Projects
Coming Up
Sounds Of Oussou
A newly formed ensemble of Melbourne-based griots. West African storytellers, singers, musicians and oral historians – The Mandé Spirit members are from Mali, Gambia and Guinea. The group pays homage to the late, legendary kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, through intricate kora melodies and evocative storytelling.
When: Saturday 7 March, 2026 at 9pm
Where: Bar Oussou, 653 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Tickets: $18 at the door
A Crossroads of Rebetiko and West African Blues
Following a recent sold-out debut at Melbourne Recital Centre, Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE) and Estudiantina of Melbourne return with an expanded program that deepens their evolving collaboration. Performing fresh interpretations of West African blues classics reimagined through the emotional and modal language of Greek rebetiko, the ensembles reveal a musical conversation that has grown in confidence, depth, and expression. From the neighbourhoods of Bamako to the docklands of Piraeus, music has long been a powerful voice for the marginalised. This performance unites the deep traditions of West African blues and the defiant spirit of Greek rebetiko, tracing a shared lineage of survival, yearning, and resistance. Led by esteemed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (guitar) and Amadou Suso (kora), MBE weaves the kora's delicate, cascading melodies into evocative soundscapes. Estudiantina of Melbourne breathes new life into Greek rebetiko, often called the outlaw blues of Greece, blending the lively tones of the bouzouki with influences from Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian musical traditions. Together, these artists engage in a powerful musical dialogue. The result is a moving celebration of music's ability to cross borders, amplify unheard voices and reveal the deep connections that bind us.
When: Thursday 23 July, 2026 at 7pm
Where: Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre
Tickets: $45 / $40 Concession
Looking Back
Somi
The soul of East African folk meets the improvisational spirit of New York jazz. Born between worlds and raised between the USA and Zambia, Somi is redefining jazz for a new generation. Somi is known around the world for her lyrical storytelling and spirit stirring live performances. Closely mentored by the legendary trumpet player Hugh Masekela, she has carved out her own path as an artist, scholar and activist. In 2021 she was nominated for a Grammy® under the for Best Jazz Vocal Album category. With that nomination, she became the first African woman ever nominated in any of the Grammy® jazz categories. In 2022 she released her 5th studio album Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, the groundbreaking South African singer and activist who turned 31 years of political exile during the apartheid era into a career of global triumph and influence. The album was ultimately awarded Best Jazz Vocal Performance at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards. In her heart of hearts, Somi is an East African Midwestern girl who loves family, poetry and freedom. At The Embassy she delivers two unforgettable performances – an unmissable opportunity to witness one of the most fearless, affecting voices in contemporary jazz.
13-14 February, 2026 | 9:30pm for 10pm start
The Embassy, Perth Town Hall 601 Hay St, Koorari
Tickets: $69
17 February, 2026 | 9pm for 9:30pm start
Jazzlab, 27 Leslie St, Brunswick
Mama Africa - Our Kind of Jazz
Celebrating Miriam Makeba's legacy with Naarm /Melbourne's finest artists. Experience an electrifying celebration of South Africa's township sounds and the enduring legacy of revered singer and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba. Presented by Stani Goma (PBS's Flight 1067 To Africa) and performed by a collective of acclaimed Melbourne-based African musicians, this concert weaves the joyful rhythms of marabi, kwela, and mbaqanga with fresh interpretations of Makeba's most iconic songs. Witness the irresistible groove of Pata Pata, the soaring emotion of Malaika, and the playful vocal brilliance of The Click Song, all reimagined with contemporary flair. An immersive musical journey that honours tradition while pushing it boldly forward, this performance not only pays tribute to Makeba's artistry but also highlights the creativity and innovation of Melbourne's African music community. Uplifting, soulful, and deeply connected to its roots, Mama Africa - Our Kind of Jazz invites audiences to experience African jazz as both cultural heritage and a vibrant living art form.
When: Saturday 7 February, 2026 at 6pm
Where: Melbourne Recital Centre
West African blues meets Greek rebetiko
From the streets of Bamako to the ports of Piraeus, music has long been a powerful voice for the marginalised. This performance unites the rich musical heritage of West African blues and the defiant spirit of Greek rebetiko, forging a compelling connection between two traditions deeply rooted in resilience, longing, and liberation. At the heart of this collaboration are the Mande Blues Ensemble (MBE) and Estudiantina of Melbourne. Led by esteemed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (kamalengoni, guitar, percussion) and Amadou Suso (kora), experience the soulful rhythms of West African blues as MBE weaves the ancient kora’s intricate melodies into an evocative soundscape.
When: Saturday 29 November at 7pm
Where: Melbourne Recital Centre
