Musicians and models rise to the occasion for the R.I.S.E* festival
by Michael Hackett
It was late autumn in the city, the usual tourists and visitors from across the globe are watching the luminous big screen, with images and cameras flashing, kids with their parents taking time to soak up the evening air. Looking around inside the BMW Edge Theatre at Federation Square, there are stalls for books with what looks like their authors promoting their products to the public. The other side of the interior of the building sounds like a buzz of activity. I decided to check it out, like an inviting serenade, I was drawn to the cleverly-built auditorium and saw people looking like worker ants preparing for one of the most memorable music festivals I’ve ever experienced.
Feeling a bit down and having a few things in my mind, the idea of covering a music festival sounded a good idea, and it was. My colleagues, arriving just a little bit late, finally showed up, and the atmosphere became relaxed, laid back and chilled, then out of nowhere, the music started. Immediately the opening act was attracting a lot of attention with their unique sound and colourful costumes. Audience participation was welcomed and the kids enjoyed it with gusto. The music was something that had been borne out of pure talent and creativity.
Describing it as some sort of artistic hustle and flow, the acts were performed by natural showmen and women, it was great to hear a different sound not played on any commercial radio station by the refugee community of Melbourne. Some styles were more contemporary, modern and Western influenced, while others were traditional folk pieces.
Performing in front of a large gathering of people takes a lot of courage, but all the acts were not only original, stylish and very funky, but also refreshingly entertaining. Some of the performances came from the Liberian Choir, Westridaz and Cuz ov Dialects. The performances went smoothly and the acoustics in the theatre were very impressive. It was a concert by truly talented musicians with songs of feeling and life as a migrant struggling in an adopted land. There was also a great Capoeira display from the Filhos Da Bahia Capoeira School in Collingwood.
Fashion is my passion, black is the new black, la mode, tre chic… The Social Studio’s fashion show has begun, with music for the runway exploding in the digital speakers. High fashion and good music always go hand in hand, and this was no exception, setting the trend for the upcoming season, the models look like they speak the language of the streets, moving gracefully, elegant hip designs would get attention, given the chance, with young fashionistas of multicultural Paris. If worn by the right people correctly, the clothes would be suited in a French movie, a love story.
Cheers for the organisers, musicians, the audience, the designers, models and to all the beautiful mademoiselles of the festival. Encore, Allez.
*R.I.S.E (Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees) is a not-for-profit incorporated association. R.I.S.E exists to enable refugees to build new lives by providing advice, engaging in community development, enhancing opportunity, and campaigning for refugee rights.
riserefugee.org for more information
Photo by Atlanta
