‘Guewel’ is an interdisciplinary theatre work from 13.12, directed by Lamine Sonko. In a groundbreaking collaboration with the National Theatre of Senegal, it explores an ancient African cosmovision, illuminating new perspectives of the world around us.

‘Guewel’ brings forth sacred, timeless knowledge of how we are all connected. Transcending cultural boundaries, the work illuminates embodied understandings of how we experience the metaphysical realms and how these encounters prepare us for life’s beginnings and endings. The culmination of over 7 years of research and development in Australia and Senegal, the work draws deeply on director Lamine Sonko’s cultural heritage as a guewel of Senegal, where he is traditionally trained to be a custodian and communicator of ancient cultural knowledge systems. Sonko brings this wisdom into a contemporary context which sees performers from the National Theatre of Senegal coming together with 13.12's Australian-based artists in an immersive performance that blends elements of dance, music, projection animation, and filmed cultural landscapes.

Guewel contrbutes to a more globally celebrated performance landscape, expanding the boundaries of how art can transform perspectives and enrich the human experience.

Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate originated from Mali and was born into the long line of Kouyate griots, which emerged during the Mali Empire of the 14th century.

Now residing in France, Aboubacar’s music fuses traditional African sounds and instruments with modern day twist on the ancient rhythms and patterns born from Jeli tradition. He brings an exuberant and contemporary interpretation to the traditional 'griot' art form, combining his masterful command of voice, instrument, rhythm, conscious lyrics and fellow musicians into compelling performance that will intoxicate you and get your feet moving.

Aboubacar was born in the riverside village of Djoliba during the 1970s and from the age of seven, under the eye of his father Adama Kouyate (Super Rail Band Bamako), began formal training in the inherited oral and instrumental traditions that have been passed down through the centuries.

At the age of fifteen, Aboubacar left Mali and continued his training for more than a decade, with mentor Moussa Sylla’s troupe Allah Tantoo in Guinea, and as a member of the Mamady Cissoko Ballet in Senegal. When he moved to the Gambia, Aboubacar created his first group The Cultural Sundiata Bandand eventually arrived in Lille, France at the age of 28. This era opened up opportunities for many new collaborations, in particular with musician Simon Demouveaux (Hassan Bossou Gnawa Racines) to form the band Badala Foly, which Aboubacar continues to lead.

Over the past 13 years Aboubacar has sustained an active career as a professional musician in France and neighbouring countries, leading two bands as singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, as a contributor to many other musical collaborations and as a teacher of African percussion, story and culture in the broader community. 

Today, Aboubacar’s performances represent a lifetime of dedication and passion for the tradition he has inherited.

This is a show not to be missed.

Website: https://aboubacarkouyate.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboubacardjelike.kouyate.56

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboubacardjelike/

ICON OF AUSTRALIAN SUDANESE MUSIC.

Ajak’s music is inspiring and soulful, infused with funky afro-beats representing the depth and richness of her South Sudanese roots. Her performances are filled with vibrant sounds and her distinctive voice has mesmerised audiences nationally and internationally. 

Singing in Arabic, Sudanese or English, Ajak conjures a vivid picture of her Dinka heritage. Music is the vehicle for her stories of extraordinary life experiences as a refugee, exiled from her home and her family. Her moving tales of exile, hope, freedom, love, and cows - beloved animals of the Dinka - in turn reflect her optimism and belief in the best of human nature.

Ajak is a cultural ambassador and has performed at festivals and events around the country, most recently at the 2018 Dark Mofo at MONA FOMA. and completed a highly acclaimed national ‘Afro Frequency’ tour with Lamine Sonko & The African Intelligence.

Ajak debuted at WOMADelaide in 2016 and followed up with the release of her third CD Of Cows, Women and War. A memoir/story book of the same name will be published in early-2016 bringing a rare and very personal glimpse into the vanishing world of the nomad Dinka of South Sudan, illustrated with photographs capturing a way of life almost destroyed by civil war.

