The 19th Musicport Festival features:

Dobet Gnahoré Grammy Award-winner whose stage presence radiates unbelievable style and energy – she sings and dances like nobody else,. Her new album MIZIKI fathoms the depths of this open courageous and intensely feminine African.She has become an internationally acclaimed voice whom the Guardian described as ‘WOMAD’s best act’. She says: ‘I want to make people dream’ – so come and share that dream!

Vieux Farka Touré, the guitarist they call the Hendrix of the Sahara, is the son of the legendary Malian guitarist, Ali Farka Touré. With each new project he undertakes Vieux expands his horizons, embraces new challenges and further entrenches his reputation as one of the world’s most talented and innovative musicians

Mokoomba This exciting Tonga group from Zimbabwe with a unique sound that has taken international audiences by storm. Their exuberant mix of Zimbabwean rhythms, Afrobeat and Afrorock reflects the deep respect that the Tonga people have for the Zambezi River and for the vibrant life that it brings to their music . Songlines best group nominees 2018.

Luar Na Lubre Galicia’s leading Celtic band, celebrating 17 albums and 300K sales in their 30 year history.The band rose to international fame when Mike Oldfield used their song O son do ar on his 1996 Voyager album and his Tubular Bells III album featured their then vocalist and they them toured with him as support band.

Natty & The Rebelship Reggae/ folk/ rock/ dance music for the soul that moves effortlessly from intimate love songs to rousing calls to arms, social commentary alongside personal observations . Natty has toured the world playing alongside acts as diverse as Adele , Stephen Marley, Horace Andy, Lee Scratch Perry and Kate Nash. A special artist not to be missed.

Adrian Sherwood .Maverick and legendary artist, producer, performer and boss of the cult British label, On-U Sound Records who inspires audiences around the world with his one-of-a kind live performances of dub. A true sonic pioneer he delivers a powerful, bass-driven ominous mix of contemporary dub, and original roots, dance, dub and reggae sounds — processed into a live cacophony of reverb delays and FX.

Olcay Bayir (Turkey) Classically trained singer who carries enchanting musical heritage of Anatolian cultures, her own contemporary compositions to original arrangements of traditional folk songs spread across the region of the Mediterranean, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Stunning!

Baka Beyond (25th Anniversary Tour) Originally inspired by the music of the Baka Forest People, Pygmies whose music and dance have been celebrated since the time of the Pharaohs, Baka Beyond use the Baka rhythms to fuse music from the band-members' Celtic and African roots. The resultant music is highly infectious and crosses boundaries of genre, age and ethnicity. Welcome return.

Hamsa Bringing together the music of Jewish Eastern Europe and Sephardic Turkey in an authentic, powerful Mediterranean Mélange they take you on a journey that not only crosses borders but also takes you deep into oneself.

Destyn Maloya (Reunion) Exclusive UK performance young band who rocked by the winds of the east coast of the island of Reunion, defend their culture, carry the torch of their ancestors, reconnect with the original roots of this music form that like the blues is rooted in slavery but has strong ties to Creole culture.

John Smith- Brilliant guitarist singer/songwriter who has steadily developed a large and dedicated following for his folk-based repertoire. Always a revelation in live performance.

Erna Chimu (Namibia) Exclusive UK performance from this award-winning Namibian Afro jazz & traditional singer and her band.

Tankus The Henge the London-based, five wheeled, funk fuelled, open top, custom paint job, rock 'n' roll jalopy. 'Like the Clash from New Orleans' One of the UK’s best live festival bands. The perfect band to finish Sunday night.

Leveret Three of England’s finest folk musicians , Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron ,each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments combine with consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.

