By XAVIER SMERDON
ESHAK Awi is a source of inspiration to thousands of his countrymen and women every time he plucks the strings on his guitar.
The veteran musician fled war-torn South Sudan, where he played with the Rajaf Music Band, in 1993 for neighbouring Egypt.
He lived there for two years, playing with local musicians, before he finally managed to relocate to Tasmania.
Four years ago he moved to Werribee, where he has quickly established himself as a voice for the growing African population in the area.
He classified his music style as African contemporary and said that he feels honoured to be able to share it with Australian audiences who otherwise may never have heard it.
“I love sharing my music, especially with the younger generations,” Mr Awi said.
His lyrics are sung in Madi, Arabic and English and he incorporates many Sudanese styles into his music.
Mr Awi is one of several artists from culturally different backgrounds that will perform at the Emerge Festival in Werribee next month.
Organised by Multicultural Arts Victoria, it is the first time the festival will be held in Wyndham and it will celebrate everything about the local refugee and emerging communities who now call the area home.
Wyndham councillor Gautam Gupta said the event would be an opportunity for the community to come together as one and experience a taste of the world.
“From the traditional to the contemporary, from Africa to the Asia-Pacific and beyond, there will be something for everyone at the Emerge in Wyndham Festival,” Cr Gupta said.
The Emerge in Wyndham Festival will be held on Saturday 5 October at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.
For more information call 8734 6000.
