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Shamanic folk meets glossy K-Pop energy in the technicolour world of ADG7. Hailing from South Korea, this nine-piece ensemble is one of the most visually and sonically stunning acts on the global circuit. Their performance is part ritual and part riot, featuring powerhouse female vocals, traditional Korean instruments, and a stage presence bursting with vibrant costumes and synchronized charisma. Drawing on the sacred music of shamanic traditions and the folk songs of the Hwanghae Province, ADG7 reinterprets heritage through a funky, modern lens. The result is a high-octane, feel-good spectacle that defies genre boundaries. Glasgow audiences can expect a whirlwind of catchy hooks and spiritual grooves that make it impossible to stay still.

Led by a formidable female voice and the driving, metallic pluck of the electric awicha, Bab L’ Bluz are the frontline of the Moroccan “Gnaoua” blues revolution. This power quartet reclaims North African traditions with a heavy, funky, rock-and-roll attitude that feels entirely contemporary. Their sound is a psychedelic collision of ancient Berber rhythms and soaring, soulful vocals that carry a message of freedom and equality. On stage, they deliver a gritty, high-voltage performance that has earned them a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in world music today. Expect a trance-inducing journey through the desert and back, powered by heavy grooves and an unmistakable Saharan swagger.

A true force of nature, King Ayisoba is the king of “Kologo Power.” Armed with his kologo, a traditional two-stringed lute, and a powerhouse rasping voice, he brings the raw energy of the Upper East Region of Ghana to the heart of Glasgow. His music is a hypnotic fusion of ancient village traditions and modern urban grit, stripped back to its most essential, percussive elements. Ayisoba’s performances are legendary for their intensity; he is a charismatic storyteller whose songs tackle social issues with a fierce, celebratory spirit. Audience members should prepare for a primal, high-energy experience that bypasses the head and goes straight to the feet. It is raw, rhythmic, and utterly undeniable.

Mari Kalkun will perform program called “Stories of Stonia” Going back to a very old layer of tradition and imagine what her ancestors would have thought and sung about the world in an era of skyscrapers, steel and metal. The central topic of the program and the album is humanity’s controversial relationship with nature and whether the old runo songs are able to speak out about over-consumption and climate change. In her evocative program “Stories of Stonia,” Estonian musician Mari Kalkun explores the profound relationship between humanity and the natural world. Drawing on the ancient “runo” song traditions of her ancestors, Mari imagines how those voices would echo in an era of skyscrapers and steel. Accompanying herself on the kannel (zither), her music is a delicate but powerful meditation on over-consumption and climate change. Her live show is a spellbinding experience, where her crystalline vocals transport the audience to the deep forests of the Baltic. It is a performance of quiet intensity and immense beauty, offering a moment of reflection amidst the festival energy. Expect a set that feels like a shared secret, rooted in the earth but reaching for the stars.

Montanera’s unique solo set is a masterclass in vocal architecture, first premiered at WOMAD. The Colombian singer and composer layers her voice in real-time to create an ethereal, choral effect that recalls the delicate experimentation of Imogen Heap. Drawing deeply on the music of her motherland, she weaves a distinctive tapestry of folk, electronic, and ambient textures. Her latest work, A Flor de Piel, has earned international acclaim from the likes of David Byrne and Iggy Pop for its immersive beauty. In a live setting, Montanera creates a sonic sanctuary, inviting the audience into a world of haunting melodies and lush, atmospheric loops. It is a deeply immersive performance that showcases the voice as the ultimate instrument of discovery.

The island-powered trio from Stornoway brings their legendary “Boye” energy to WOMAD Glasgow for what promises to be an unstoppable party. Peat & Diesel have become a cultural phenomenon, famous for their full-throttle anthems, rugged charm, and a live show that leans into glorious chaos. Their songs are love letters to life in the Hebrides, delivered with a punk-folk spirit that invites every single person in the crowd to sing along at the top of their lungs. Expect stomping rhythms, accordion-led hooks, and a heavy dose of West Coast wit. Whether they are playing the classics or debuting “new choons,” a Peat & Diesel set is a high-octane celebration of community and high-spirits. Come ready for the “Peaty” madness.

