Sinead O'Connor coming to WOMAD

Sinead O'Connor's performance at Womad UK in July was reportedly powerful and joyous.

Womad festival has announced its line-up today and top of the bill is Sinead O'Connor.

Frequently swinging between madness and genius, O'Connor surprised critics and fans earlier this year with the release of her 10th album I'm Not Bossy, I'm The Boss, her most confident, soul-baring album to date, with an eye firmly on pop melodies, rock attitude, and touches of soul and afro-funk.

It has put the singer firmly back in the musical limelight, and her performance at Womad UK in July was reportedly powerful and joyous, so we can cross our fingers she'll be equally on form when she comes to play at Womad NZ, at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth from March 13 to 15.

Also announced as part of the line-up are:

• Hip-hop groovers Balkan Beat Box from Israel

• Niger singer-songwriter and Dan Auerbach-collaborator Bombino

• Traditional seven-piece ensemble Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino from Italy

• Spanish punk-ragga-party four-piece Che Sudaka

• 12-piece Balkan-Romani brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia

• Brazilian chanteuse Flavia Coelho

• Legendary Congolese folk-pop act Jupiter & Okwess International

• Boston indie-jazz-soul band Lake Street Dive

• Bolivian singer Luzmila Carpio

• Eight-piece gospel act Malawi Mouse Boys

• Northern Indian classical artist Meeta Pandit

• Spanish street theatre company Osadia

• London based eclectic indie-rock duo Public Service Broadcasting

• Cutting edge Sevillian flamenco company Puerto Flamenco

• Palestinian string player Ramzi Aburedwan

• Sydney-based Taiko drumming ensemble TaikOz

• Modern Celtic supergroup The Gloaming

• Malian father and son kora masters Toumani & Sidiki Diabate

• Legendary British songwriter Richard Thompson, whose son Teddy regularly performs with previously announced Womad act, dramatic balladeer Rufus Wainwright.

• Senegalese world music spearhead Youssou N'Dour

Locals on the line up:

• Rising nu-soul star Estere

• French-inspired smoky songwriter Flip Grater

• Folk troubadour Mel Parsons

• Afro-electro-jazz-n-funk ensemble Myele Manzanza & The Eclectic

• Funk-disco party starters Tahuna Breaks

• Newly reformed TrinityRoots

For more information head to www.womad.co.nz.

- TimeOut