Playing countless festivals and cultural events throughout the past few years, some highlights have been the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Alice Springs' Eye of the Storm Writers' Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival and The Age Music Awards.

In 2014 Ajak was awarded the African-Australia Community Female Singer of the Year and performed of her one-woman theatrical work Of Cows, Women and War at La Mama theatre (Melbourne) and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Ajak supports numerous  organisations advocating for refugees and women's rights.

Website: http://www.ajakkwai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ajakkwaimusic

Naarm/Melbourne based folktronic act Amaru Tribe explore the intersection between cultures through traditional music from Latin America and contemporary electronic sounds; Vibrating charangos, urban flow, electronic beats & afro-latin rhythms with powerful vocal harmonies create a portal that gives birth to a genre they called “Cumbia Oceanica”.



Three times Nominated for the Music Victoria Awards as Best Multicultural Act (2019, 2020, 2021) they have captivated audiences at major festivals such as Womadelaide, Bluesfest, Queenscliff Festival plus international tours to the USA (SXSW), Colombia, Thailand, and Taiwan. The release of their sophomore album ‘Between Two Worlds / Entre Dos Mundos’ has gain them international reviews.

‘Entre Dos Mundos is an excellent addition to the thriving experimental electronic genre that has blossomed in Latin America in recent years.. Amaru Tribe’s cumbia-infused folktronica is just the latest evolution in a long history of musical hybridity on the continent’ Bandcamp Album of the Day – March 2022

'It’s really hard to resist dancing to AMARU TRIBE every tune they create is so rich and textured.” Nkechi Anele, Triple J Australia

Having wowed audiences at a variety of events including Woodford Folk Festival, the Australian Dance Awards, Sydney Opera House, and headlining New Years Eve at Federation Square, Asanti Dance Theatre are Australia’s leading African dance company.

Joined by international guest artists from their company in Ghana, the group specialise in traditional and contemporary African dance, music and acrobatics. The company display an extensive skill set with undulating torsos, flips through rings of fire, raw energy, exhilarating dance moves and phenomenal acrobatics.

Directed by Appiah Annan (Sidney Myer Creative fellow and internationally recognised dancer, choreographer and musician), the company have been working extensively in Melbourne over the past 7 years. With a sister company in Ghana the company have toured regionally, nationally and internationally and perform in a variety of contexts including festivals, schools, corporate, community events and in theatres. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsantiDanceTheatre/

BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE (BJX) is a twelve piece band playing an irresistibly danceable alloy of traditional Ethiopian song and 21st Century groove. Black Jesus Experience’s music reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the band’s hometown, Melbourne, Australia.

Singer Enushu began entertaining her local community as a child in Addis Ababa, migrating to Australia bringing hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by her remarkable life story and the unique vocal traditions of Ethiopia. Enushu is joined on vocals by poetic giant and lyrical miracle Mr Monk, Zimbabwe born and Outback bred.

When not touring BJX run a weekly session at cultural hub The Horn creating new songs live on stage featuring guest, a practice that lies in the improvising traditions of that feed BJX including Hip Hop, Jazz, Azmari and Funk.

BJX’s fourth album ‘Migration’ won ‘The Age-Music Victoria Best Global Album 2014’ award. Their most recent album, ‘To Know Without Knowing’ was The Guardian Jazz Album of the Month, with 4 Star reviews from The Times, Blues + Soul, NPR Radio and more.

Performance highlights for BJX include touring “the Motherland” Ethiopia four times, performing with Ethiojazz legend Mulatu Astatke in Africa (most notably at the United Nations in Addis Ababa commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and The African Union), in Europe and Australia (The Age Best National Tour 2013), and at Glastonbury and other great international festivals.

The rhymes and chimes of Black Jesus Experience deliver the power and beauty of Africa through the vocal prism of Hip-Hop and freedom of Funk.