Thirty-five years into their career, Shooglenifty remain the undisputed kings of “Acid Croft.” As the originators of a sound that fuses traditional Highland fiddle melodies with Gaelic song and contemporary dance rhythms, they are one of the most exciting live acts in Scotland. Their WOMAD set will feature a dynamic blend of three decades of crowd favorites alongside fresh material from their upcoming 10th studio album. With the virtuosic fiddle of Eilidh Shaw and the driving vocals of Kaela Rowan, the band brings a world-traveled energy that has graced stages from the Sydney Opera House to the Borneo Rainforest. Their rhythm section is legendary for its groove, making a Shooglenifty show a high-energy dance event. Wear your comfortable shoes.

A master of the kora and a proud 74th-generation griot from The Gambia, Suntou Susso is a musician whose lineage stretches back centuries. His music acts as a breathtaking bridge between the deep, oral histories of West Africa and the modern, multicultural sounds of his current home in the UK. Suntou’s command of the 21-string harp-lute is masterful, weaving intricate, rippling melodies that are both meditative and rhythmic. On stage, his warmth and virtuosity create an atmosphere of grace and celebration. He brings a contemporary edge to his griot heritage, ensuring the ancient sounds of the kora feel fresh and vital. Expect a performance of profound beauty and rhythmic elegance that speaks a universal language of harmony.

Celebrating a decade of ripping up the folk music rulebook, Talisk are one of the most celebrated live acts in contemporary Scotland. With over 15 million streams and headline performances across five continents, the trio has built a massive global following through sheer, explosive energy. Armed with concertina, fiddle, and guitar, Mohsen Amini, Benedict Morris, and Charlie Galloway create a sound far larger than the sum of its parts. Having captivated audiences at Glastonbury and the OVO Hydro, this WOMAD appearance is a special homecoming for the band. Expect big energy, heavy tunes, and a masterclass in how three people can completely command a festival stage. It is an all-out celebration of ten years at the forefront of the folk revolution.

The Raghu Dixit Project (TRDP) offers a high-energy, immersive journey into the heart of contemporary Indian folk. Rooted in regional poetry and ancient storytelling, Raghu’s music is anchored by his powerful, soaring vocals and an infectious, celebratory spirit. The sound is both organic and expansive, featuring a vibrant mix of Carnatic violin, Indian flute, and driving guitars and percussion. This is music that demands participation, Raghu’s sets are famous for turning thousands of strangers into a unified, clapping, singing choir. Above all, TRDP is about the connection between cultures and the pure joy of the moment. Glasgow can expect a world-class performance that feels like a giant, colourful embrace, leaving the audience uplifted and energized.

Known as the “Hendrix of the Sahara,” Vieux Farka Touré is a global icon of the desert blues. As the son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré, Vieux has not only carried his father’s torch but expanded the Malian sound into new, psychedelic territories. His guitar work is hypnotic and masterful, blending traditional West African rhythms with the raw power of American blues and rock. On stage, Vieux is a mesmerizing presence, leading his band through trance-like grooves and soaring solos that transport the listener to the heart of Bamako. His performances are a profound celebration of Malian culture and the universal power of the guitar. Expect a soulful, world-class set that bridges the gap between the desert and the city.

Zé Ibarra is a visionary force redefining the landscape of modern Brazilian music with a bold, cinematic sound. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Zé first captured the world’s attention as the voice and pianist of Rio’s acclaimed band Dônica and later as a co-founder of the Latin Grammy-winning sensation Bala Desejo. His solo work, particularly on his latest album AFIM, is a masterclass in texture, blending MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), jazz, and experimental pop into intense, visually striking soundscapes. Every note unfolds like a moving painting, bridging classic Brazilian influences with a daring, modern edge. On stage, Zé delivers a performance that is as emotionally charged as it is unforgettable, inviting the audience into an immersive world of lush melodies and sophisticated rhythms. Expect a soulful, sophisticated set from one of Brazil’s most exciting contemporary exports, delivered with a warmth that will resonate across the Glasgow parkland.