Performance: Afrocentric – Curated by Candy Bowers

Candy Bowers is a multi-disciplinary performance, writer and auteur. She is the child of political refugees who fled Apartheid South Africa and came to reside in Melbourne, Australia in the mid 1970s. Her diasporic realities—embodied and disembodied, rooted and uprooted—feed her written and performative offerings. In 2022, Bowers was the recipient of Creative Victoria’s Creative Fund and studied the intergenerational effects of Type 2 Diabetes on Sub-Saharan black and brown migrant African women’s bodies. The result was Sweet Mama (Do you believe in destiny?), an afrofuturistic cabaret in which she plays a super-hero fighting the disease from inside her mother’s body. Her radical hip hop theatre work for young audiences, One the Bear (2017-2019), is an allegory for apartheid that explores representation, friendship, and freedom. The show was included in the VCE Playlist and nominated for an AWGIE award in 2019.Bowers has amassed a swag of local and global awards, notably the UK Total Theatre Award (Edinburgh UK) and the Geoffrey Milne Green Room Award for Contribution to Independent Theatre (Victoria). She has produced significant works that elevate female, gender-fluid, trans, and non-binary African artists of colour, including TAKEBACK!, a multi-genre stage work interrogating the racialised gaze (2022 MAV/Fuse Festival), and the global phenomenon Hot Brown Honey Burlesque. Bowers led the Associate programs for the 2018-2019 Big World Up Close Festival (Arts Centre Melbourne) and the 2011-2012 World Theatre Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse. In 2018, she was commissioned by Campbelltown Arts Centre for the exhibition We are all connected to Campbelltown (one way or another), contributing a work of photography and video entitled King Shit & Lady Muck, a queer, satirical revisioning of royalty and colonisation. In 2008, she was the recipient of the British Council of the Arts Realise Your Dream Award and in 2019 she was a part of the inaugural UK/Australia leadership mentoring program Intersect. Her writing is currently featured in a number of publications, including Grace on my television in ACMI’s Goddess: Fierce Women on Film (Thames & Hudson), and her personal essay Australia, I love you but… in the Growing Up African in Australia anthology (Black Inc.).

In the prime of their creative blossoming, The Experience unites a cohort of soon-to-be legendary musicians, bound by the desire to heal and inspire through their art. ZII, a multifaceted rapper and poet, heeds his father’s wisdom to harness the power of culture for collective encouragement amidst the tribulations that marked the world in 2020.

Wordlessly composing a suite of instrumentals, ZII seeks to capture the ineffable spirit of a world grappling with pandemic and racial awakening. This musical endeavor coalesces into The Experience, a quintet that breathes life into these melodies, infusing them with hope through the medium of Spiritual and Afro-Jazz. For these five artists, the union of music and culture serves as a conduit for healing. Their live performances invite audiences to shed the weight of the past, dancing to the percussive beats and swaying to the melodies that mirror the unique tapestry of each individual’s experience.

Jace XL
19 Jan
From his early 2016’s Debut Ep release Sacrifice and following tours, to his vocal contribution to Nai Palms Needle Paw, Jace XL has continued to evolve. He has shared a stage and worked with artists and bands such as Joey Badass, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kimbra, John Kale, Thundamentals, Billy Davis, Knxwledge, Jordan Rakei, Remi, Sampa the Great, Shouse, Harvey Sutherland, Paul Kelly, Emma Donovan and more, lending his vocal talents as either a supporting act (with frequent collaborator SILENT JAY) or as a backing or feature vocalist. His collaborations and experiences coalesce in his versatile tone that stems from the past while focused on the present.

Amadou Suso
20 Jan
Amadou Suso comes from Gambia in West Africa and is part of a Mandinka tribe that have been playing the Kora for centuries. The kora originated in Gambia 750 years ago and Amadou is a direct descendant of the first kora player; Korea Musa Suso. Originally it was a 7 stringed instrument but over time has evolved into the 22 stringed instrument you see today and is affectionately known as the African Harp. Amadou first started playing the Kora when he was 6 years old and was shorter than the instrument itself. He has since travelled the world and brings to life the depth of mandinka history and fuses it with contemporary mastery of the African harp.

