Ziggy Marley Withdraws From WOMAD Australia, New Zealand Due To 'Unforeseen Family Responsibilities'

Zach Patino – Ziggy Marley
BottleRock Napa Valley in Napa, Calif.

Ziggy Marley pulled out of WOMAD in Australia and New Zealand a week of his appearances.

The Australian version, held in Adelaide’s Botanic Park and called WOMADelaide, runs March 6-9.

WOMAD New Zealand is March 13-15 in New Plymouth.

A statement from Marley, March 5, apologised to fans and said he’d return in 2021.

“I had some unforeseen family responsibilities that came up and I have to take care of it,” he wrote. “I always love coming. I was really looking forward to this trip and we haven’t been there in a while so it was really sad that we’re not making it but alas, next year at the WOMAD festivals we will be there and so we will see you then.”

WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie said, “We are sad that Ziggy will no longer be joining us …but we have been assured that this decision was not made lightly. We wish Ziggy and his young family only the best.”

A replacement for Markey’s March 9 headline slot will be announced over the next few days.

The festival features 42 music, dance and arts acts from 32 countries.

WOMAD New Zealand is also searching for a replacement for Marley’s March 13 headline slot.

The event also lost South Korean percussionist and purveyor of the Janggu (double-headed drum) Kim So Ra.

Travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus prevented her and her troupe from travelling to New Zealand.