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The first full day of Womex2003 began in accordance with local tradition, in other words late and relaxed. Many of the delegates having partaken of Seville’s numerous rich and varied tapas bars the night before, business got under way for real after lunch. General opinion soon agreed that the FIBES convention centre was a perfect location for the 40 or so stands, both spacious and yet manageable. The central cafeteria area was quickly elected meeting point supreme and business cards were changing hands in no time. |
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Those with the time and the curiosity headed for the neighbouring hall where the Flamenco World Trade Fair is being held simultaneously. The best in the industry’s record labels, producers and agents but also cobblers, instrument and costume makers with their colourful wares are on show. Womexers could also take advantage of the many showcases programmed. A strong performance by the young troupe Palo Flamenco in the afternoon and the renowned singer Diego Carrasco in the early evening were just two of many interesting acts on offer. At six thirty it was time to wrap things up at the FIBES and head back to town for a nap, shower, drink or food, according to taste and bodily requirements. The evening’s showcases could then begin, hosted by El Palenque, an open-air multi-stage complex situated in the space-age Parque Tecnológico built for the Universal Expo ‘92. France’s Lo’Jo were given the honour of opening the event, with a typically inspiring and enchanting show by Denis Péan and his gang. Thanks to the proximity of the stages, the double-billing of Uzbekistan’s Sevara Nazarkhan and Brazilian Mawaca was not a problem, the audience circulating continuously between the two. Uruguay’s punk rock band La Vela Puerca had attracted a considerable number of fans from the region who warmed up the atmosphere with their pogo dancing, as despite the southern location and the beautiful sun during the day, the temperature had plummeted to an arctic low. For those less into heavy guitars, Huracán de Fuego from Venezuela and their hard-hitting African drums were sure to get them on their feet and moving. A hi-energy concert from these animated Caribbean lads. While not far off Sweden’s Bazar Blå was a somewhat more introspective affair and one perhaps less suited to the venue. Jony Iliev & Band from Bulgaria presented the Rom tradition in a modernised vibe before the well-awaited set by Madagascan Jaojoby, the King of the island’s traditional Salegy music that stole the show. Those that remember Amina from a few years ago when mistaken major record label A&R tried to shoot her to mainstream stardom were surprised to discover the real face of this Tunisian singer based in France. She presented a mature and subtle mix of North African, French and electro sounds, a perfect backdrop to her beautiful voice. The evening ended in style with north-eastern Brazil’s Otto and his fabulous fusion of break beats and traditional sounds, before DJ Martin Morales and his ‘futuro flamenco’ set accompanied the bravest of Womexers late into the Andalusian night. |
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