|
|
Home |
What's On |
News |
Music |
Food |
Features |
Communities |
Travel |
Radio&TV |
Books
Studies |
Fashion |
Kids' |
Arts
|
Welcome to africanOz, your African Australian online resource, with links and info on events, news, music, travel & more. This site is for everyone: whether you're of African heritage, have an interest in Africa, or you're simply browsing the web. Feedback is welcome.
The Power of Sport
Dereb's Making Music
Australia's "African" heritage revealed
A new book about the arrival of people of African descent in Australia has just been released, Cassandra Pybus's 'Black Founders'....
Sierra Leone: through the eyes of Australia's African refugees
[ARCHIVED STORY] A unique documentary containing footage shot by Sierra Leone refugee and photojournalist Edmondson Sonny Cole (pictured), was launched in Sydney last weekend. Kerry O’Brien from the ABC'S 7.30 Report launched the film "Darkness Over Paradise" that recounts the horrors of the civil war in Sierra Leone. The film was three years in the making, and a collaboration between Cole, refugee journalist Edison Yongai (see his previous story on africanOz), former sports journalist Abdul Jalloh, former teacher Bintu Kamara and Western Sydney's Information & Cultural Exchange. Cole, whose dramatic footage shapes the film, previously worked with Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service, Reuters and CNN.
South African music legends "tip toe" to Oz
'Visible' talent takes to stage
An Eye on Africa
Sydney friends free Burundi 'detainees'
This week, freelance journalist Frederic Naboya (pictured left, with fundraiser, Joan Pearson) writes to africanOz about a Sydney-based campaign to aid hospital 'detainees' in the central African state of Burundi.
From the land of inspiration.... DaaraJ
Over Easter and beyond, Australians have the chance to see Senegal's Daara J in action - including the upcoming show at Melbourne's Hamer Hall, and also NSW. This week africanOz caught up with the band, and asked them about their music...
It was great to see the community spirit during Harmony Day - celebrated across Australia just over a week ago. Pictured are African Australians celebrating at the Sydney Olympic Park gathering, organised by ACL AMEP Consortium (providing English teaching and other community services to migrants and refugees). The day was held in support of anti-racism and anti-discrimination for the UN Day for the Elmination of Racial Discrimination. African wins at the Commonwealth Games
And the final medal tally is in: South Africa 38; Kenya 18; Nigeria 17; Ghana 3; Uganda 3: Namibia 2; Tanzania 2; Mauritius 3; Cameroon 3; Botswana 2; Lesotho 1; Seychelles 2; Mozamibique 1; Swaziland 1. Australia had a great win in the tally (including the Aussie with South African roots, John Steffensen's 400m medal). But the Games were about so much more than gold, silver, bronze, celebrating the contribution of Commonwealth countries (many from Africa) in sports, the arts and more. For full medal tally, results, schedules and arts events, please see the handy Commonwealth Games links below.
PEOPLE PROFILES...
In Nov 2005, africanOz spoke with award-winning Adelaide-based performer and writer, Sheela Langeberg - who is of Tanzanian Masai and Chagga heritage - about her fascinating background in theatre, the inspiration of her African heritage, and major book and theatre projects she has coming up in Europe. For Sheel'as full story link here
Interview with African Australian model Yemma Christine - originally from Congo. For Yemma 'making it' in Australia has been not just about learning how to survive in the competitive modelling industry, but about remaining true to her roots and studying for a secure future. Yemma has seen a big transformation in Australian modelling in recent years. Full chat with Yemma on africanOz Fashion
africanOz asked African Australian singer Ajak Kwai about her earliest memories of singing in South Sudan - when villagers based near the Nile River would gather for ceremonies under the full moon. "Even when I was sick and not supposed to go out, I'd go and attend these gatherings," says Ajak. "I'd start a song and everyone would answer."
