Prepare to be swept away on a cultural journey as the Altona Theatre hosts an extraordinary performance featuring composer and multi-instrumentalist Lamine Sonko and Ngiyampaa singer-songwriter Pirritu on August 16.
This event will feature music that combines traditional cultural knowledge and contemporary styles, creating a rich and diverse musical experience.
Sonko said he’s looking forward to sharing his music and culture.
“Both of us come from a very rich cultural background, so the evening will be full of storytelling,” Sonko said.
“From my said, I’ll be sharing music from Senegal, from my heritage.”
He said his performances are deeply rooted in his heritage as a guewel (cultural role) of the Sing Sing clan and Korings of Kaabu, and a member of the Serer, Wolof and Mandinko cultural communities of Senegal.
With his distinctive traditional vocal style, alongside kora, sabar percussion, and guitar, he defines new ways to re-imagine traditional African, contemporary synthesis in music.
“It’s going to be an evening, a combination of Senegalese music infusion with Western classical music,” he said.
Pirritu, meaning ‘Brett’ in the Ngiyampaa language, offers a deeply personal and melodic journey through his music.
Adopted by a non-Aboriginal couple as a newborn, Pirritu was raised to be proud of his Aboriginality and began his cultural journey at 14 years old.
His music is driven by his love for his daughter and his passion for reconnecting with his heritage.
With two albums to his name, Pirritu’s work weaves folk instrumentation with his unique vocals, echoing the gentle winds and waters of his ancestral lands.
This captivating show is set to take place at Altona Theatre on Friday, August 16, from 7.30pm.
Anne Parisianne