Nhatty Man
21 Jan
Ethio-pop and reggae star Nhatty Man is a household name in Ethiopia and around the Diaspora. Nhatty was nominated at the first East African Music Awards, where he performed alongside Congolese legend Papa Wemba, Burundian star Kidum and Kenyan pop singer Jaguar. He was the first Horn of Africa artist to perform on Big Brother Amplified in South Africa, which was broadcast across the continent. Since relocating to Melbourne in 2014 Nhatty has performed New Year’s Eve at Fed Square, WOMADelaide, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Melbourne Festival. In 2022, Nhatty was selected as one of the 8 Australia Council for the Arts fellows, affirming Nhatty’s talent and the ability of his music to reach audiences beyond his homeland. The fellowship has enabled Nhatty to realise a long-held dream to collaborate with Australian musicians. He is currently writing and recording material with award winning reggae producers Jahwise and Killahkeys. The album takes a turn into new territories incorporating Afrobeat and reggae sounds, with collaborations with artists including Paul Kelly, Felix Reibl, Memphis LK and Allday. The album will be released in 2024.

OKENYO
26 Jan
OKENYO packs her music with unashamed confidence, poignancy and intrigue, delivering it with exuberance and depth, Sydney musician OKENYO is an artist whose musical journey is one of constant evolution. Respected and renowned for her meticulous crafting of music that pushes the boundaries, OKENYO’s artistry reflects the fluidity and changing perceptions of hip-hop and R&B, as created by Australian musicians. OKENYO’s 2018 debut EP THE WAVE and heralded single ‘Woman’s World’ captured the hearts and minds of fans and music industry alike offering up a powerful statement with effervescence and revitalised charm. Since then OKENYO has gone from strength to strength with adored 2019 singles ‘Buckle Up’ and ‘Eyes To The Sky’. She has toured with Santigold, Cody Chestnutt and Chris (formerly known as Christine & The Queens) and in 2020 went platinum for her feature on Saweetie & Doja Cat’s ‘Best Friend’ feat OKENYO and Jess B.

Samuel Gaskin
27 Jan
Samuel Gaskin is the very definition of a cultural and creative renaissance man, with his myriad focuses spent furthering the advancement of music, theatre, advocacy, and his Beat Entertainment company. But that barely scratches the surface of what one of this country’s most acclaimed creators is capable of. Channelling his Māori and Nigerian roots, the Melbourne-based multi-hyphenate has been dubbed a “creative tour de force” by Rolling Stone Australia, while garnering critical acclaim for his efforts in music and theatre. Beginning a musical career in 2010, recent years have included writing and performing with local Indigenous artists, including Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project, The Merindas & Kee’ahn.

Ajak Kwai
28 Jan
Ajak Kwai hopes to create a platform for the next generations to create arts and other jobs and be inspired to share that with the wider community. Her passion is to create and present music that reflects her Sudanese heritage, breaking through cultural barriers and building understanding. She creates music, stories and songs that reflect our complex world, and writes and performs what could be described as an Afro mix with Sudanese roots, looking back to her African heritage and to the present where she has many artistic influences on which to draw.

Flora Chol
19, 21, 23 & 25 Jan
Flora Chol is a Melbourne based South Sudanese writer and poet. She is the published author of Tomorrows Dream, her first debut Poetic Anthology. Flora’s writing is an unprovoked stream of literary consciousness that critically delves into complex modern day discourses. Through an in-depth poetic lens, she explores topics of race, whiteness, gender, cultural and traditional binaries, intergenerational trauma and social as well as political issues. Flora’s poetry is about deconstructing unnatural systems and serves to place the human voice in a state of unapologetic truth & power.

