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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.


sports ball

The Power of Sport
Spring is a great time for communities to join together on the sporting field. In Melbourne, new initiatives are encouraging Horn of African communities to work together – the subject of a new feature article by Saeed Saeed 'Kicking On', now on africanOz Features page.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the African Australian Soccer Tournament is about to get under way, with 12 teams representing different African “countries”.

Still on the sporting theme - this month African Australian boxer Sakio Bika will represent Australia in a boxing world title bout in UK. We take a look at successful Australian sportspeople with African backgrounds on africanOz Blog


Dereb Desalegn

Dereb's Making Music
September is Ethiopian New Year, a fine time to catch up with Ethiopian Australian musician, Dereb Desalegn. Just back from performing at WOMAD in England, Dereb spoke to africanOz about his Ethiopian azmari (bard/griot) musical roots, his dedication to traditional music, and his joy in playing at an Aussie footy match.

What was it like adjusting to Australia?
In the beginning I had a problem. For four years I didn’t play my (traditional) instrument. I had a bit of culture shock. I didn’t know people would like the music. So it took me awhile to realise what was important and to know that our music has value and is a unique music.

Australians responded very well. They never really assumed this kind of music and culture could exist in Ethiopia. They were really surprised and welcoming. When they hear the music, they just fall in love with it and Ethiopian culture.

I played a few gigs but to be invited at the MCG stadium in Melbourne for the match between Bulldogs vs St. Kilda at the multicultural day was something unique for me - especially the response I got from people.

How about your childhood growing up in Ethiopia?
Back home in Ethiopia I came from a very big musical family. My father used to play accordion, and my mum and sister used to sing and dance. For me, I started singing tunes between age 4 and 5. The music basically comes from my parents. I’ve been playing the masinko since aged 10. My sister and I used to play together – at different occasions like weddings, birthdays, playing in the clubs. My best memories of the time are playing with my old group, playing in Ethiopian schools and exhibition centres and clubs, and travelling in Ethiopia.
For full interview link here...


Australia's "African" heritage revealed Black Founders

A new book about the arrival of people of African descent in Australia has just been released, Cassandra Pybus's 'Black Founders'....

Australia’s first bushranger was a man of the African background ....
“He was diaspora who arrived in New South Wales as a convict aboard the First Fleet... "Nor was Caesar the only African who fetched up in this impossibly remote outpost of the British Empire in 1788”

So explains the new book ‘Black Founders’ (2006, UNSW Press) by historian Cassandra Pybus. In fact there were a number of convicts, settlers and servants of African background in Australia in the first 50 years of European settlement. Some settlers brought African servants with them, or were themselves descended from freed African American slaves.

Their first generation of Australian-born included 25 African-Australians whose descendants now number in the tens of thousands! Pybus's book focusses on 12 convicts/settlers, including the famous 'Billy Blue' (whom Blue's Point on Sydney Harbour is named after) and Caeser, the notorious bushranger listed above.

Her extensive research reveals many were originally slaves from America who had sought freedom with the British during the American Revolution only to find themselves abandoned and unemployed in England when the war was over. Some were said to be of 'Madagascar' origin.
For a book review or to buy the book go to the Book page.



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.

Independent filmmaker and former head of Film Australia Deborah Kingsland says of the film: “I was completely blown away by Darkness Over Paradise. How different the horrors of war seem when filmed by an insider who speaks the language and has some humanity… For me, it's the ultimate film about asylum seekers.”

See africanOz What's On for details on the launch, and the Darkness Over Paradise website for more on the film.


South African music legends "tip toe" to Oz



Archived story: African music legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo are in Australia for a national tour. Led by Joseph Shabalala, this extraordinary South African a cappella group originated in the 1960s and helped make internationally famous Zulu choral music. See www.singers.com for the origins of the delightful "tip toe harmony" - their Zulu Isicathamiya style. Click on the banner at right for their tour dates in Australia. Their new CD 'Long Walk to Freedom' includes some high-profile artists, including Zap Mama and Taj Mahal, providing backing harmonies. The band itself consists of bass singers, a baritone, tenor and alto. More about the band on their website www.mambazo.com


Jali Buba Kuyateh

'Visible' talent takes to stage
Archived story: While parties for the World Cup get under way, delightful celebrations of a different kind are taking place in Victoria - with a stunning two-week cultural festival celebrating talent from Africa, Afghanistan and Kurdistan. The Emerge Festival commemorating United Nations World Refugee Day in Melbourne, includes dazzling African music from talent such as the brilliant Jali Buba Kuyateh (pictured - photo by Bill Poon), a vibrant cultural marketplace, the aromas of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an intimate evening of story and song from all over Africa, a fun-packed soccer carnival and more. Presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria, the Festival showcases a unique arts mentorship program, the VISIBLE project, which links emerging artists from new African communities with more established artists such as Jali Buba Kuyateh and South African talent Valanga Khoza.