Remarkable Rwandan-born Australian Marie-Bénédicte recently received a major award from France for her work. She fled Rwanda as a young woman - returning after the tragic 1990s genocide attacks in a grim search for family members. She has maintained a stoic philosophy through times of war, trouble and hardship. For Marie-Bénédicte's story link here
africanOz spoke with award-winning research recipient, African Australian Dr Kefyalew Mekonnen who is helping to pose solutions to the life and death struggle over water now facing the Horn of Africa and other nations. Dr Mekonnen's study focus on the Nile River's precious water resources, particularly in his homeland of Ethiopia. To read his story link here
africanOz spoke with Matthew Albert, 2005 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria - and a tireless advocate for Sudanese refugees and others of African background in Australia. Matthew says, "..Australia's future is now inextricably linked with the success of all
African Australian communities. This can only be a good thing for all of us..."
africanOz spoke with nightclub owner, Peter Okwechime who, for five years, has managed one of Australia’s most successful world music nightclubs, Club Mombasa in Canberra – surviving on a diet of “good management, good music and lots of hard work” For full interview link here
What's a surfer and former professional tennis player doing running Australia's Nelson Mandela art gallery in Sydney? In 2004, we asked 'Touch Galleries" manager Richard Lubner, originally from South Africa, about his work - and the inspiring influence of Nelson Mandela. For full story link here
In the lead-up to an art exhibition in Victoria, Sudanese Australian Mahmoud Zein Elabdin discusses how his artwork relates to concepts of 'home'. While Mohmoud is now free to paint without political interference ge misses his family in Sudan. For more on Mahmoud link here
In 2005 africanOz had a chat with the world-famous Super Rail Band from Mali, who visited Australia for the 2005 Sydney Festival. Since its formation in 1960s, the band has been associated with some of Africa’s most legendary musicians, including Salif Keita, Mory Kante, and Aust-based guitarist Moussa Diakité. To read the full interview link here | LATEST ON AFRICANOZ
Simon's Journey This moving story about refugee worker, Sudanese Australian Simon Pabek (left) is by Phillip Thomson winner of the FECCA/SBS Student Journalism Award 2005 - it was first published in issue 10 of FECCA's 'Australian Mosaic' Simon is unsure which year it was he watched government soldiers bludgeon his father to death with a piece of timber. Simon’s father, Pabek, lived with his family in a village 24 kilometres from Rumbek City and was a figurehead in the Dinka tribe. Villagers who were worried about their family or livestock would ask Pabek for advice. In the early 1970s, Pabek supplied cows to Rebel soldiers, not wanting to risk his family’s safety by refusing the soldiers’ demands for food. Government soldiers then rounded up 22 men who had helped the Rebels and murdered them at Pabek’s property. One soldier, named Makur, who grew up in the southern village but had betrayed his tribe to fight for the north, knew Pabek and tried negotiating for his release. He failed. Pabek was sat on a chair, his wrists were tied together behind his back and his head bashed. Others begged for a quicker death but were told shooting them would be wasting bullets. Simon remembers the soldiers’ warning when the killing had finished ‘If you bury them we will kill you’. ‘Our house has become like a mass grave,’ Simon said.
Simon, now 38 and living in Newcastle, has tracked down the phone number of an Al O’Beid church in which Makur is involved and has organised a meeting with him. ‘This war is strange,’ Simon said. ‘Makur used to be a bad guy killing people but now he’s chosen the church. Makur tried to save my father that day. I want to know on what day and in what year my father died. I’m not sure if Makur will remember me.’
link here for full article
The Dusty Foot Philosopher...
africanOz: How has Africa inspired your music?
K’naan: My passion and my inspiration comes from explaining the African dignity and importance of our people. My sound reflects it entirely and my way of writing as well. It has affected me in a huge way. I think it is my privilege and also it is my responsibility to explain Somalia and the culture of the Horn of Africa, to explain the people, the beauty, the history, the philosophy, and also the struggle. And that is, I think, why I started writing music to begin with. If I had all of that provided for me - if there were famous books about where we were from or if people had discussions… if the world had not completely and entirely turned it back on Somalia, I wouldn’t have been doing what I am doing… The roundness of my people – they are not just people with guns at war. There is so much more. And when I play my music people generally take an interest in the region itself.
...link here for full interview
Riding the Matatus... Matatus are privately owned minibuses, and anyone who has visited Kenya will know that they are an integral part of the culture here: matatus are covered in colourful decor and paint, and carry incredibly loud sound systems that boom down the street.