Bilalli
22, 24, 26 & 28 Jan
Bilalli is one of the most promising MC’s of his generation. As an African Australian born & raised in Melbourne’s west, he has a lot to share when it comes to culture & music. In primary school he spent a lot of time acting in TV, Film & Theatre which helped him build a strong foundation of stage presence & develop his confidence as a performer. Bilalli’s beginnings in Hip Hop were through Bboying. During his time as a Bboy he began researching & acquired a rich understanding of the culture of Hip Hop. Inspired by artists from the likes of Common, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) & Black Thought, Bilalli began writing & performing rhymes during High School. At the end of 2022 Bilalli supported Sampa The Great at = Hamer Hall with Afro Hip Hop band Cool Out Sun, who’s upcoming album he makes a few guest appearances on. Bilalli is currently working on his debut EP.

N’fa F-Jones
20, 23, 25 & 27 Jan
N’fa F-Jones (MM) is an Australian/Sierra-Leonean music artist, MC, and lecturer credited for helping establish the Australian Hip Hop movement with his ARIA award-winning band “1200 Techniques” and continuing his work with the independent label House Of Beige, and Afro-beat infused multi award nominated group “Cool Out Sun”. N’fa has toured locally and internationally, gaining a wealth experience, knowledge and cultural growth that has helped him to nurture young creatives through University lecturing, community events, school workshops and outreach music programs through various foundations. N’fa continues to stimulate the local musical community, recently co-producing Australian Hop Hop documentary, “Burn Gently” (2023) available on SBS on Demand. This sharing of knowledge, music and cultural continues to inspire the ever- growing diverse landscape of Australian music.

Ebony Hickey
22 & 24 Jan
Ebony Hickey is a Haitian born, Australian contemporary artist with an interest in interrogating concepts of individuality, adoption, sexuality, queerness and black identity. Ebony draws on her life experience to inform the creation of her drawings and experience sculptural forms, employing a diverse assortment of materials to compose her work. Performance is also an important element of her creative practice. In 2000, Ebony created the drag king personality Koko Mass. Koko loves to perform songs with soul and is a bit of a badass who always speaks up and is honest about issues they face in society. Koko challenges perceptions head on whilst also having fun with their audience. Ebony’s practice is bold and politically engaged, responding to issues that affect her communities with a strong visual language she continues to explore. Ebony completed her Masters of Contemporary Arts at Victorian College of the Arts – Melbourne University, Australia in 2020.

One Sixth
19, 21, 26 & 28 Jan
Aaron Stephanus, aka One Sixth, is a Namibian-Australian emcee, producer, spoken word artist and performer in the realm of Hip Hop, Afrobeat, Jazz and whatever style he can get his hands on!!! He has been performing in Naarm/Melbourne and around so-called Australia since the late 2000’s as a solo act and a member of various bands including Illzilla, Black Jesus Experience and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra. His writing weaves storytelling and an acute awareness of the social experiences of his generation with lyrical dexterity and a keen sense of realism, hoping to shine a light on situations that tend to remain in the shadows, while also having a great time doing it!

Cheech
20, 23, 25 & 28 Jan
Chichi Nwokocha, aka Cheech, is a Nigerian British Artmaker specialising in spoken word and theatre. With a background at the National Youth Theatre and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, she has produced events at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London, including, ‘An Evening with Wole Soyinka’. In Australia, Cheech has immersed herself in the arts scene, collaborating with Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Theatre Works, and producing Ararat Youth Hip Hop Festival. She facilitates poetry workshops for Connection Arts Space and councils including Casey. As a mentee of The People of Cabaret, she features in their award-winning, ‘We Are Here’, Digital Fringe show and performed in their Parlour Takeover, for Stonnington Council. A regular at Drum theatre, Cheech is also a 2022 Green Room award winner with her collective TAKE BACK, striving to diversify POC in the arts. In 2023, she performed in, ‘On the 23rd Day Mars Was in Gemini’, for Midsumma Festival.

Tariro Mavondo
19, 21, 24 & 27 Jan
Tariro Mavondo’s poetry is somatic, a loud eruptive invitation to enlist oneself to presence as the passageway into experiencing the sensorium of human and non human kinship. Tariro is the essence of an artist, her life work is tethered to re-villagising, unifying through difference and remaking a post humanist world where all things seen and unseen, known and unknown thrive. Nominated for an Aria Music Award in 2021 with her collaboration with The Australian Art Orchestra for Best Jazz Album last year and won an APRA AMCOS award for Work of the Year: Electroacoustic/Sound Art, for Closed Beginnings. Tariro has been a featured poet at Slamalamadingdong, Better Of Said, Melbourne Spoken Word and Poetry Festival, Passionate Tongue, Mother Tongue, Emerging Writers Festival, African Music and Cultural Festival, Melbourne Poets Union. She has been published in Growing Up African in Australia Black Inc Books and Going Down Swinging.

