The good people at Rhythmtree have over 60 acts confirmed for the festival. Taking place over 24 - 26 August 2012, the Rhythmtree is all set for its third year. Looking at the line-up this year the World Music Network office certainly got excited. Overflowing with the finest fusion acts and new talent, make sure you hop across the water (wherever you are!) and visit this festival on the Isle of Wight. 

The line-up at Rhythmtree doesn’t focus on the music of a particular country, region or genre but celebrates the kaleidoscopic wealth of musical experimentation happening all over the world. With the weekend scheduled to host the likes of Wara, Awalé and Lokkhi Terra – the concentration is on celebrating new fusions and electrifying experimentations that are happening right now.

Many festival-goers attend Rhythmtree without knowing the bands they will see but come away stimulated by the veritable smörgåsbord of sounds on offer. This year you can enjoy everything from Latin-funk to Afrobeat to throat singing,  didgeridoo playing and more.

Here are our hand-picked top-tips and unmissable moments of Rhythmtree 2012: 

Vieux Farka Toure - Saturday 25 August

Son to the inimitable Ali Farka, Vieux is another unstoppable guitarist from the Toure line. Although his famous father who tried to discourage him from becoming a musician and instead train as a soldier, Vieux secretly began playing guitar in 2001. Realising his son's talent, Ali eventually gave Vieux his blessing and he has been astounding audiences with his rich, bluesy guitar ever since. Whilst firmly rooted in the realms of his fathers music, Vieux's style is more elastic and experimental - he works in Latin, rock and other African influences. 

The Perch Creek Family Jug Band - Friday 24 August

The Perch Creek Family Jug Band is a rip-roaringly eccentric outfit from Australia. Their bio states the line-up includes 'Australia's top one-legged saw player, Who magazine's 'most handsome jug player' and more siblings that you can count'! Their music is jug band meets country meets jazz meets bluegrass. Listen out for five-part harmonies, harmonicas, kazoos, trombones, tap-dancers and more. With The Perch Creek Family Jug Band on stage literally anything could happen!

MuHa - Sunday 26 August

The band MuHa mix their eastern roots, sounds and traditions together. Also inflected by their experiences in the UK, their style is ethereal and flowing. Don't be surprised to pick up on melodies from Eastern Europe, North Indian Kathak rhythms, Cuban beats and more. 

The band formed in 2004 when Ukrainian-born singer/songwriter Iryna Muha met Latvian rock legend Dmitry Fedetov. Together with bandmates Louise Clements, Olya Shafikova and Nikka Mckenzie, MuHa offers a bewitching modern fusion of Slavonic-rooted music. Check out this example of their dreamy sound: 

Awalé - Sunday 26 August

Awalé are a a marvellously multicultural band with members from France, Slovakia, UK, Tunisia and Cuba. Their music is Afro-beat mixed with Latin Jazz, Ethiopian Funk, North African Amarzigh music and whatever else they fancy. The band are chameleon-like in their flexibility, sidestepping from free jazz sax solos to tight groovy funk guitar lines and back with ease. The band released their debut album produced by none other than Nick 'Dubulah' Page back in May, and look set for great things.

Kadialy Kouyate - Sunday 26 August

Kadialy was born into the long line of Kouyate griots from Southern Senegal. His natural kora playing has made waves on the scene in the UK where he currently resides. He plays original compositions that marry funky vibes and upbeat West African grooves, and are guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. 

He went down so well at Rhythmtree Festival previously that Kadialy has been re-booked to appear again. Prepare to be amazed by his fleet-fingered skills and magnetic stage presence.

Buy your tickets here!