One of the talented bands to benefit from this exchange is hiphop band, Diafrix, featuring a duo originally from Eritrea and the Comoros Islands. Khaled Abdulwahab from the band, said, “Being an African new in Australia is really hard. Everybody expects you to be a taxi driver or get a factory job because your English skills are not so good. I cannot make all the money I need to live just from my music so I have to do something else as well. The mentorship that I have been given has raised my skills and confidence and has made me personally feel better as I wake up everyday and come to a job I really enjoy.”
Khaled is also using his skills as the Refugee Festival Trainee Coordinator. For more on the Visible project, see the report on attached pdf file
See africanOz What's On for Emerge Festival events


An Eye on Africa
Since our previous story on Burundi, we have received more good news on African Australian assistance to Central Africa.
Lucy Hobgood-Brown, from Aid for Africa Down Under, is back from an amazing 'canoe journey' through her original home of Congo. The trip was aimed at assisting aid projects, including microcredit and training programs, in Lotumbe.

Lucy says, "My 16-hour, one-way journey in a motorised dugout canoe on the Congo, Ruki and Momboyo rivers featured three pit stops, and a dizzying array of photo ops. Watching the sun rise and set in Africa is always spectacular; combine these colorful extravaganzas with lively traffic scenes on Congo’s only “freeway” makes for an anything-but-dull travel experience...." “...our canoe was regularly hailed by river dwellers, who called out messages to be passed along to friends and family - who needs mobile telephones! We were greeted in song by entire communities at every stop." Team member, photo-journalism professor Ken Kobre documented the journey, (including photo above showing the donation of Australian eyeglasses). Link to the africanOz PHOTO GALLERY for more of his stunning work.   For more about the projects, see Aid for Africa Down Under


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.

A year ago I was on a holiday in my original homeland of Burundi. After hearing many stories about hospital “detainees”, I decided to be a witness myself to this rather frightening phenomenon. I had been told a former colleague at the (Burundi) National Radio station had died, not because of lack of treatment for her, but she had been unable to pay the required amount by the hospital. She was eventually taken off life support, while her colleagues were still raising the money to help her.
Her lovely voice still echoes in my head.

The Prince Regent Hospital is Burundi's biggest and caters for people from all walks of life. When I got there, the director had been called for an urgent meeting, and couldn’t meet with me as initially planned. I was shown the different wards but was not allowed to interview the patients. I know the hospital very well myself, from being one of the patients there in the late 1980s... MORE...


  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...

africanOz: Some in the West associate hiphop with African Americans and find it hard to accept Africans doing hiphop - which they see as an adapted music. For these people - how would you describe the African roots of hiphop and rap?

Daara J: Everyone should accept Africans doing hiphop because Africa is the land of the oral tradition - which is the ancestor of that music that has recently become a worldwide idiom for all the nations. The traditional forms of it are still developed in Africa, and the only difference with the new school is that it is not computerised and the backing track is still traditional instruments such as jembe, ngoni, sabar, balafon, etc. Shall we forget that African Americans are descendants of African slaves. They have just awakened from deep down inside their souls griotism to reconnect with their African roots. Africa Banbaat and the Zulu Nation are the fool proof that in the beginning it was about incarnating their originality: africanity.

africanOz: What are some of the strongest influences on your lives and music, growing up in Senegal?
Daara J: Senegal is culturally very rich in melodies and inspiration. With over 20 ethnic groups - each with its singing style - we have enough resources to be inspired from. Listening to living legends such as Salif Keita, Miriam Makeba and other African artists just improves our faith in the fact that Africa be the land of all the inspirations ... READ MORE


Always a reason to dance...

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.