Rufaro Zimbudzi
20, 22, 26 & 27 Jan
Rufaro Zimbudzi is a Zimbabwean-Australian performer and writer, currently in her second year at the Victorian College of Arts. She has completed a breadth of work, both self-devised and in collaboration with The Art Centre Melbourne and Creative Victoria to name a few. She hopes to continue exploring her artistry through both her studies and external work, finding inspiration in the fusion of cultures she grew up in, and wanting to share this experience to the world.

Christian Biko is the creative director of bobb creative, an international, digital production house. His passion is to share his skills and help support creatives to express and tell their unique stories. Christian’s love of music started young and was refined when he began working in a record store as a teenager, sourcing great vinyl and ordering specialist DJ equipment. He went on to create and host DJ and production workshops introducing new equipment and the latest production techniques. During this time, he also was a radio host and DJ for Lush FM in Queensland. While Holding a five year DJ residency at the Australian Fullmoon Party, Christian also toured with superclub Cream and Ministry of Sound, supporting artists like Arrested Development, Mobb Deep, Action Bronson, Coolio, Rogue Traders, Potbelleez, Martin Solveig, Mark Dynamix and Madison Avenue.

Christian developed the experience and knowledge of digital audio production using software such as; Pro Tools, Ableton and Logic Pro for audio production, live recording and remixing. Christian’s performances with the band, Mister76 led to projects with Hip Hop artist Sinks, winner of the 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative. Recording and producing Sinks Prolifix EP, the project went on to perform live with some of the top Australian and International Hip Hop Artists and DJs.

Currently, Christian is providing music for promotional videos, podcasts, and sound design for theatre. Born in Johannesburg, to a South African mother and German father, Christian has a diverse and unique musical experience. He shares his mother’s passion for music and loves to discover new sounds and sampled classics. Like a great remix, Christian finds inspiration in his mix of distinctive elements and unique experiences.

Liona Tatafu is celebrated for her dynamic singing style, especially in R&B, jazz, and neo-soul, drawing inspiration from legends like Erykah Bad, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott and Ella Fitzgerald. As a session singer, vocal coach, and the founder and choir director of the Halo Vocal Ensemble, Liona leads Melbourne’s largest choir, featuring exceptional local singers and unique collaborations with rappers and MCs, making the Ensemble a notable presence in the city’s music scene. Additionally, she spearheads WESTSIDER, an initiative promoting live music in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Liona’s dedication to music and her community is evident in her engaging performances and innovative musical ventures.

Marq is a big-bone’d, thiccc-thigh’d, queer performer from the cotton fields of Virginia, USA. With a body like Tyson, breadth like Streisand, and resonance like Donny Hathaway – Marq is here to show the world that soul songbirds do indeed come in all sizes. Now calling Melbourne home, their musical style is like their live performances: electric, varied, and leaving you wanting for more. Although they cut their teeth in the southern Black gospel tradition, their music spans across genres from pop to musical theatre to rock n roll. Like their songs, there are no boundaries when it comes to their musical influence and arrangements.

Ceeko is a Melbourne-based singer/producer/songwriter with silky smooth vocals reminiscent of R&B artists from the 90’s/2000’s golden era with a distinct modern twist. Never afraid to show his diversity in both style and delivery, Ceeko draws inspiration from his roots, combining afro-beat rhythms, melodies and spirit with a touch of soul. Stay tuned for a lot more to come from Ceeko this year, as he reveals his most ambitious and personal work yet, aligned with his destiny of fostering culture and community through art.