“Women play a pivotal role in the West Papuan struggle... I want the women in West Papua to know that, through us, they have a voice that is finding ways to reach the world and gain support – I want them to know that their work doesn’t go unnoticed outside of West Papua and their lives are worth more than gold.” Lea Rumwaropen

Melbourne based daughters of the late August Rumwaropen, of the legendary Black Brothers Band of West Papua, The Black Sistaz, are also backing vocalists for Australian Reggae Roots band, Blue King Brown.

Uplifting island reggae and soul meets traditional sounds, language and sweet harmonies, which transport the audience to another realm. Powerhouse vocals, conscious lyrics and dynamic energy culminate to give you an experience you will never forget.

2019 has seen the Sistaz release their latest single ‘Mama Pacifika’ , which has instantly become an anthem for women throughout Melanesia, and chosen by the authorities in Vanuatu to celebrate International Womens’ Day.

Their music is a celebration of identity, with a strong legacy behind them and a driving passion to continue the journey. With their music comes a message, and with their message comes a movement. Arriving as one of the first West Papuan refugee families, the now Australian based group musically communicates the passage of living a life in exile.

The Sistaz have collaborated with artists from all over the globe including Big Mountain and Indigenous artist, Mitch Tambo and supported acts such as UB40, Julian Marley, Michael Franti, Katchafire, Natiruts, George Telek, Edou and SOJA at The Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas.

The Sistaz have toured the world both with Blue King Brown and their own 8 piece band, bringing their songs of hope, freedom and liberation to audiences all across the globe including: Cali Roots in Monterey (USA), Mundial (Netherlands), Glastonbury (UK) Montreal Jazz Festival (CA), Ottawa Blues Festival (CA), Winnipeg Folk Festival (CA), Ostrada Reggae Festival (POL), Womad (AUS), Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Melanesia tour and opened the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.

The Black Sistaz choose music as their vessel to spread truth* PAPUA MERDEKA*  

“Bortier’s music is unique and irresistible – making a significant contribution and progression to World Music.” Beat Magazine

Bortier Okoe is a West African composer, master drummer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist and singer from Ghana and revered as one of the most electrifying talents to emerge in African music.

Bortier sings messages of peace, anti-poverty, connections, resilience, and tolerance - communicating across boundaries and countries. His unifying lyrics convey strong messages for humanity while his dynamic live performances are exhilarating, delivered with power, grace and a sense of humour. 

In 2017, Bortier toured and launched his latest album, ‘Dzeng Sane’ (World Matters), in Africa and Australia to huge acclaim and sold out shows. The band has performed at countless major International and local festivals and have been a regular inclusion at Womad.

The stage show leaves the audience feeling uplifted, positive and carrying a seed of hope for their own lives. Bortier's unique and irresistible music blends traditional instruments with guitar, horns, and vocals, creating a new musical force. (Ga Roots music)  Sharing his encouraging messages and inspiring the youth, Bortier is considered an important musician and messenger in his home country.

WORKSHOPS

African Soul presents and facilitates West African drumming and dance sessions, for the corporate sector, schools and communities, and for all health and wellbeing sectors. His interactive performances and shows, workshops and team building sessions are exciting, effective and unforgettable and allow self expression in a friendly and safe environment. His aim is to bring West African music and dance to Australia, promoting cultural awareness, unity, which is motivates and empowers participants through the use of the drum.

BRING DRUMMING AND DANCE TO YOUR ORGANISATION

Drumming is a unifying phenomenon that enables us to connect with one other and has the innate ability to get people involved. No matter what your gender, race, age, ability or disability, drumming is a fantastic way to keep mentally and physically healthy. Drumming is an accessible tool, brings joy and happiness into people’s lives and most importantly it’s great fun!

African Soul, Hands on Rhythm create explosive and energetic, fully interactive shows and workshops including educational drumming programmes and events for all sectors.

To find out more, or to book African Soul for your organisation, contact us at sonaproductionsmelbourne@gmail.com or bortier@africansoul.com.au

Website: http://www.bortierokoe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BortierOkoe/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bortier-okoe

2022 marked the 20-year anniversary of Timor Leste’s Independence from Indonesian occupation, and the formation of one of the leading voices of activism, the Dili Allstars. With their spirit and art rooted in resistance, their music speaks of peaceful protest in the struggle for liberation.

