Nestor Omari and Chino Byose Bingolongo, reflected, spread the message of peace through music. 76153 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
NESTOR Omari believes music can unite people.
Irrespective of where you were born and what you believe in, the Deer Park resident said music can transport you to a place of serenity and happiness.
And Mr Omari should know. Singing has seen him through some very tragic times – things that many people could not even imagine.
Escaping from war-torn Congo and living in a Zimbabwe refugee camp before migrating to Australia in 2009, Mr Omari saw his father, mother, first wife and son killed by fighting tribes.
Now all he wants is peace.
And now the message is being bought to Brimbank residents through his band the Jerusalem Gospel Rumba.
“Music is about bringing people together, and through my singing is the message of love,” he said.
“I want to bring the youth together and teach them about respecting people.”
The talented musician said his band was popular with
people from all cultures and
at gigs everyone was up dancing.
“We sing in all different languages and encourage people to unite.
“Music takes you to another place.”
The Sunshine band is made up of 10 musicians from different parts of Africa and songs are sung in all different languages, including English.
Mr Omari said after living in conflict-ridden Congo and seeing tribes annihilate one other, he only hopes that his music brings happiness to people.
The Jerusalem Gospel Rumba will be performing at the Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday 11 February.