Rufaro Zimbudzi is a Zimbabwean-Australian performer and writer, currently in her second year at the Victorian College of Arts. She has completed a breadth of work, both self-devised and in collaboration with The Art Centre Melbourne and Creative Victoria to name a few. She hopes to continue exploring her artistry through both her studies and external work, finding inspiration in the fusion of cultures she grew up in, and wanting to share this experience to the world.

Jaydean Miranda is a Melbourne-based singer and songwriter. He started his career on a high with an ‘APRA Song of the Year’ nomination for his co-write and feature on Kaiit’s hit single ‘OG Luv Kush Pt 2’ back in 2019. Since then, he has been releasing solo music with his single ‘Forget’ being featured on MTV and gaining a high volume of listeners from around the globe. Alongside his solo music, Jaydean has also worked as a backing vocalists for artists such as Thando, Kaiit, Ruel and Tones & I. Jaydean has also appeared on television as one of Team Guy’s ‘Top 6’ contestants on The Voice Australia Season 12 in 2023.

Sasha Hennequin is a versatile and accomplished performer based in Melbourne. In 2022, Sasha captivated audiences and critics alike in a memorable season of the musical Passing Strange. Under the direction of Dean Drieberg, resident director of the acclaimed Hamilton, Sasha took on the challenging role of Mother, earning her a well-deserved Greenroom Award nomination for Best Ensemble alongside the cast. This marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to deliver compelling performances in both musical theater and ensemble work. Sasha’s on-screen presence has been equally impactful, gracing Australian screens in commercials and TV shows. Notably, in the final seasons of the acclaimed Australian prison drama Wentworth. Beyond acting, Sasha is a classically trained singer, a skill she has cultivated since the age of twelve. Her vocal prowess has not only enhanced her performances on stage but has also led to her involvement in the Halo Vocal Ensemble since early 2022.

Rara Zulu is a South African born, Melbourne based vocalist with a wholesome rawness and a unique tendency to pull you into a state of vulnerability through her music. Her sound is heavily influenced by Soul, R’n’B and Hip Hop; made apparent in the rhythm and depth in her voice. Rara is brought to life by a live band, finding grooves in space and time created by instruments that provide the perfect landscape for a cascading serenade. Having worked with many staple artists in the Melbourne music scene like Finn Irregular, NIKODIMOS, Elle Shimada, Messy Mammals, Alysha Joy to name a few, she brings a beautiful presence to each collaboration. Rara’s solo performances are a stand out that place her in the league of pioneers of a fresh sound. Expect to laugh and maybe fall in love.

Belle Bangard is a Mauritian songstress, a Lead & Backing Vocalist, a Vocal Producer and Arranger based in Melbourne, and has graced many stages across the world. As a seasoned touring vocalist, a career highlight for Belle was performing with Grammy Award winning band Hiatus Kaiyote all throughout Australia and America, in which they took the stage with pioneers of the Neo-Soul/Hip Hop genre such as Erykah Badu, NAS, The Roots, India Arie, and many more. Belle has since toured with Number 1 song artist Tones & I supporting Macklemore’s European/UK tour, and looks forward to again performing with Tones & I supporting Pink’s upcoming Australian stadium tour in early 2024. Belle also tours with Australia’s Baker Boy, Kaiit, Thando, and most recently with Budjerah for the 2023 ARIA awards. With a passion to also educate, Belle teaches aspiring music students at Monash University all about the industry and how to arrange music in band contexts.

Tiana Khasi is a Brisbane-born, Melbourne-based future soul artist. A trained vocalist whose voice has been described ‘as venomous as it is honey-sweet’, Tiana’s music pays homage to her heritage while exploring a forward-thinking blend of soul, jazz and pop. Her debut EP, Meghalaya – titled for Meghalaya, India, the land of the Khasi tribe whose name Tiana proudly bears – arrived to critical acclaim in 2019. In 2020, Khasi released a follow-up EP, Meghalaya – The Remixes, a project that invited friends and respected collaborators to explore playful interpretations of her songs. Featuring contributions from Sampology, Melbourne’s Horatio Luna, So.Crates, Best Foot Forward, choicevaughan and Benny Salvador from Aotearoa as well as London-based label mate Street Rat, the remixes arrived dance-floor ready, breathing new energy into the music and representing community and collaboration at its core.

