Lights, camera, jungle drums!

The World of Music and Dance phenomenon known as WOMAD is something of a musical freak, and a loveable freak at that.

It's a hybrid catch-all semi-corporate organisation based almost entirely on "vibe". I mean, how many other concerts do you go to every year, despite the fact you've never heard of any of the artists and none of the music is in your language?

It's a very odd phenomenon, and it seems to work extremely well. And to me, what it shows is that if you work hard enough at it, people will come, and keep coming back.

What saddens me a little in a place like Singapore is the same feeling I get following a great Film Festival. Where is this sort of content year-round?

When you go seeking funds, corporate stiffs with their tight collars and power suits invariably tell you that "this sort of thing is just too niche". Yet the evidence shows that this sort of thing repeatedly sells out when its on. Go figure.

Whatever the case, all credit to WOMAD. The sight on Sunday of 71-year old maestro drummer Bill Cobham banging the drums with ferocity and exactness, as he backed young Cuban new-breeds, Asere, was fantastic to behold.

Aside from dance music, world music is very well served in Singapore thanks to WOMAD – we see artists and DJs at the peak of their powers – not sad greying rockers like The Eagles, dragging you down yet yet another dark desert highway.... cool wind in whatever hair they still have left.

Long live the bands I've never heard of, in the languages I can't speak. I'm missing them already.