Many of these matatus are genuine works of art, covered in
portraits of rap artisits, politicians, folk heros,
historical African figures, or cartoon characters. Popular
portraits on matatus are Bob Marley, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys,
Puff Daddy and Mike Tyson, although Nelson Mandela makes the
odd appearance.
Yesterday I saw a wonderful portrait of
recently deceased John Garang of the Sudan People's
Liberation Army emblazoned on a vehicle with R.I.P written on
one side and 'Peace for our Neighbours' on the other. Matatus
not only provide both art and social commentary ("No Romance
without Finance' or 'Burn Rubber - Stop AIDS') but
contribute slang to local languages and form an integral part
of both the society and the economy. read more
Despite the popularity of rugby & AFL in Australia, soccer continues to capture the hearts & minds of African Australians... Soccer (or football!) is a game that arouses more passion and excitement than any other sport in Africa. From street kids kicking around rags bound with rope to top-name African players in the European league, there is something for everyone in the soccer stakes. Little wonder the game remains popular amongst African Australians - as the 2005 African Australian Youth Soccer Touranment shows... For more link here
When the Grasslands Roar with Music... FROM THE ARCHIVES cont...
In 2004, africanOz had a chat with SBS ‘football’ commentator Francis Awaritefe - who has been SBS TV's ‘The World Game’ since 2001. Of Nigerian parentage, Francis previously had a a highly successful 'football' career in the UK before playing in Australia where he was one of the National Soccer League’s all-time highest goal scorer in finals matches.
In 2004, africanOz spoke with accomplished African Australian model Akuol Diing about her fascinating rise in the model industry, her Sudanese background and some recent international successes. For full interview link here br> (Photo credits: Akuol modelling Bowie Wong. Image supplied by Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, photograph by Alex Zotos)
In 2004, africanOz had a chat with the 'sista' with South African roots, Rasheda - one half of the sensational Australian comedy, hiphop duo 'Sista She'. Rasheda spoke about her African heritage, love of music, and the art of afros and how to dance. For interview link here
In 2004, africanOz had a chat with Australian singer Karinda Mutabazi, a performer in the stage production of the Lion King - about her Ugandan roots, her love of theatre and African music For interview link here
In 2004, africanOz spoke with South African Australian SBS TV newsreader Anton Enus about his amazing love of marathon running, and what the sport means to him both personally and professionally To read the full interview link here
In this special article, talented African Australian author and journalist, Edison Yongai discusses his lifetime love of stories and writing - and its ultimate cost: being forced to flee his beloved homeland of Sierra Leone. Edison's love of writing began in school where "The only way to get a story book was from the children of rich families - by stealing it or exchanging it for your day's lunch...
In 2004, africanOz spoke with Zambian-born Nalishebo Gaskell, crowned Miss World (Australia) in 1999, about her experiences of 'Miss World', her current community work, and her African roots. For full interview link here
Ethiopian Australian Sosina Wogayehu is a performer with Circus Oz. She was a finalist for the Young Australian of the Year awards in 2004 and previously performed with the Ethiopian Circus - touring the world for five years as an acrobat, contortionist and dancer, before famously (along with many of her circus colleagues) deciding to remain in Australia for humanitarian reasons in 1998. In Australia, she became the first National Institute of Circus Arts graduate to be offered a permanent position with Circus Oz, and has wowed local and international audiences since - with her acrobatics, body contortions and juggling. She has also, along with the rest of the Circus, helped assist refugees, contributing to her nomination as a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year awards in 2004: “From impoverished beginnings, Sosina believes that life is what you make of it, and is a true inspiration” says the Australian of the Year website. The name 'Wogayehu', incidentally, means 'I have seen many things' in the Amharic-Ethiopian language. More on Sosina on ABC TV Stateline and Reach Out sites. Photo (above) of Sosina Wogayehu by Ponche Hawkes, Copyright 2003, reprinted with permission from Circus Oz
africanOz spoke with Abraham Aleer, one of Sudan's famous 'Lost Boys' who arrived in Australia in 2002 about the story of the 'Lost Boys', what the term means to him, and his current community work, studies and hopes for the future. For full interview link here |
About |
Contact |
|
About Us | Contact Us | Advertise | Terms & Conditions
Home | What's On | News | Music | Food | Features | Communities | Travel
Copyright 2004 africanOz. All rights reserved. AfricanOz Pty Ltd