News
Opportunities for people with a disability
May 13, 2011
Out of Africa, hello Brisbane
One of the many positives of living in a multi-cultural society is that we can learn much from those around us.
For example, we don't even have to leave Brisbane to experience first-hand some fantastic African culture because Africa has come to us.
'Hello Africa' is a Newstead-based collective which promotes all things African and will be performing live at the Big Community Day Out at the Cultural Forecourt on Brisbane's South Bank on May 15th – part of Endeavour Foundation’s 60th anniversary celebrations as it says 'thank you' to the community.
Sunday Ali is Hello Africa’s founder and leader and loves spreading the word.
“We have a rich culture of music and dance throughout Africa and language is our only barrier right across the continent,” he said.
“It's very important to us to be African, but when we travel to other parts of Australia and mix with the locals we find that music brings us together.”
Sunday is from a small village in south-east Nigeria called Okpo and has lived in Australia for ten years.
Others in Hello Africa are from Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, and there's a Zulu from South Africa.
It started in 2002 when he did a birthday party for his son and the kids loved it so much that it's grown into a big act.
“We have two drummers, lots of singing and dancing, acrobats, and we can teach people how to carry a basket on their head, carry a baby on their back, make African instruments, and we tell stories about our heritage.
“The music is most important, though, because if there's no music then Africans simply don't turn up!”
'Hello Africa' could be performing in front of thousands at the Big Community Day Out but that's nothing new as they once had 500 singers backing them in front of an audience of thousands at QPAC.
'Hello Africa' offer a glimpse into African life and culture and Sunday Ali is proud of it.
“It's a one-stop shop for Africa!” he said.
Note: For more information about Hello Africa, visit their website at www.helloafrica.com.au
Endeavour Foundation’s Big Community Day Out is a FREE event at the Cultural Forecourt on Brisbane’s South Bank on May 15th 10am-4pm.
CONTACT
David Coles Media and Communications Officer
P (07) 3908 7109
M 0419 248106
F (07) 3253 7271
News
-
Swan and Macklin told employment is key to NDIS
May 18, 2012 -
Endeavour Foundation welcomes Commonwealth NDIS commitment
May 8, 2012 -
Out of Africa to out of this world
Apr 24, 2012
