One Africa

Each year this project manages the colossal task of bringing together a range of African musical talent both locally and abroad to celebrate the magic and spectacular vibrancy of African song, music and dance. The showcase of diverse styles of musical traditions makes for an unforgettable event. 300 singers with a passion for African rhythms form the chorus and support the vast array of performers in this magnificent display of African culture. The choir is made up of community groups and students from all over Victoria who are a central part of this spiritually uplifting experience.

The performance features traditional and contemporary styles of song and dance, drawing on African myths and legends that have inspired an energetic and often acrobatic choreography of movement and sound. Highlights of the performance included the Burundi Drummers rendition of traditional South African gospel song in the languages of Zulu and Sotho and the Asanti Dance Theatre performing Saro, a traditional song from southern Senegal. The show tells stories of African communities; the hardship, sorrow and joy of their struggle to establish a symbiosis with the land. Song and dance in African culture are also a powerful instrument of protest and lament and they offer the opportunity for real moments of transcendence to both performers and participants alike.

Patricia Di Risio