s, called the Twisters. Ilham embodies a unique blend of respectful traditionalism, radical innovation and emotional magnetism. In recent times, his music has been a bridge over troubled waters for Iraqis and Arabs the world over.
Amadou & Mariam
One of this year's success stories, this remarkable Malian husband and wife team, mix music from their homeland with the sounds of R&B, Latin rhythms and European pop. Their latest, Manu Chao produced album is a wonder, but live they're phenomenal.
Lura
Charlie Gillett has recently discovered Lura, whose second album, he feels, improves with every listen. Though born and raised in Lisbon, she epitomises the cool Cape Verde vibe of her ancestory.
Chango Spasiuk
This accordion player from Argentina has enjoyed much success this year, including a nomination for a BBC world music award. Chamamé's leading contemporary exponent, mixing it with , he is rock, jazz and avant-garde references. He has released six albums in Argentina so far, three of which have been compiled for international release on "The Charm of Chamamé" (2003). His latest CD is the wonderful "Tarefero de mis Pagos".
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