Milo Hartill aka That Fat Diva is a multidisciplinary artist from Perth, and is currently based in Naarm/Melbourne. She is known for her advocacy work in the theatre, modelling, screen and content creation spaces, discussing and being a voice for diversity, inclusion, anti-fatphobia and queer rights. Recently, Milo was a cover on Melbourne Theatre Company’s ‘Bloom,’ written by Tom Gleisner and Sydney’s Hayes Theatre Co’s ‘The Lucky Country’ written by Vidya Makan. You may also recognise Milo as The Google Girl, across your screens in Google’s 2021 campaign, Helping You Help Others.

Brotha Asanti originates from Zimbabwe with South African heritage. His artistry is deeply rooted in the vibrant underground dance scenes of New York and Chicago, which significantly influences his work as a vocalist, DJ, and producer. Asanti’s music, particularly showcased in his acclaimed 2020 debut EP Morning After Vol. 1, is a fusion of rich, rhythmic storytelling and soulful melodies. Elevating his craft beyond studio recordings, Asanti has graced prominent stages such as the Melbourne Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). These performances underscore his status as a multifaceted artist who not only excels in sound production but also in creating immersive live experiences. His performances are not just about music; they’re a celebration of cultural heritage, seamlessly integrating his African roots with the pulsating rhythms of contemporary house music. Asanti’s presence in these esteemed venues demonstrates his versatility and his commitment to bringing diverse musical landscapes to a wider audience, reinforcing his role as a key player in Melbourne’s rich cultural tapestry.

Appiah Annan, is a rare talent originating from Ghana, West Africa. His diverse practice spans many forms of dance including traditional African, contemporary, freestyle, hip hop and acrobatics, along with his impressive skills as a master drummer using both stick and hand drums. An inaugural Sidney Myer Fellow, Annan has more recently become known for his exploration of the afro- contemporary dance technique and for his skills playing the Kora (21 stringed West African harp). Based in Melbourne since 2007, this diverse artist has enjoyed sharing his work with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. He aims to use his work in the arts to encourage respect, togetherness and understanding among all members of our diverse society.

Xavier Gibson is a dynamic and gifted dancer, choreographer and model born in Melbourne, Australia. Coming from a rich Mauritian heritage, Xavier’s artistic expression sprouted and enriched through influences of Hip hop, Afro, and various other street dance styles. His remarkable talent has seen him further his training in ballet, contemporary and jazz, resulting in a uniquely diverse and vibrant dance portfolio. With his choreography being featured in multiple films and music videos, his style is described as emotional, athletic, and powerful. His creativity and originality has garnered attention from global brands such as Nike, Reebok, Westfield, JD Sports, Platypus and Converse, demonstrating his impact in the professional world despite his young age. With a goal to inspire and represent fellow creative, coloured boys, Xavier is not just wanting to create art but a movement within the industry.

Adam Hedo is a choreographer, performer artist based in Narrm/Melbourne. Since starting his journey in 2015 has traveled both locally and internationally to improve his craft, compete and perform . Moving from New Zealand in 2019 he has been teaching all over the Melbourne scene, back up dancing for local and international artist such as Behani, Neyo, Kelly Rowland and more.

Lerato Masiyane is one of the top dance performers and instructors in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in Afro Dance and Dancehall. Lerato was born in Zimbabwe, later migrated to New Zealand where she lived most of her life before moving to Melbourne, to complete her studies in youth work. Since completing her studies Lerato has continued to build her youth work skills and combine them with her passion for dance to inspire those around her. Lerato has travelled directly to Jamaica, Zimbabwe and Senegal where she has developed her knowledge of the movement she practices. She has performed with some of Australia’s highest profile musicians including Sampa the Great, Baker Boy and international artist Jojo Abot. She has also worked with multiple communities and school in Australia, sharing her culture and love for dance. Lerato is now focused on building her skills as a choreographer and helping to build the Afro Dance community in Melbourne.

