27 october 2001

Lagbaja A winter sun faintly glimmered off the glass-enveloped buildings of Rotterdam this morning as the De Doelen opened its doors to the sleepy-eyed WOMEXers ready for the third day's events.
After two days, and nights, of frantic festivities, new friends had been made, exciting projects were in the offing and a truly family atmosphere reigned within the fair. Besides the habitual stand-hopping, the conferences continued today with, amongst others, a focus on the internet given by our homeboy, Mondomix director Marc Benaïche followed by a presentation of the Smithsonian Institute's digital preservation project by Jon Kertzer.
The line-up for the evening's showcases was a particularly interesting one today. The Grote Zaal kicked off its programme with the South African Women of Mambazo and the wonderful harmonies of their Zulu chorale singing. Next door the more folk-based band, Justin Adams and the Wayward Sheikhs took to the stage and the sheer intensity of the Englishman's singing was a captivating experience in itself. One of the highlights of the acts was without a doubt Nigerian Lagbaja and his group. With its power percussion, funky horns and some of the hottest moves and grooves around, this show was a roaring success.
A calmer option was on offer in the Grote Zaal with Souad Massi. This young singer-songwriter from Algeria has come far since first arriving in France some three years ago. Her poignantly personal lyrics are delivered with such deep emotion that even those unable to understand the words are moved. Her beautiful melodies, graceful smile and an ever-increasingly relaxed stage presence made Souad Massi one of many WOMEXers favourite artists this year.
This evening two other great female voices could be heard - from Iraq, Farida Muhammad-Ali accompanied by the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble, followed by a rather demure Natacha Atlas featured as Abdullah Chhaadeh & Nara's special guest.
For those in more of a party spirit, Mexican Mariachi with their raucous mix of Mariachi horns, Afro Cuban percussion and punk rock protest spirit got the crowd up and literally slamming. The last of the De Doelen showcases was a true treat for all rhythm lovers as master percussionist and natural comedian Trilok Gurtu put on a breathtakingly skilful performance.
For the last night of the WOMEX2001 even the most faint-hearted found the energy to prolong the event for a final beer at the Calypso, where Saturday night is Salsa night. Upstairs, the groups were running late but no way anyone was going to miss the line-up of heavy duty crossover groups chosen for the 'bouquet final'. The Franco-Malian project Frikiywa led by Frédéric Galliano was up first. A finely-tuned fusion of traditional vocals and percussion with electronic vibes. We had to wait for them, they came out last but this group was far from least, one might even say that the Dutch/Brazilian combo Zuco 103 was a sumptuous cherry on the cake. Their original fusion of drum'n'bass and Brazilian sounds has improved in precision, dynamism and cohesion while bubbly singer Lilian Vieira is as irresistible as ever. And the new tracks presented in their set clearly wet the appetite of their enthusiastic audience for the release of a new album in the near future. A truly high-quality and festive last-nighter for this year's WOMEX.

Marushka