Which singer founded the WOMAD world-music festival in 1982?

Peter Gabriel founded the WOMAD world-music festival in 1982.

WOMAD stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance. Gabriel helped establish the festival to present music and performance traditions from around the world to broad audiences. The first WOMAD festival was held in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, in July 1982.

The event grew out of Gabriel’s interest in international music and his work with musicians from many regions. Its programming has included concerts, dance, visual arts, workshops, and collaborations that cross national and stylistic boundaries. WOMAD’s organizers later developed editions in several countries.

WOMAD is sometimes described simply as a world-music concert, but its name deliberately covers more than music. Gabriel’s association with the festival is also distinct from his work with the band Genesis and his solo career. The festival’s stated purpose has remained the celebration of global artistic traditions and cultural exchange.