Monique Nightingale is a Melbourne-based Artist specialising in dance. She has trained under Raw and Rugged, Ascendant Dance Company and Homebase. She has also competed nationally and internationally and performed in live shows, music videos, and on national TV. Credits include Baker Boy, Nike, YSL Beauty, Logitech and more. Monique values community, and in the past year, she has led community initiatives such as Make Your Move (in partnership with the Melton Council) and Raise the Roof. Overall, Monique has a natural approach to dance and believes it should be organic, accessible and shared with one another.

Raissa Ousseni Mari is a 22-year-old Franco-Comorian artist, born and raised in Mayotte. Her artistic journey began as a singer, earning the honour of representing her island at the prestigious Olympia in Paris in 2019 through a remarkable collaboration. Since the age of 15, she discovered my passion for dance, engaging in numerous performances on Mayotte’s stages with Afro dance groups. Since arrival in Melbourne 12 months ago she has seamlessly integrated into the booming artistic community. Raissa is a dedicated member of Kwabo Crew, led by the talented Gracieuse Amah and she has had the opportunity to showcase her dance talent and progress both personally and artistically. Kwabo Crew’s artistic community has played a crucial role in her journey, providing a sense of belonging and making Melbourne a second home.

Valeria Cuenu was born on October 7, 1998, in Zarzal, Valle, Colombia. Being Afro Colombian fills her with pride and inspires her to learn and share about the culture and her heritage. Raised in Panama, she’s had the privilege of experiencing different cultures and traditional dances. As a dancer specializing in urban and afro dance, she finds joy in expressing myself through movements and every shape of art where her essence can bloom. She’s a model, choreographer, and designer, constantly seeking new avenues to showcase her creativity.

Gracieuse Amah, also known as Grace or Kwabo Grace, is a multidisciplinary powerhouse—a Creative Director, Community Leader, and Choreographer steering Kwabo Events while holding qualifications as a French Entertainment Legal Adviser. Her narrative is one of cultural celebration, resilience, and dedication to social justice and intercultural dialogue through the transformative power of African dance. As a French-born Beninese and Togolese woman, Gracieuse’s artistic drive is rooted in her diverse heritage, migration experience, and the legacy of remarkable women in her family. Her trailblazing grandmother, Benin’s pioneering female head nurse, was awarded the Medal of Social Merit. Her inspirational mother, a former literature teacher, home-schooled orphans, later becoming a businesswoman and the first importer of Pineapple in the famous international French Market Rungis in the 70s. As an acclaimed artist specialised in visual and public participatory arts, her infectious enthusiasm and energy have led her to be a global ambassador of African dance since 2002. Beyond the arts, she champions social inclusion, gender and racial equity, interculturalism, and youth empowerment, notably through endeavours such as music festivals, international youth congresses, dance workshops, as well as Kwabo Festival—an artist-led incubator program and multicultural festival amplifying BIPOC culture and voices.

Aiesha Baiden is a 15-year-old Ghanaian Australian Dancer and Model from Melbourne. Training since the age of 4 in all styles of dance, Aiesha has a particular interest in Jazz, Contemporary and Commercial movement styles. Aiesha is currently training at Patrick School of the Arts and in 2024 will take a place in their Academy program to enable her to extend her dance training even further and prepare her for a career in the industry. Aiesha’s performance experience includes performances at the Victorian Dance Festival, the African Cultural Festival, 4 seasons with Platforms- SCIMM Dance Companies Youth Program, 4 seasons with RISE the Performance Experience, and countless community events around Melbourne. Aiesha has appeared in campaigns for Studio7 Dancewear and Energetiks and has danced in music videos for Kate Miler Heidke (Deluded, 2020) and Paul Kelly (Eurydice and the Tawny Frogmouth, 2021).

Alani Baiden is a 12-year-old Ghanaian Australian Dancer from Melbourne. Alani has been training in all styles of dance since she was 2 years old. In recent years Alani has developed a focus on Hip Hop and Commercial styles of dance, alongside a love of Contemporary. Alani currently trains at Patrick School of the Arts and will begin her High Schooling in their Academy Program in 2024. Alani has been a member of SCIMM Dances Youth Company (Platforms ) since 2022. Her performance experience includes the Victorian Dance Festival, the African Cultural Festival, 1 season with Lionheart Youth Company, 4 seasons with RISE the Performance Experience, and many community events including Moomba and the Royal Melbourne Show. Alani has appeared in online content for Energetiks and in campaigns for Studio7 Dancewear. She has danced in music videos for Kate Miller Heidke (Deluded, 2020) and Jess Hitchcock (I Don’t Have the Heart, 2023).

