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Welcome to AfricanOz,
your African Australian online resource. This site is for everyone: whether you're of African heritage, have an interest in Africa, or you're simply browsing the web.
is welcome.
Don't Stop the Music…Touring African artists are continuing 'hot ticket' items on the Australian festival and live music scene in coming months. Don't miss: Malian legends Amadou & Miriam (pictured), Ethiopian legend Mahmoud Ahmed (see article below), West African great Mamadou Diabate who won a Grammy award this year (touring w/ Djan Djan) and the lovely Oumou Sangare. See AfricanOz What's On
A defining taste of Ethiopian jazz…
Pic: Francis Falceto with Ethiopian music legend Mahmoud Ahmed, visiting Australia for WOMADelaide
Westerners who are fond of Africa sometimes have defining moments when they go ‘crazy’ for African culture; finding an artwork, a tasty new dish or a song played on the radio that inspires them to learn more, taste more, hear more…
This is what happened to Francis Falceto, the Frenchman involved in Ethiopiques, to be performed at WOMADelaide (with legend Mahmoud Ahmed) this March. It's a performance inspired by the 20-CD Ethiopiques music series that Falceto put together for Buda music, CDs widely credited for bringing Ethiopian music to an international audience.
According to Falceto his involvement in Ethiopian music “started from a flash” at a party in the French countryside. “A friend of ours… had toured Africa with a French theatre troupe... By chance he’d bought this Mahmoud Ahmed LP in Ethiopia. And at night when he put the LP on the turntable, we went absolutely crazy! We’d never heard such African music! It was even hard to believe it was African music, because when you look at the cover of the LP the writing was so strange... I mean I was very ignorant.
“I had an incredible flash. I made cassette copies out of this LP, and sent them to friends of mine, music journalists and music critics - supposedly knowing a lot about music from Africa - and by the following days all of them came back to me saying ‘Francis, what is that?’ and ‘where did you get it from?’ So I understood it was very good and amazing music and at the same time it wasn’t known.
“At the time I was working with friends in a non-profit organisation organising concerts of very weird music, very strange, not specially commercial. So we decided, OK, let’s go, bring the men back and make concerts with them. That’s how it started.”
After a few years, he decided to dedicate his time to researching the history and music of Ethiopia during its ‘Golden Era’, 1960s and early 70s - when Ethiopian music was still influenced by Big-Band Jazz, and there were very ‘groovy’ but still uniquely Ethiopian tunes from music legends like Alèmayèhu Eshèté, Mahmoud Ahmed and Mulatu Astatqé (whose music was recently featured in the film ‘Broken Flowers’).
More of interview on AfricanOz Features page
 Mixed Marriages & More...
As 2009 draws to a close there's a wealth of new research projects on African Australians coming online (See Communities for reports on policing, migration, etc). New personal story projects include SUDANESE STORIES, NSW Migration Heritage Centre, and the following:
Stories from Mixed African and Australian Relationships: In Australia around 30% of marriages are between males and females born in different countries (ABS, 2008) A new free, online University of Western Sydney publication features interviews with people with very different experiences in mixed African Australian relationships, some excerpts including:
> "Mixed marriage, sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's not hard, it depends on the people. My theory is all people are the same, yellow. white, black, pink, person is person. It's in the heart..."
> "There isn't much support out there really for people in mixed couples. People just don't understand..."
> "We have great communication. We talk a lot about the future and we're always making plans"
> AND "There wasn't communication, there was just frustration."
This collection of stories collected by research coordinator, Annie Stopford and editor, Jill Sergeant, is entitled 'Working it Out. Stories from African-Australian' relationships'. Editor Jill Sergeant says it's not a definitive collection, but an important beginning. When putting together the collection, "We knew that there was nothing else around, but that it was important for people to share their stories, particularly people having difficulties, to look at how they might have arisen, and give them strategies to work things out." The full publication is available online at the Australian African Network website.
Africa's 'wonder moisturisers'
Don't miss this month's Fashion page article on Africa's 'wonder moisturisers', including Shea Butter, Baobab Oil and other materials increasingly popular in Western skincare products. See AfricanOz Fashion page.
