Jordyn with a Why, a soulful Māori-Samoan R&B artist, is in the lineup for Womad. Photo: Supplied / Womad
Womad Aotearoa is rebranding one of its stages and giving it over exclusively to DJs.
Event organisers say the Tui Stage - formerly known as the Dell - takes its inspiration from the vibrant beauty of Pukekura Park, the home to Womad in New Plymouth.
Adjacent to the Bowl of Brooklands, the main stage at Womad, the Tui Stage would offer a relaxing sanctuary by day, featuring shaded seating, food traders and a bar.
"But as the afternoon fades, it will transform as some of Aotearoa's hottest DJs spin a mix of house, techno, and bass-heavy beats, flowing well into the night," the organisers said in a statement.
Over the three days of Womad, the Tui Stage would feature a handpicked lineup of DJs, each known for their ability to fuel the dance floor.
Acts include Poppa Jax, a proud wahine Māori, who would bring an electrifying mix of future beats and international sounds.
Poppa Jax is among the lineup of DJs. Photo: Supplied / Womad
Also on the lineup: Pixie Lane, with her blend of house, techno, disco, electro, and bass; Tim Richards, whose sets bring the heat with futuristic house and bass-driven analogue techno; and LittleWild, delivering high-energy house, indie-dance, and techno to keep festival-goers bouncing.
Ben Parkes would blend deep house, tech house, and progressive house, going back-to-back with Stace for a session packed with energy, big rolling basslines, and feel-good vibes.
Representing Taranaki, Slimo would bring his roots in hip-hop DJing and turntablism, while Hoetz would deliver high-octane drum and bass, loaded with heavy basslines and signature double drops.
In addition, Womad Aotearoa announced Jordyn with a Why, a soulful Māori-Samoan R&B artist who blends neo-soul grooves with occasional pop twists, was being added to the festival lineup.
She would perform alongside a mix of international and local talent already announced, including Nitin Sawhney, the UK-based musician and composer renowned for his genre-defying music; Queen Omega, a powerhouse reggae artist from Trinidad and Tobago; Róisín Murphy, an Irish electronic pop artist known for her bold, boundary-pushing sound; and Aotearoa's own indie rock-power-pop group, The Beths.
Event organisers said the full 2025 stage schedule would be announced in the coming days with most acts performing multiple times across the festival's stages.
Womad Aotearoa 2025 runs from 14-16 March at Brooklands Park and the Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth (Ngāmotu).
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