Live Review: WOMADelaide Festival 2016 Day Two

Day two of WOMADelaide eased into existence with an easy yoga session in the park (as will day three and four). It got the juices flowing for the earlybirds, most of whom travelled afterwards to take a peek at some of the previous night's performers, including Angelique Kidjo and The Jerry Cans making the most of their time here, with dancing classes, planet talks and more all ahead.

Legendary Canadian scientist and environmental activist David Suzuki sat a crowd of over 500 people down on the grass to talk frankly about the health of our planet. It was oration at it's finest, with many of the crowd erupting in applause at various times. His is a voice that we can all get behind and listen to, and it was a truly inspiring hour listening to him tell stories from his decorated life that has been devoted to mother nature. The stage for The Planet Talks doesn't do the stature of the guests on the line-up any justice, and while they've made up for it by placing screens around the perimeter, it ought to be readdressed.

Calexico's return to the festival after a six-year absence coincided, perhaps naturally, with the boogie. Their infectious brass and charismatic lead singer had the fairly mellow crowd shaking their hips in next to no time. Local drawcard Wasted Wanderers absolutely nailed their live set, singer Dusty Lee proving why he was voted The AU Review's SA Male Voice Of The Year for 2015 with falsettos that would get Prince's attention. Wasted Wanderers proved why they were on the line-up with a powerful performance, that eventually got everyone up and dancing.

This festival is unlike any other you'll find in the country. It's also probably the only one you'll find someone sitting on the dancefloor, front and centre, not actually engaging with the live set in front of them. There's not anything wrong with sitting during a performance, the atmosphere is made from those that relax out the back or on the sides, but when people remain seated in the middle of the dancefloor during a set, that's when it gets to be a bit distracting. Not only because people around those seated want to boogie, but also because those seated can't see above the knees of those in front of them. It's a strange scenario to behold and one that seems set to stay.

Sydney ska masters The Strides brought a healthy dose of late afternoon funk to an audience gearing up for a big night. French-Cuban twins Ibeyi were just beautiful during their live set. Wonderfully harmonious in different languages, with a bass line that would chill the spine. An act to keep tabs on for sure!

As the sun set on the Saturday it was Husky's task to say goodbye to the day and hello to the evening. They played everything within their repertoire, including History's Door and the award-winning Saint Joan, and really proved their live set is second to none. The vocals of Husky Gawenda and Gideon Preiss were like a gift to the soul or a warm cup of tea on a cold night.

After that beautiful embrace, it was time to get dirty, and there couldn't have been a better person up for the job than Mojo Juju. Her throaty vocals ripped through the crowd like an invisible tidal wave of goosebumps. The saxophone was deep and rumbling and Mojo Juju's vocal abilities simply astounding. They are Australia's version of Alabama Shakes, whichever way you look at it.

Then it was time for the hip hop legends De La Soul to take to the stage. Unfortunately we were only treated to two-thirds of the band, with DJ Maseo missing from the stage. Dave and Posdnuos were brilliant though, with plenty of crowd interaction and a performance that proves they still have what it takes to belt out a rhyme or two. They played their classics, even stating that "We hate playing this song, but you love hearing it, so we gon' play it for you, because you love it... even though we hate it." When talking about Me, Myself And I. They followed it up immediately with Feel Good Inc the funky bass line from that resonating with the audience's hips and feet.

The food and drink is aplenty and free water ensures we all stay hydrated. Inflatable Stonehenge — or Sacrilege, as it's known — is looking like a lot of fun for adults and kids alike.