Cesaria Evora unable to perform WOMAD 2008, Neil Finn confirmed.

Cesaria Evora, known affectionately as ‘The Barefoot Diva’, who was scheduled to perform at WOMAD 2008 this weekend, suffered a minor stroke earlier in the week. She remains under observation in a Sydney hospital and will return to Cape Verde in a few days time, after her condition has stabilised.

Nicknamed 'the barefoot diva' for performing in bare feet in support of the disadvantaged women and children of her country, Cesaria Evora is a truly legendary singer. Her soulful, evocative songs are in a style known as morna – sung in Creole Portuguese and related to Portuguese fado and Brazilian modinha. Since recording her first hit album in 1988, Evora has had a stellar international performing career and sold more than five million albums.

Suzanne Porter, WOMAD Event Director, announced this morning that national treasure Neil Finn will perform solo at WOMAD on Sunday 16 March instead, saying:

“We are very sad not to be able to present Cesaria at the festival, but we are relieved that she is expected to make a full recovery.
We are also thrilled that Neil Finn can perform on Sunday at WOMAD 2008 ”

With a musical career that has spanned two of New Zealand's most successful exports; Split Enz and Crowded House, as well as an acclaimed solo career, Neil Finn is arguably New Zealand's King of Pop.
WOMAD New Zealand is proud to be presenting this great talent even under such inauspicious circumstances.

Audiences will still be able to purchase a collection of Evora’s releases onsite at WOMAD at Mr V Music.