In the early 2000's, the band hit the road, touring extensively both in Australia and abroad, and recorded two albums; as well as music for the ARIA award-winning Balibo soundtrack, and the Australian Canadian tele-movie Answered By Fire.

The Dili Allstars anthem, ‘Liberdade’ was picked up by Mushroom and appeared on a compilation (also titled 'Liberdade') which the band helped to assemble. The album also featured Midnight Oil, Crowded House, and Yothu Yindi, and went on to raise $100,000 for East Timor.

On the back of this commercial success, the Dili’s were invited to perform at the Tour Of Duty Benefit Concert in Timor in front of 150,000+ people, and shared the stage with the likes of John Farnham and Kylie Minogue, and have since played with some of Australia’s greats including Midnight Oil and Paul Kelly.

These days, the band is keeping the music, culture and art of Timor Leste alive through storytelling, social engagements with the community, and mentoring the youth. All band members are involved in projects that shine a light on next generation of Timorese culture keepers and regularly practice traditional songs, dance and customs.

The Dili Allstars have teamed up with the Timor Oan’s Cultural Group, an inspirational initiative designed to assist young East Timorese to connect with their cultural identity through guidance of community elders, aiming to preserve their rich tapestry of cultural arts practices (music, dance, movement and colour) and keep them thriving for the present and future generations. This collaboration sees the older and younger generations coming together to deliver a beautifully unique culturally infused performance.

Together the Dili Allstars and Timor Oans were granted a game-changing opportunity to perform on a world-class stage at Womadelaide 2023. This pairing of music and dance splashed with colour and culture had audiences thrilled to experience an authentic taste of Timor Leste. The group are about to launch this new project globally and take Timorese culture worldwide.

Gato Preto (MZ/GH/SN/DE)

“The best dance party of the week was thrown by Gato Preto..." Chicago Tribune on Gato Preto’s performance at SXSW.

Gato Preto has become one of the most vibrant and extravagant, contemporary African artists. Fusing music and culture from Mozambique to Germany, Ghana to Senegal, this group will have you re-thinking everything you think you know about African music.

Set to play GlobalFest in NYC and Eurosonic, in early 2019, this Afro-Futuristic live act "doesn't just put on a show; it makes a scene" (NPR Music).

Gato Preto built their name through extraordinary video clips and a stunning high energetic live performances on stage with dancers and live percussion combining Electronic Beats and Gata`s powerful voice.

Their style incorporates, jazz, R&B, latin, pop, soul and funk, adding that little " je ne sais quoi" that makes their interpretation of songs very personal.

The last two years a lot happened in the cosmos of Gato Preto, they played festivals and clubs in over 25 countries (including showcases at Womex 2017 & SXSW 2018), interview on Arte Tracks, they released their debut album, and the 2nd will follow in 2019.

The band bring the essence of rockin ´Favela Funk’ from Rio, ‘Township Grooves’ from South Africa and ‘Hybrid Tech’ or ‘Kuduro’ from Angola, to a new level. They are the perfect fusion of contemporary African music, with the sensible ingredients of the last decades of international club-music.

NPR Music sum it up with their review, “Gato Preto's sound is insistent to the point of relentlessness: The globetrotting band piles on layer upon layer of percussion — traditional and electronic — while brandishing earworms like bazookas. Between the feast of rhythm and the wild Afro-futuristic garb, Gato Preto doesn't just put on a show; it makes a scene.”

And the Chicago Tribune, “The best dance party of the week was thrown by Gato Preto…. The group, which merges dance rhythms from Africa and Brazil with German electro, was dressed like warriors from a planet straight out of Sun Ra’s imagination.”

https://www.facebook.com/GatoPretoMusic/

Afro Jazz trio, JAIXI formed in 2012 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), a country deeply rooted in rich musical history. Their sound is a fusion of African rhythms and contemporary jazz harmonies, which weaves a colourful tapestry for the audience to enjoy.

