Projects
COMING UP
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
Looking Back
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
