Aga in the UAE

Image Credit: WOMAD AD

WOMAD – World of Music and Dance, was brought to Abu Dhabi over a period of 3 days (nights actually).  The city was supported by the AD government and private sponsors, who supported the organizers in this venture.  I wasn’t familiar with WOMAD, as I’ve never attended one of these festivals elsewhere in the world, but many of my acquaintances have.

Abu Dhabi did not disappoint!  The organizers deserve a medal for making it all work so smoothly – I have never experienced anything like this here in Dubai.  The event started ON TIME – and because of this, my friend and I were late, as we expected everything to start late .  As mentioned, the event was spread over 3 nights, and I was there for night 2 – Friday night, the night the Dhol Foundation from  UK/India and Youssou N’Dour from Senegal were on.  I missed the Dhol Foundation because we were late, but was there for the other shows, and of course the grand finale of Youssou N’Dour and his band performing their amazingly inspiring music.

Youssou N'Dour @ WOMAD Abu Dhabi

I want to rave about this performer, because he deserves every single bit of praise he receives.  He is a true performer, he can definitely sing, he’s a great entertainer, works the stage, interacts with the audience, and never forgets that there are other musicians who support him in his performance.  I was wowed and mesmerized by his performance.  So much so, that I was willing to immediately go out and buy his CDs, available in the UAE.  Unfortunately and sadly Virgin Records here in Dubai doesn’t have many of his records, last time I checked they only had 2.  But I”m sure that when I touch down in North America, I can find some more resources available, or download his albums from the iTunes store.

Member of Etran Finatawa playing a traditional instrument

Etran Finatawa members @ WOMAD AD

Another group of performers that were fantastic that night, were from Niger, West Africa. A group called Etran Finatawa.  WOW!  They came in clad in their traditional dress – reflecting that of the Tuareg tribes of the Sahara people (you may have read something about the blue men of the Sahara desert – that’s the Tuareg), and the Wodaabe people from the Niger (don’t know anything about the Wodaabe people yet).  They mixed traditional instruments along with electric guitars.  They were great.  The music was beautiful, and the crowd was loving the intricate rhythms of these performers.  I would definitely recommend seeing them in concert!

Workers were not allowed to enter

Now, although I am more than willing to praise the organizers of WOMAD for doing such a fantatic job with putting it all together, I was less than impressed with the security of the event.  The event was free, which technically would mean that ALL were welcomed to attend, right?  WRONG!  The Indian and Pakistani workers were definitely not welcomed on the day I was there.  They were being stopped at the entrance site, and being told that the show was for families only!  What a bunch of rubbish, as I am definitely not a family – but I am white and a woman, so ths is an exception.  The Arab men weren’t being stopped, when they were arriving in groups, oh … but they are Arab, so that’s an exception.  The security stopped a friend of mine, who is black, because the event was for “families only”. When he opened his mouth to speak to the security, they let him through because it was obvious that he was a ‘westerner’, so OK to let through.  This was all so ridiculous, because this was a World Music festival, and the musicians brought in were from India and Africa, nd other parts of the world. So why would you stop people from those countries from entering the premises, so that they can listen to their own music?!  Shame on you security and the police that were also hovering around keeping the workers away from this event.  These men were forced to stand on the outside of the fence and listen from there.  So sad. The obvious racism in this country makes me so frustrated.  I hope that next year, WOMAD either makes the event a ‘for fee’ event, or if it continues to be free, that everybod really is welcome to enter.