Event details
Since her arrival in Australia in the late 1990s, Ajak Kwai has become Australia’s renowned songwoman of contemporary South Sudanese music. She has established her footing firmly in the Australian music landscape, having collaborated with some of Melbourne’s finest producers and musicians, showcasing her artistry and cultural heritage.
Raised in the town of Bar on the Upper Nile, Ajak’s musical beginnings were rooted in her village’s choir. Displaced by Sudan’s civil war, she journeyed to Egypt, joining a gospel choir and creating Bor Band, a female group performing original and traditional Dinka songs. Singing in Dinka, Arabic, and English, her unique voice bridges cultural worlds.
Ajak has worked with ARIA award-winner Sarah Blasko on The Key of Sea project, advocating for refugee awareness, and performed with Australian icons like Missy Higgins. Her band features top-tier musicians and performs at major festivals across Australia.
She’s also a passionate activist and broadcaster, hosting programs on Melbourne’s community stations PBS and 3CR, giving voice to diverse African stories. Her new album credits Melbourne’s finest talents and exemplifies her rich musical journey and commitment to sharing culture and advocating for inclusion.
**Please note, this performance was originally advertised to occur on Thursday, 12 June, but is now scheduled for 5 June.