The founding members are Arnaud KOFFI BI (Pianist), Israël BOKA (Drums) and Isaac BADIEL (bass guitar).

The band have three albums to their credit, ‘The Beginning’, ‘Nostalgie’ and ‘Psalms 150’, with the latter featuring talented saxophonist, Boaz Sax.  They are in high demand throughout Africa and Europe and have played a feast of festivals including: Jazz Feeling, MASA Festival, Kriol Jazz Festival, Jaa a Ouaga, Night of Avatars, Dongri’n Blues Festival, SOKO Festival, and the International Jazz Festival in Senegal as well as two international tours.

With an immense amount of experience and expertise between the three members, they have worked with artists such as Pastor Mohammed SANOGO, Meiway, Petit Dénis, Chantal Taïba, Ismaël Isaac, David Tayorault, Mawa Traoré, Alain Demari, Nash, JJK, Bétika, Orentchi, Amédée Pierre, Bailly Spinto, Yodé & Siro, Aïcha Koné, Gadji Céli Barbara Kanam, Monique Séka, Awilo Logomba and Kanda Bongoman among many others.

In 2014, a band was formed to revive music from the East Timorese resistance (Freedom Fighters) through their struggle for Independence from Indonesian occupation and to honour songs from the past that are now part of a long history. In collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office for Veterans Affairs and Wantok Musik, ‘Maubere Timor’ was born. This project recorded an album of 12 songs that delivers an array of tracks both uplifting and melancholic to demonstrate years of hope and isolation within a nation.

 Maubere Timor is an ensemble of old school Timor-Leste veterans who spread their love of power in speech and songs of their past that will solidify their heroic history and the memory of the resistance movement for future generations. Recorded by David Bridie at Wantok Studios in Melbourne, it traces the history of these men who used music as cultural and political resistance as a way of spreading messages of hope in support of their struggle for national liberation within East Timor. Song was their last and only hope in spreading awareness in support of their battle for liberty and these messages were filled with experiences and adventures of war, preparation for guerrilla fighters and to instil hope in others to continue their battle for Independence - which they eventually gained.

In 2020, Maubere Timor, were honoured to present their Music of Resistance at Womad, in Adelaide’s Botanic Park. The show was received with high acclaim and much reverence from local supporters, media and festival organisers.

The music has also taken on a new dimension as the youth of Timor are reconnecting with their history and culture through this project. Joining the veterans are a band of young Timorese dancers who use movement and costume to rekindle their relationship with their traditions.

The music is available to purchase through Bandcamp: https://mauberetimor.bandcamp.com/releases

Mazbou Q is a UK-born, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based Nigerian artist, producer, content creator and educator.

Stemming from his background in classical, heavy metal and West African Highlife, Mazbou Q's particular brand of Hiphop pushes the boundaries of the genre and captivates those with a deep appreciation for musicality. Mazbou Q takes inspiration from the likes of Fela Kuti, The Roots and Black Star as he confronts his listeners with socio-political commentary and creatively engages them in the complexities of his unique cultural identity.

Also known as ‘The Rap Scientist’, Mazbou Q has established himself across social media as a competent music educator. Having developed a theory based framework for the analysis of rap flow, his content covers concepts like polymetricism, cross rhythms and micro-timing, has been commended by the likes of Russ, Wayne Brady and Dreamville. Mazbou Q continues to build an online community around this systematized learning of rap and is being lauded for illuminating the musical complexity of a genre often regarded as lacking such.

Mazbou Q is also the lead producer in Auckland-based audio production house UNCHAINED XL Production Co. and has worked with brands such as ESPN, Footlocker and Les Mills.

Having solidified himself as both a musical powerhouse and effective communicator, Mazbou Q continues to challenge and inspire his audiences through the various channels of his creativity.