Chantal Bala (She/Her) is a professional dancer and choreographer based in Naarm (Melbourne). After cracking the code of breaking into the dance industry, Chantal has been able to earn a space and create a name for herself in the scene by taking an unconventional path. This has been able to help other aspiring creatives seek a new unique perspective based on her sharing her own journey. Chantal actively trains in styles such as Vogue Femme, Afro-dance, and commercial dance, but is also heavily influenced by hip-hop and street dance culture. Chantal is now continuing to lead a life of purpose by guiding others towards authenticity through their creative gifts. Some of her credits include: Jessica Mauboy, Behani & NE-YO, Kizz Daniel, Eliza Rose, PANIA, Robbie Williams & Delta Goodrem, AFLW Season Launch 2023 (Choreographed for & performed), MECCA, Nike Jordan x Footlocker, Converse and Culture Kings.

Lucas Faundez is a Melbourne-based dancer, whose versatile and captivating style has driven his career from stage to screen. Faundez collaborated with the emerging artist Behani and R&B sensation Neyo as a backup dancer at the Juicy Festival in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. In the same year, he was a back-up dancer for Kelly Rowland at the 2023 Mardi Gras Festival in Sydney. He performed and toured with the cast of Rupaul’s Drag Race: Down-Under Tour during Seasons 1 and 2. Faundez’s career has spanned across major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, as well as reaching international audiences in New Zealand, gracing the stages of Auckland and Wellington. His journey also includes the Regent Theatre, contributing to The Catholic Education: Time To Shine Performance from 2015 into 2016. Beyond live performances, Faundez also showcased his talent on screen, featuring as a dancer in commercials for Toyota, Kmart, Coles, and the exciting Deal or No Deal 2023 Advertisement in Melbourne.

Xavier Gibson is a dynamic and gifted dancer, choreographer and model born in Melbourne, Australia. Coming from a rich Mauritian heritage, Xavier’s artistic expression sprouted and enriched through influences of Hip hop, Afro, and various other street dance styles. His remarkable talent has seen him further his training in ballet, contemporary and jazz, resulting in a uniquely diverse and vibrant dance portfolio. With his choreography being featured in multiple films and music videos, his style is described as emotional, athletic, and powerful. His creativity and originality has garnered attention from global brands such as Nike, Reebok, Westfield, JD Sports, Platypus and Converse, demonstrating his impact in the professional world despite his young age. With a goal to inspire and represent fellow creative, coloured boys, Xavier is not just wanting to create art but a movement within the industry.

Gracieuse Amah, also known as Grace or Kwabo Grace, is a multidisciplinary powerhouse—a Creative Director, Community Leader, and Choreographer steering Kwabo Events while holding qualifications as a French Entertainment Legal Adviser. Her narrative is one of cultural celebration, resilience, and dedication to social justice and intercultural dialogue through the transformative power of African dance. As a French-born Beninese and Togolese woman, Gracieuse’s artistic drive is rooted in her diverse heritage, migration experience, and the legacy of remarkable women in her family. Her trailblazing grandmother, Benin’s pioneering female head nurse, was awarded the Medal of Social Merit. Her inspirational mother, a former literature teacher, home-schooled orphans, later becoming a businesswoman and the first importer of Pineapple in the famous international French Market Rungis in the 70s. As an acclaimed artist specialised in visual and public participatory arts, her infectious enthusiasm and energy have led her to be a global ambassador of African dance since 2002. Beyond the arts, she champions social inclusion, gender and racial equity, interculturalism, and youth empowerment, notably through endeavours such as music festivals, international youth congresses, dance workshops, as well as Kwabo Festival—an artist-led incubator program and multicultural festival amplifying BIPOC culture and voices.