Presenting Gordon Koang renowned Neur speaker and musician, Hip-Hop/Soul singer Elsy Wameyo and East African sensations Chikchika. Come along for a sunny Sunday evening with great vibes, dancing and picnics by the Yarra River.

Gordon Koang
Gordon Koang’s positivity is unparalleled and unwavering. Messages of peace, love, and unity are prominent throughout his music and are sentiments that seem to become ever more relevant in our current global context. Born blind and growing up in what is now South Sudan, Gordon began learning the thom - a four stringed, guitar-like instrument that has become the basis for his trademark sound. Accompanied by the thom, unfurling vocal melodies become his medium for sharing his life experiences of civil war, seeking asylum and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Given Gordon's incredible journey of resilience in the face of hardship, his steadfast position towards positivity and inclusion is even more impressive.

Gordon’s ability to articulate something innately human has resonated with audiences globally, earning him the affectionate nickname, ‘King of Music’ throughout Africa as well as critical acclaim in his adopted home, Australia. Most notably, Gordon’s eleventh album, Unity, was nominated for Best Album of the Year in the Australian Music Prize, and he was the winner BIGSOUND Levi’s Music Prize, alongside numerous Music Victoria Award nominations. Gordon has sold-out headline Australian tours, and his live performance has been a highlight set at festivals including Meredith Music Festival, Strawberry Fields, and Perth International Arts Festival.


Elsy Wameyo
Elsy Wameyo was born in Nairobi, Kenya and her latest musical offering, ‘Nilotic’, proudly explores the strength of her self-identity. Hailing from the Nilotic tribes of Kenya, Elsy’s music embraces this cultural heritage alongside her Christian beliefs and experiences whilst growing up in Adelaide, Australia. Her soulful rhythms and impressive production lay the foundation for energetic and insightful lyrics, which pose questions to current societal boundaries and perceptions. Whilst some artists take considerable time to find their own voice, Elsy’s sense of self-identity is strong and clear.

Elsy Wameyo started singing in church at an early age and was greatly influenced by traditional sacred sounds. Gospel music began shaping her musical vision, becoming later intertwined with the contemporary sounds of hip hop and RnB influences. Elsy’s desire to be in control of her own sound led to her exploring production techniques and Nilotic, being entirely self-produced, showcases Elsy’s personal style and control of her sonic direction.

Chikchika
Chikchika began as a fun collaboration between Music Yared and Mulu Baqqalaa, and has grown to a powerful project in its own right. Mulu, a legend in Ethiopia, where she has been actively performing and recording music for over ten years, is joined by Anbessa Gebrehiwot and Haftu Reda, two Tigrinya vocalists and masters of their traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian stringed instruments, the krar and masinko. The trio is accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Dale Gorfinkel and Tawanda Gadzikwa on drums to to create an innovative new sound that pays homage to the traditions of East Africa.

Free event, no tickets required.

Event details:
When: Sunday 6 February, 5.30pm to 8pm.
Where: Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield

This event is part of Rediscover Yarra. Find out what else is happening in Yarra.

Presented by Yarra City Arts with Music in Exile.