The Other Half (Mark Billingham / My Darling Clementine) A unique collaboration between the leading lights of mystery fiction and country music. An original story by bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham, soundtracked by the powerful and poignant songs of internationally acclaimed Americana duo My Darling Clementine. Bound to be a very memorable show,

Andreas Tophøj and Rune Barslund (Denmark) two accomplished young musicians, performing on violin, accordion and viola to produce a sound closely linked to the Danish folk tradition but influenced by periods living in Ireland and the USA. and by encounters with Celtic and Nordic musicians

O'Hooley & Tidow Long time favourites of ours "boundless songwriting and exquisite harmonies that truly shine" ***** The Guardian.

Blackbeards Tea Party Gutsy folk rock from York festival favourites. A mix of original and traditional songs and tunes are given a heavy rock edge with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. This is all mixed up in an engaging, high-octane stage show that leaves audiences cheering for more.

Jasdeep Singh Degun Quartet (India/UK) One of the great young Sitar players in the UK whose Sky Scholarship has seen him working with Nitin Sawhney, Vangelis & many more. He first played Musicport with 12lve (Goldie’s Band). With 3 top class musicians this will be a real treat as he always produces something special.

Ye Vagabonds (Eire) Harmony rich folk music, influenced by Irish traditional music, Appalachian singing, and the 1960's folk revival. Very beautiful.

John Hegley - poet /comedian/genius.

Blair Dunlop award-winning British singer, songwriter and guitarist who has now released 3 albums 2 ep's and toured widely around the globe. "an intelligent, deeply thoughtful artist and performer"

Kolonien (Sweden) As Varldens Band band can’t be with us this year we are delighted that the small band that helped create the big one is here instead. Having started as a political protest band their beautiful music and harmonies are rooted in the folk traditions of Sweden.

Satteli Sisters (Switzerland/UK) They were astonishing at Musicport On The Moors in May. wonderful harmonies and beautiful songs from Swiss traditions. Expect no less

Natalie Duncan With phenomenal critical acclaim for her debut album her original songs and personal lyrics have been described as ‘compositionally between Pink Floyd and Alicia Keys.’ She got a standing ovation at Musicport 2011 & she has been working with Goldie again recently.'An incandescent star is born' (Sunday Times)

Jack And Kitty (USA) Emmy Award winning vaudevillian songsters – playing family friendly jug band folk music influenced by old blues, ragtime and jazz from the ‘20s and ‘30s. Kitty’s uncle is reggae legend Bunny Wailer and Jack’s babysitter was oddball ukulele weirdo Tiny Tim.“Leon Redbone meets Alicia Keys or Tom Waits meets Beyoncé.”

Joshua Burnell Band ‘“A welcome blast of originality in our serious world’ Acoustic Magazine, 2016‘Quite definitely a step up from traditional folk, and quite definitely, in my opinion, worthy of a mention in any progressive rock hall of fame.”’ Fatea Magazine

Two Man Ting Inventive and sunshine filled African guitar licks, live looped sung in Krio - the native tongue from Sierra Leone. Always a great live act.

Edwina Hayes “so gifted and full of song, with a voice that is as sweet as the angels” Nanci Griffith. Yorkshire-based and internationally acclaimed. Her brilliant version of Randy Newman’s “Feels Like Home” was the theme song for the film My Sister’s Keeper.

Merlyn Driver is a musician and songwriter from Orkney whose traditional music he combines with other influences from further afield

Mysterious Collective uplifting melodic, euphoric and danceable grooves on hang drum & more from Simon Wood & co

Rikki and Dalila Thomas-Martinez Energetic Rumba Flamenca & more from the front man of MasY Mas & his partner.

Dan Webster Band He is the missing link, the joining point, where folk fuses with country as good as you'll hear on any record out of Austin or Nashville - beautiful he is Anglicana' Americana UK 9/10

Paddy Garrigan & The Stroller Priests “Absolutely awesome record, been singing it for days.” - Tom Robinson

Red Hippo Unique trio, who combine jazz, folk and world music to create compositions which are accessible yet challenging on saxophones, sousaphone, fiddle, whistles, bass clarinet, stompbox, flute, and highland bagpipes.

BOB'S BLUNDABUS - fresh from its Edinburgh Fringe exploits - the mobile alternative venue where anything can happen