Community profile: Rosemary Kariuki 
[Article posted 26 July '09] AfricanOz chats with community leader Rosemary Kariuki about her fascinating background and tireless work for Africans resettling in Australia.... [Pic: courtesy of UWS Women of West awards]
Being the daughter of an independence fighter, a child amongst 16 siblings, and the victim of tribal clashes hasn't hardened the heart of Rosemary Kariuki. On the contrary, this community leader, award recipient and volunteer extraordinaire just radiates cheerful warmth.
"I grew up with so much love," she explains - referring to her childhood on a farm in the Kenyan town of Eldoret. "We lived 40-50 people in one house. We shared everything we had."
This spirit of sharing fuelled her desire to help others. In Kenya, she helped street kids facing illness or death. Later, in Sydney, Australia, she organised and lobbied for countless African events and services: including the African Women's Dinner Dance (SMH link), the Celebration of African cultures, and generating employment and health awareness.
This involves working with Africans from many different backgrounds and bridging the gap between cultures – a challenge Rosemary relishes... [Read the rest of the interview with Rosemary Kariuki here]
Chat with Ladysmith Black Mambazo 
Despite Grammy awards (including 2009) & a massive international fan base, Ladysmith Black Mambazo still like to think of themselves as simple South African Zulu singers. AfricanOz spoke with Albert Mazibuko, who has been with the group since 1969, on the eve of their exciting Australian tour...
AfricanOz: For a long time you've remained one of the most popular African groups on the world stage. How do you explain your enduring appeal?
Albert (Ladysmith): I think it best for others to answer this. We just do what we have always done. Perhaps this is something to do with it. We sing and dance in a traditional Zulu style and we sing and talk of peace and people working together. I know that message is universal and unending so that must have something to do with it. Someone once told me that musical styles are always changing over time but one thing they appreciated about Ladysmith Black Mambazo was that we don't change our musical style. They felt they could count on us to deliver what they wanted.
AfricanOz: How do you stay true to your musical roots?
Albert (Ladysmith): Probably because we are who we are. Pretty much a group of simple fellas from Zulu South Africa. Our older members were born and raised on the farm and we always go back there.
AfricanOz: Is this hard to do in the new South Africa and with an international audience
Albert (Ladysmith): Not at all. Yes, there are many outside influences in South Africa because of cable tv and the internet so young people are changing. It is difficult to keep the traditions strong in the young. But for us, we don't get caught up in the latest this or that.
Read the rest of the interview with Ladysmith Black Mambazo here
(Extra)Ordinary Passion 
He’s strong, spirited, the son of Fela Kuti, a brilliant Afrobeat artist of the next generation: Ladies & gentlemen, meet SEUN KUTI as he prepares to leap from Lagos, Nigeria into Sydney...
AfricanOz was lucky enough to catch up with Seun on the eve of his visit:
AfricanOz: In a sense you're from musical 'royalty' - but you still sing for the common man in Africa. How do you maintain that rage about people's everyday challenges?
Seun Kuti: I live among the people, they are my friends. Most people in African live under the poverty line - that is reason enough for me to be passionate. You can't ignore this fact and not be passionate about these people when you see them every day. If you look at history in Europe… the uprising was led by artists, musicians and intellectuals - for the common man, for the people on the street who couldn’t eat. They did not think about themselves, their happiness and their own status. For me as an African I have a responsibility to speak for the people, have a voice. One can’t sit back and relax. Many Africans die of things that could be avoided: neglected by our so-called rulers. Millions of people die every day... out of neglect and due to poor health care. How can I be not passionate? I have to be passionate. I have to be passionate because I think.
Read the rest of the interview with Seun Kuti here
So African... So Chic... 
Who WAS that gorgeous African model on the catwalks of Rosemont Australian Fashion Week 2009? AfricanOz stepped 'backstage' to chat to Antoinette Ataro, originally from Kenya (pic courtesy CHIC models).
Hovering over a pocket radio shared between 12 brothers and sisters – in a humble African village house devoid of TV – it must have been hard for a young Antoinette to imagine she’d one day be a professional model, with designer clothes, international travel and a face to grace magazine covers.
But then who – at that time - could predict that a village near Antoinette’s in the Luo area of Northern Kenya – would see local blood, Barack Obama, become president of the United States?
As Antoinette explains, “I’ve come to see how everything is possible. It’s all about attitude – how you put yourself out there.”
Despite this optimism, Antoinette never takes her own achievements for granted. While growing up she never imagined becoming a model – only wanting a job to help support her family.