Award winning roots reggae artist, Mo’Kalamity will have you in raptures as you fall for her honeyed voice, backed by luscious rhythms that transport you across oceans of warm, melodic beats that inspire the listener to know more. Having recorded with Grammy winning Sly & Robbie (who produced her fourth album) Mo’ Kalamity is the artist you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Mo’Kalamity formed her band ‘The Wizards’ in 2004 and released their first album, ‘Warriors of Light’ in 2007. By 2011, Mo had written and recorded her second album, ‘Deeper Revolution’, which won in 3 categories in the Cape Verde Music Awards.

In the Autumn of 2013, the singer, songwriter and composer released her third studio album, ‘Freedom of the Soul’ which was released on her own label, ‘Sofia Thea Records’, which carried messages of spirituality and music of resistance as a social commentary of the times. This album launched the band into 3 years of touring and sell out shows across Europe, taking in festivals such as Glastonbury along the way.

2018 saw the latest release of the fourth studio album produced by with Grammy Award winners Sly & Robbie.

One Spirit Africa is an Afro-fusion band led by Fredrick Kpakpo Addo, a well-known Ghanaian master dancer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and choreographer based in Victoria, Australia, who has over 24 years experience in performance, and has toured Sweden, Israel, USA as well as throughout Africa.

Combining Ghanaian lyrics with English, and offering traditional African rhythms with vibrant percussive styling, One Spirit Africa performs with traditional West African drums, bamboo flute and Ghanaian xylophone, alongside contemporary keys, guitar, bass, drums and horns.

One Spirit Africa are a dynamic, high-energy band who bring positive vibes every time. Under the guidance of Universal Peace Federation Ambassador, Fredrick Kpakpo Addo, they aim to promote peace and unity through the medium of music and dance.

WORKSHOPS

Torquay-based cultural educators and performers, One Spirit Africa Drumming & Dance, offer school incursions, staff team-building workshops, interactive performances and drumming workshops for kids parties throughout Victoria.

Facilitated by Fredrick Kpakpo Addo, master drummer and dancer from Ghana in West Africa, they offer group drumming, singing and dancing classes and interactive performances, with traditional instruments for every participant, guaranteeing a thoroughly immersive cultural experience for students of all ages and abilities.

For more information contact:

sonaproductionsmelbourne@gmail.com

Mobile: 0420 203 829

OR https://www.facebook.com/fredrickkpakpoaddo/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/OneSpiritAfrica/

Instagram
http://instagram.com/onespiritafricandrumming

Sudanese born artist, Queen P has made a name for herself in the Australian music scene with her raw, relentless flow, speed and sharp lyricism, floating across futuristic bass heavy beats and rippling hi hats.

She writes from the heart and speaks her mind, expressing her perspectives confidently via spoken word and hip hop. Queen P adds a playful and powerful element to her music while highlighting her ability to bring word play and impeccable speech together.

Queen P’s music is highly danceable while maintaining its authentic underground sound and feel. Stepping on the scene August of 2017, this young and vibrant rapper has been rapidly gaining attention, appearing at sold out shows, in festival line ups and in 2023, selected to perform at Summer Jam. Keep your eyes on Queen P as her star rises from the East.

For over 20 years, Paulo Almedia has been making music, collaborating and touring across the globe as the front-man for the Dili Allstars and Sol Nation. Having played alongside some of the world’s best musicians, he has finally embarked on his solo project, with a full band behind him. 

With three singles already released in the past 18 months, Paulo’s sound captures the spirit of his ancestral lines in Timor Leste and Portugal. The unmistakable island vibes and cool reggae accompany positive and uplifting lyrics in English, Tetum and Portuguese, speak to universal understanding, peace,  love, equality and justice for all. 

Paulo has been a life-long activist and advocate for a Free East Timor (and West Papua) and worked with First Nations artists across Australia and New Zealand. He has also been a key figure in bringing Timorese music, dance and culture to the fore in Australia and Europe, and mentored the next generation of Timorese musicians to preserve their culture for future generations. His continued advocacy to showcase Indigenous cultures is shown through his work with the Pan-Pacific Indigenous Network and Wantok Musik Foundation. 

