Dobet Gnahoré [Ivory Coast]

Grammy-award winning Dobet Gnahoré is one of the big names headlining Womad this year, and her preview show was certainly no letdown. The Ivory Coast singer/songwriter/dancer/percussionist meshed the sounds of Africa and Europe together in an eclectic mix, backed capably by her French guitarist and partner Colin Laroche de Féline.

Dobet’s greatest strength is perhaps her voice, which at times trembles with power and emotion. It did all feel a little restrained however, perhaps she’s waiting for the festival proper to begin before she really unleashes.