Read the rest of the interview with Antoinette here
Seeing the Sahara in Oz 
With the dust of the Sahara still tickling their toes, 'blues' band Tinarawin touch down in Australia this month. Fusing traditional Tourag music (from the nomadic tribes of the Sahara, bordering Niger, Mali & other regions), with western influences (acquired during years in exile in neighbouring countries) the songs of Tinarawin are a powerful blend with a powerful message. Here AfricanOz chats with band member Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni about their fascinating history and life 'on the road'. See AfricanOz What's On for details of Sydney & Melbourne shows.
AfricanOz Can you tell us something about how and why the band got together?
Tinarawin The band came together in the late 1970s and early 1980s in southern Algeria and Libya. The original members were Touareg who had been exiled from their homes in northern Mali, due to drought, political oppression and lack of opportunity. These young Touareg, who some called 'ishumar', after the french word for unemployed ('chomeur'), were living a very precarious hand to mouth existence and the early songs of Tinariwen expressed their home-sickness, pain and longing for social and political freedom.
Read the rest of the interview with Tinarawin's Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni here
PEOPLE PROFILES...
from the AfricanOz Archives
 Touring artists: Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars
In 2007 AfricanOz caught up with the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars when they were touring Australia - interviewing the band's youngest member, the remarkable 19 year old Black Nature, who met other band members in a refugee camp and rose to international fame following an award-winning documentary about their lives. For interview link here
 African heads UN centre in Australia
In 2006 AfricanOz spoke with Tanzanian national Abdullah Saleh Mbamba - the new Director of the United Nations Information Centre for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. In a special conversation with AfricanOz, he revealed his thoughts on Darfur, the end of an era for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, African poverty, and his own unique background as a journalist and international diplomat. For interview link here
 Singer & 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
 Model & 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
 Award-winning community worker:
Marie-Binidicte
Remarkable Rwandan-born Australian Marie-Binidicte 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-Binidicte's story link here
 Award-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
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
 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 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 Diakiti. To read the full interview link here
 Performer & 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. For Sheela's full story link here
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LATEST in AUSTRALIAN MEDIA
Hugh's talkin'...
AfricanOz recently caught up with South African jazz great, Hugh Masekela, touring Australia (Melb, Syd, Perth) in October 09:
Hugh Masekela has long been an internationally celebrated musician. In the 1960s, he was forced to flee his beloved South Africa to live in the UK and USA, finally returning after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. While overseas – encouraged by friends Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Belafonte - he became one of the first African artists to break through into the international pop mainstream, playing with The Byrds, Herb Alpert, Fela Kuti and working with Paul Simon on Graceland. Since returning to South Africa, he's continued recording platinum-selling albums and worked hard to promote South Africa's music industry. Pictured is Hugh holding his trumpet - back in the 1950s he received his first one from Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, then later one from Louis Armstrong, making a statement during the Apartheid era. AfricanOz recently caught up with Hugh on the 'eve' of his Australian tour...
AfricanOz: You’ve always said it’s important to “remember where you came from”. Can you elaborate a little on what this statement means to you?
Hugh Masekela: I come from an extremely rich African heritage which has been compromised by conquest, religion and industrial exploitation. All these elements are in place to render and manipulate my heritage as being backward, uncivilized, pagan, heathen, savage and barbaric. I live to overturn this perspective.
AfricanOz: You are a living legend who has met or performed with some of the world’s finest musicians. Is there anyone you didn’t meet who inspired you greatly – and you’d have loved to perform with?
Hugh Masekela: No one is a legend. We all find our resources here when we are born and leave them behind when we go. Who I didn't meet was not meant to be.
AfricanOz: How do you feel about the current state of South Africa’s music industry?
Hugh Masekela:There will never be an African music industry until there is a cultural heritage revival through which Africans will open a new door to an African homegrown industry which will be no different from Australia's, Brazil's, Jamaica's, Europes's or America's.
AfricanOz: You have turned 70 and show no signs of slowing down. What are some of your current and future projects?
Hugh Masekela: Film production, theater production, book publishing, African Arts revival and Education, TV production, clothing manufacture and African heritage cultural revival.
AfricanOz:What do you miss most about South Africa when you’re touring?
Hugh Masekela: I don't miss anything because now, I can always return home to South Africa, Ghana, my wife's home and a country I adopted in the 1970s or Los Angeles where our sons and our many friends live.