Since their 1999 Tour Of Duty Concert in Timor Leste, which saw the Dili Allstars play to an audience of tens of thousands alongside Kylie Minogue and John Farnham, Paulo has continued to carve a career that has seen him tour the globe, bringing his sweet sounds to audiences, breaking down cultural barriers and promoting unity through music. The band recently played two sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney to launch their latest single, and in various iterations they have held the stage at WOMADelaide, Garma, Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff, St Kilda Festival, Brunswick Festival, Jamaica Music and Food Festival, Shepparton Festival, Gathering Roots and many, many more.

Iconic Melbourne reggae ensemble Ras Jahknow Band bring their dynamic, high-energy, positive music to the people with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire with their powerful messages.

Ras Jahknow  blazes new soul and fresh rhythms into what is described best as culturally rich, roots reggae music. Passionate vocals in English and Creole weave through the diverse native sounds from the African island nation of Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania and Mauritius to Australia. The band embodies a vision of unity, respect and peace, built on the foundation of irresistible, reggae rhythms.

Cape Verdean born Ras Jahknow, formed the band in late 2010, and they have since cemented themselves as one of Melbourne’s most iconic reggae ensembles, showcasing at 2014 Antenna Awards and performing at festivals nationwide as well as two highly successful International tours last year to Bali Star Reggae Festival and Langkawi Island International Music Festival.

Ras Jahknow has spent time in numerous countries, developing a rounded, cultural understanding, and through the Ras Jahknow Band, he aims to bridge the contemporary gaps in cultural understanding and unity.

Ras Jahknow Band released their debut album “Jah Sta Li” in May 2014, followed by a dub remix released later the same year. Both records were produced by acclaimed personality Wayne ‘Lotek’ Bennett at Counter Clockwise Studios. Current releases have enjoyed airplay across national radio such as Triple J and hundreds of Community radio stations both nationally and abroad.

2015 saw the band release a film clip for ‘Jah Sta Li’, embarking on the Victorian ‘Jah Live’ tour to celebrate the single’s success. In mid 2015, Ras Jahknow was nominated for a Music Victoria Genre Award for ‘Best Global & Reggae Album’.

In 2017, Ras Jahknow humbly accepted the Award for Best Reggae Performer/Band of the year 2015/16 at the Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards.

Website: http://rasjahknow.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rasjahknowband

Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/ras-jahknow

Rebel Layonn blends conscious reggae and words beats and leaves his audiences with a sense of joy, courage, empowerment and love using positive and powerful messages in his music that leads to a sense of universal love and respect for all life.

Originating from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he is perceived as one of the rare conscious voices of the reggae movement.  Following his migration to New-York, he found himself exposed to genres like Hip Hop and Raggamuffin, that would later influence him to develop his own pieces with a unique style.

Rebel Layonn targets reggae rhythm, including dancehall, all with the strict intention to spread a message of conscious elevation to a worldwide audience, expressing himself in English and Creole.

Sharing the stage with Elephant Man, Red Rat, Sael, JAHFE and many more,  he has positively vibrated audiences throughout Haiti and Dominican Republic, selling out clubs, festivals, street shows, socio-cultural events and fundraisers.

His 2012 release, “Youth Empowerment” was produced by Will Wells from Berkeley University and highlights Rebel Layonn's versatility with different genres of music.

To Rebel Layonn music is a mission, and he is the instrument to free all from oppression and all forms of pollution, touching the deepest aspects of love, supreme peace and universal unity.

Tio is a singer/songwriter from Ambrym island in Vanuatu who grew up immersed in traditional practices, customs and stories. His first interest in music was born from his early encounters with the traditional ‘tam tam’ (a wooden slit-drum) and songs in his language, Daakaka.

Tio has collaborated with a broad range of artists from across the Pacific, Australia, Africa and Europe including members of Airileke, Blue King Brown, Kalja Riddim Klan, Simangavole, Kaumaakonga, Impossible Odds, Hermann Hartel, Natano Pasifika, Rize of the Morning Star, Tabura and Black Rose.