African Commonwealth countries with teams in the Games were Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia. In all, over 72 countries from around the world and 4,500 athletes participated in this year's Games that finished 26 March.

Handy Commonwealth Games links:
Medal tally on Melbourne 2006 site
(click country to show which sports & athletes)
Games Africa news on Melbourne 2006


PEOPLE PROFILES...
from the africanOz Archives


Sheela LangebergPerformer & writer: Sheela Langeberg

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



Photo courtesy Platform Modelling agencyModel & student: Yemma Christine

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



Ajak KwaiSinger & performer: Ajak Kwai

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."
For Ajak's full story, link here



Marie-BénédicteAward-winning community worker:
Marie-Bénédicte

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



Dr Kefyalew MekonnenAward-winning researcher:
Dr Kef Mekonnen

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



Matthew Albert & colleagues Africa Advocate: Matthew Albert

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..."
For full interview link here



Peter Okwechime Nightclub owner: Peter Okwechime

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



Gallery manager & former tennis pro:
Richard Lubner

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



Artist: Mahmoud Zein Elabdin

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



Super Rail Band Super Rail Band in Oz

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


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A reader reviews a delightful Ghanaian children's story

  Simon's Journey
Simon

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


K'naan

The Dusty Foot Philosopher...

africanOz recently spoke with impressive Somali Canadian musician K’naan, who is touring Australia. He recently released his 'Dusty Foot Philosopher' CD.

K’naan was brought up in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu until the age of 14, when he fled with his family first to Harlem, New York, and then to Canada. As anyone who hears K’naan’s music will know, it not just about hip-hop or rap, but about African culture and heritage. K’naan comes from a family who uphold Somalia’s strong tradition of oral poetry, and K’naan uses these poetic skills to produce real messages in his music about Africa and life in general. This has received a great response from both African and Western audiences around the globe.

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



matatu postcard

Riding the Matatus...

In another postcard in our 'Back to Africa' series, the Sydney-based director of Africa Associates, Carey Eaton, writes about Kenya's colourful form of public transport: the matatu.

As in many African countries, Kenya's public transportation system relies on private enterprise - on every street one can find a ubiquitous 'matatu' to transport you around town and country.

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
For Carey's previous letter on technological change in Kenya & Tanzania link here. To contact Carey Eaton write to info@africaassociates.com


The Number One Game... African Australian Youth Soccer Championships

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...
Lioness The Aussie "savannah" was filled with music last weekend when the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra played at an open-range zoo where Australia's largest giraffe herd, African hunting dogs, white rhino, 'Leroy the lion', and many other African animals reside. The Symphony in the Serengeti is a fundraiser for South Australia's Monarto Zoological Park. The Park's Director Chris Hannock (originally from South Africa), says the concert is aimed at improving the park's Lion Habitat for "lion conservation". In a special breeding program, he hopes to team 'Leroy and Levi the lions' (of South African 'Kruger National Park' stock) with some younger lionesses. Chris says the animals breed reasonably well in Australia, where: "The environment is grassland and bushland - not a lot different to the African savannah and woodland mix. The climate too has a similar range with spells of hot and dry and cold and wet."
Chris previously worked for South Africa's Natal Parks Board and Johannesburg Zoo - where he helped raise the first white lions in captivity in the world. He's hopeful sponsors and visitors will also support the South Australian Zoo's quest for greater awareness and understanding of African animals - that sometimes face threats of poaching and disease in their native habitats. For more on the zoo, see SA - What's On - or link to zoos in your own state via the What's On listings.


FROM THE ARCHIVES cont...

It's Football! Francis Awaritefe

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.
For the interview with Francis, link here



AkuolLeading Model: Akuol Diing

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 (Photo credits: Akuol modelling Bowie Wong. Image supplied by Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, photograph by Alex Zotos)



sista she Rapstar comedian: Rasheda

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



karinda Lion King's Karinda Mutabazi

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



Anton EnusMarathon Broadcaster: Anton Enus

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



Author Edison YongaiAuthor & Journalist: Edison Yongai

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...
For Edison's full story link here



Nalishebo'Miss World Australia': Nalishebo

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



Sosina - Photo by Ponch HawkesCircus Star: Sosina Wogayehu!

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



Abraham AleerSudan's 'Lost Boys': Abraham Aleer

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


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