For more on Hugh see www.ritmoartists.com and Interesting intv on Afropop.com
A Serious Laugh: Muj Ahmed 
AfricanOz chats with comedian and refugee welfare worker Mujahid Ahmed whose comedy show ‘African Time’ premieres at Adelaide Fringe Festival in March 09
He’s Australia’s best known Sudanese stand-up comedian (“by default” he jokes), and regards himself as half African half Australian (“I mean I could easily run 100 metres in 11 seconds… but now I just can’t be bothered”) – but beneath the humour are hard-hitting messages influenced by his work with African refugees and encounters with racism.
While Adelaide-based comedian Mujahid Ahmed loves nothing more than a good laugh there’s a serious side to life as well.
By day he works as a refugee welfare worker helping African refugees resettle in Australia – a role where he’s seen too much irony for comfort. “I’ve seen African refugees put into remote Australian communities where they encounter extreme racist attitudes,” he says. “They then get told, ‘You guys can’t integrate’.”
He says services for new arrivals to Australia only last around six months – not enough time for people to learn how to properly navigate Australian systems and culture.
“It takes awhile for people to learn things like you can’t haggle at Woolworths, you have to hail a bus and to show up on time for an appointment, and the huge cultural differences like the African concept of time, gender roles, family units.”
Read the rest of the interview with Mujahid Ahmed here
PEOPLE PROFILES...
from the AfricanOz Archives (continued from left)
 Celebrated African Australian musician Asim Gorashi.
In November 2008 AfricanOz spoke with with celebrated African Australian musician Asim Gorashi about his love of traditional music, background in Sudan, and positive new life in Australia. As a boy growing up in Sudan’s Blue Nile district, he battled both family disapproval, and the Sudanese government’s cultural repression to bring his music to the stage. . For interview link here
 Singer & songwriter Grace Barbé
In July 2008 AfricanOz spoke with talented singer/songwriter, Perth-based Grace Barbé about life on both sides of the Indian Ocean, and why her Seychelles roots now matter. Like her mixed African, European, Asian heritage, Grace is drawn to diversity -- fusing Afro funk, reggae, soul with the distinctive rhythms of her native Kréol (Creole) culture. . For interview link here
 Zimbabwe stone sculpture artist & human rights activist David Jamali
In May 2008, on the eve of a Zimbabwean election, AfricanOz spoke with former Zimbabwean human rights activist & stone sculpture artist David Jamali, now based in Melbourne, about his fascinating background in human rights, development and art in Zimbabwe. “A stone speaks its own language," says David. "The process between stone and artist is to negotiate what the stone wants and what the artist wants. You need to see something within the stone, and bring out the message within… ” . For interview link here
 Africa correspondent Sally Sara
In 2007 AfricanOz spoke with award-winning Australian journalist/author Sally Sara who spent five years living and working as a foreign correspondent in Africa for ABC TV - covering issues and events such as the conflict in Sudan, genocide and HIV/AIDS. She recently wrote 'Gogo Mama' about the lives of African women. For interview link here
 Touring Ghanaian reggae singer Shasha Marley
In 2007 AfricanOz spoke with touring African reggae singer Shasha Marley - about music, religion and his love for the motherland. For interview link here
  Model & Humanitarian: Abang Othow
In early 2007 AfricanOz spoke with remarkable Sudanese Australian model & humanitarian advocate Abang Othow (photograph from Scene models) who has survived war, family loss and building a new life on the move to carve a successful life for herself in Australia. You can read a full feature on Abang here
Community Refugee worker Sudanese Australian Simon Pabek
In 2006, we were pleased to publish a moving story about refugee worker, Sudanese Australian Simon Pabek, written by Phillip Thomson winner of the FECCA/SBS Student Journalism Award 2005. The article is republished here
Canadian Somali Musician K'naan
In 2005, AfricanOz spoke with K'naan when he toured Australia. 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.
Interview with K'naan link here
Ethiopian Australian Masinko Player Dereb Deselegn
In 2006, AfricanOz spoke with Ethiopian Australian Masinko Player Dereb Deselegn who had musician's 'block' for many years after he arrived in Australia, before realising how much people appreciated the music.
Interview with Dereb link here
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
 Marathon 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 & 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
 Sudan'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
 Leading 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)
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
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
 '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
 Circus 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
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