A talented multi-instrumentalist, Tio switches between violin, ukulele, guitar, tam tam, djembe and bush bass. He is driven by his passion to mix traditional and contemporary beats and styles and share his traditions with other musicians. In Vanuatu, he is passionate about encouraging Ni-Vanuatu youth to use local instruments and create music based on their unique cultural rhythms and mother tongues.

Tio released his debut album Sorousian in 2020 which received a 5-star review in Songlines Magazine UK as well as interatonal acclaim and radio play. The title, ‘Sorousian’, loosely translates to “story” and combines the many facets of Tio’s musical identity and history. Across the album, Tio effortlessly blends his traditional music customs and sounds with modern instrumentation and production to paint a story of his experiences; from living in his home island of Ambrym, Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, and in Melbourne, Australia.

In 2019, Tio was involved in the We Have Come To Testify Project, a CD and book to raise awareness of the 1998 Byak Massacre in West Papua as well as the ongoing violence against West Papua Independence activists.

In 2024, Tio appeared at Womadelaide, Australia, as well as playing old out shows on the East coast, followed by Womad NZ.

Label: Wantok Musik: info@wantokmusik.org

Bandcamp: tiobang.bandcamp.com/

Highly acclaimed Afro pop jazz artist, Valerie Ekoume has been exciting audiences globally since her induction to Manu Dibango’s Soul Makossa project back in 2004 and has worked with other greats such as: Alain Barriere, Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine, Papa Wemba and Meiway.

Born into a French Cameroonian musical family, Ekoume spent five years being formally trained by the American School of Modern Music in Paris, where she now resides.

Valerie has released two solo albums, ‘Djaale’ in 2015, followed by ‘Kwin Na Kingue’ in 2017, which saw her soar into the RFI charts with a top ten position for the African/World music album for 2017.

Appearing at countless festivals around the world, Valerie constantly tours Europe, North America and has apeared at the Celtics Connection 2020, Festival International de Nuits d’Afrique, Sun Fest in Canada.

2021 will mark the release of a new project, collaborating with Guy Nwogang, that sees them digging deeper into Cameroonian roots and embracing the cultural rhythms and beats, called Assiko and Essewe. This new cross-cultural afro fusion music will have audiences jumping from globe to globe!

One of Gambia’s favourite sons, Yusupha Ngum, leads an all-star line up to deliver an Afro odyssey of jazz, blues and funk fusion that leaves audiences elevated and captivated.

As the son of highly acclaimed musician, and griot, Musa Affia Ngum - who was legendary in the Mbalax style - Yusupha carries the torch of tradition, embodying the griot legacy and spirit of the ancestors, in a contemporary style of music. With soaring vocals, Yusupha is able to freely express and convey the messages of his songs in all languages he speaks.

In 2009, Yusupha won the award for the ‘Most Radio Played Artist Male’ category at the Gamspirit Music Awards, and in 2015, was nominated for both the ‘Best Mbalax Artist’ and ‘Best Traditional Artist’ categories of the Purely Gambian Entertainment Awards.

Introduced to Melbourne with his band Jaaleekaayy Music Group, with fellow Gambain instrumentalist, Amadou Suso (kora) and local guitar legend Steve Berry (Kev Carmody, Shane Howard, Robyn Archer). The group went on to play at Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Birds Basement, Fairbridge and National Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival and to standing ovations at Mullum Music Festival. More recently Yusupha and band have wowed audiences at Brunswick Music Festival, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Live Sessions, Castlemaine Jazz Festival and Healesville Festival to name a few.

Having released music with several bands, the Affia Band recorded ‘Gainde’, an anthem to celebrate the Senegal team’s qualification into the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The song quickly gained popularity and was picked up by radio throughout Africa. They are currently engaged in the creation of a new body of work that will be unveiled later in 2023.

The sound is a melting pot of Afro flavours peppered with traditional elements, jazz, funk and bought together beautifully with world class musicianship.

This is an act that is ready for the world stage.