13 December 2021
We’re thrilled to partner with Music in Exile to bring a number of Australian musicians from their exciting roster to perform at WOMADelaide in 2022.
Music in Exile is a not-for-profit record label and artist services company that champions musicians from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of displacement or diaspora.
The organisation is artist-led, working with individual artists to build viable and sustainable career opportunities in the Australian music industry. In doing so, they hope to highlight the invisible barriers that exist for these artists in the industry, and to contribute to an arts sector that truly reflects the myriad voices found in our community.
Music in Exile artists performing at WOMADelaide 2022 include:
Gordon Koang
Born blind and growing up in what is now South Sudan, Gordon Koang began learning the thom - a four stringed, guitar-like instrument that is the basis for his trademark sound. Affectionately known as the ‘King of Music’ across Africa, the resilient and remarkable Koang now calls Australia home. He makes uplifting, inclusive and positive music that spreads messages of hope and love and effortlessly unites all audiences.
Chikchika
Formerly a duo known as Music Yared, from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, Chickchika has evolved into a five-piece band featuring renowned Oromo singer Muluu Baqqalaa. On traditional instruments krar (five-string lyre) and masinko (single string violin), percussion, bass and drums, they sing about love, distance, separation and culture, evoking their heritage while embracing new sonic territories with a beautiful modesty and hypnotic grooves.
Ausecuma Beats
Featuring a West African rhythm section of doun doun, djembe, balafon and congas alongside sax, guitar, bass and drums, Ausecuma Beats hail from Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Cuba and Australia. Beginning with a cult following that grew out of a long-term Sunday afternoon residency in Brunswick, the nine-piece band is now in demand, with a reputation for live shows brimming with energy, grooves and joy.
Elsy Wameyo
Born in Nairobi and hailing from the Nilotic tribes of Kenya, Elsy Wameyo’s music embraces her cultural heritage, alongside her Christian beliefs and experience of growing up in Adelaide. Influenced by a love of Gospel music and contemporary RnB, Elsy intertwines soulful rhythms with confident lyrics that articulate her strong self-identity. The Nilotic single and accompanying video provides a tantalising glimpse of what’s in store on her upcoming debut EP.
"...one of the year's most powerful uploads" - Triple J