Lineup
DOBBY
DOBBY, a Filipino and Aboriginal musician proudly rooted in the Murrawarri and Ngemba lands of NSW, is an extraordinary musical force. Blending rapping and drumming in his unique 'drapping' style, creating an entirely distinctive sound of his own.
His performances across Germany, the UK, the USA, and the Netherlands have earned him recognition as a standout act at prestigious global festivals like The Great Escape (UK) and Reeperbahn (GER). He's graced major Australian festivals including Bluesfest, Boomerang Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, PARRTJIMA Festival, and OzAsia Festival; he also contributed to Elevate Sydney 2022 & 2023’s groundbreaking 500-strong drones show.
His song 'I Can’t Breathe' won Best Video at the FBi SMAC Awards in 2020, serving as an anthem for Australia's Bla(c)k Lives Matter movement. More recently, he was honoured with the NIMA Archie Roach Foundation Award 2022, recognising his exceptional talent and promise as an emerging First Nations artist.
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SOLCHLD
Meanjin-based artist SOLCHLD is more than music – she's a storyteller, healer, and visionary. With her raw talent, she's quickly becoming a standout. Blending neo-soul and R&B, SOLCHLD effortlessly weaves personal and universal narratives through her soulful vocals and poetic writing.
Drawing from her Jamaican and Arrernte roots, her music resonates with rich storytelling. Her debut 'Cancer Moon' set a compelling tone early in 2022, showcasing her depth and captivating artistry. SOLCHLD's fusion of elegance and powerful vocals makes her a rising star in Australia's music scene. Her performances create a sanctuary, inviting audiences to feel and heal in her presence, whether accompanied by a full band. Unafraid to express herself authentically, she leads listeners on an intimate, spiritually rich journey through her music and life.
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Chikchika
Chikchika takes its name from a traditional East African beat, infusing unique pentatonic sounds into their music that evoke a range of emotions – from sadness to pride, happiness, and a deep appreciation for life.
Their tunes narrate stories of culture, peace, and dance. The band has taken over the stages of major festivals like Dark Mofo, WOMADelaide, Leaps & Bounds, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, Mona Foma, and Hear My Eyes at ACMI for the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival, where they provided a live soundtrack for the film 'Fire At Sea'.
Featuring renowned Oromo singer-songwriter Mulu Baqqalaa, Tigrinya vocalists Anbessa Gebrehiwot, Haftu Reda, multi-instrumentalist Dale Gorfinkel, and Michael McNab on drums.
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The Strides
Hailing from Sydney, The Strides embodies Reggae power. Led by roots man Ras Roni, Fijian MC LTL GZeus, and Sierra Leonean ragga powerhouse Blacker C, they offer an explosive, authentic musical blend of classic roots reggae with hip-hop nuances, their sound fuses dance hall, dub beats, and reggae-pop.
With 17 dynamic years on stage, The Strides have rocked Australia's major festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Blues and Roots, and Womadelaide. Sharing stages with legends including Tony Allen, Julian Marley, Groundation, and Third World, this 9-piece powerhouse stands as a reggae icon. Through a fusion of cultures and instrumentation, they unite under a universal consciousness, cementing their status as a global musical institution.
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Avaye Rood
This band was born in 2006, sparked by Behzad Ansari's musical passion. Behzad, also the primary composer and leader, has guided the group to make waves on global stages, spanning from Iran and Germany to Greece, Australia, and beyond.
Their music? A unique fusion of Persian-inspired originals, weaving together English and Persian verses by Rumi. The band's name, 'sound of the river' in translation, nods to an ancient Iranian instrument reminiscent of a lute.
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Kerfew
An Australia-wide creative collective of South Asian artists, musicians, designers, and broadcasters, serves as a vibrant cultural catalyst - exploring, reimagining, and celebrating the rich narratives and diverse experiences within the Australian South Asian diaspora.
Acknowledging and honouring the custodians of unceded land, Kerfew is committed to fostering equitable relationships with First Nations communities. Renowned for their powerful embrace of identities, Kerfew stands out in their impactful storytelling and unity, guiding light to the path of empowerment and representation.
Throughout the New Beginnings Festival, expect Kerfew to set the atmosphere alight with their mesmerising DJ sets, offering a vibrant and eclectic musical selection.
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Experiences
SSI Home Care Village
SSI welcomes you to our Home Care Village this year. The Village stalls will be packed with information and fun activities to learn more about home care. Get creative, celebrate the joys of growing old and the ways we can all support our seniors. There will be prizes, surprises and roving performers at the Village to keep festivalgoers of all ages entertained.
The Village is brought to you by SSI’s Home Care Workforce Support Program which can support you in your journey towards a meaningful career. Whether you want to start a career in aged care or boost your skills, we can help you. See you at the SSI Home Care Village!
Ghana Road Show
A captivating, culturally rich performance combining diverse art forms that will guide you through an immersive journey across West Africa. This cross-cultural collaboration brings together Ghanaian circus performers, and musicians from African/Australian backgrounds - drummer and dancer Yacou Mbaye, musician Nii Odai Nmai, DJ Angelica Osuji (a.k.a Lady Chika), and dancer and choreographer Lucky Lartey.
Fusing theatre, circus, dance, and music, the Ghana Road Show goes beyond entertainment, it fosters cultural exchange and understanding by blending diverse artistic expressions from different regions and traditions, fostering unity and appreciation. An unforgettable celebration, it promises a delightful experience celebrating the richness of West African arts.
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Curious Works Showcase
CuriousWorks offers an immersive two-part experience at the New Beginnings Festival. The first showcases compelling works from Ali Rezvani, Leila Beigli, and Khishkok Abdo, artists from Curious Works’ 2023 Refugee Artist Development Program. Their visual, photographic, and digital art provides a unique window into their lived experiences, inviting festival-goers to connect deeply with their narratives.
The second part invites attendees to witness a live mural painting with visual artists Shiva Dadvar and Emmanuel Asante. Dadvar, a Persian visual artist, draws her inspiration from Persian art, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Shiva believes that art has the power to break through language barriers and borders, and is currently studying Art Therapy at the College of Complimentary Medicine to support others to process trauma through art.
Asante, a young artist from Ghana, incorporates traditional African symbols into his art, influenced by his culture, Frida Kahlo, and his artist-mentor Abdul Abdullah. His art practice reflects his identity as a young Ghanaian migrant to Australia, incorporating traditional African metaphors and cultural symbols.
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ILE ILU
ILE ILU, pronounced “eelay eeloo,” embodies House of Rhythm's women's drumming performance, led by the talented multi-instrumentalist Marina Da Silva. Their journey is dedicated to infusing joy, inspiration, connection, and empowerment through vibrant rhythms drawn from Brazil and beyond.
Each performance by ILE ILU is a vibrant celebration of diversity, feminine strength, and the universal language of rhythm. Their colours - Pink, Green, and Gold - symbolise Sisterhood, Roots, and Magic, encapsulating the essence of their artistry.
Prepare to be enchanted and uplifted by the captivating sounds, contagious energy, and powerful magic - a fusion of strength and grace that defines ILE ILU.
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Bamal Space
Experience a cinematic array featuring films by Quiet Humans, Carlos Agamez, and Si Yi Shen.
Quiet Humans, a collaborative venture between Kyra Martens and Sebastian Garcia Laverde, South African and Colombian artists respectively, explores a spectrum of creative avenues such as video, photography, curation, animation, installation, documentary, and visual art. Their collaboration melds distinct contexts and experiences into vibrant creative expressions.
Colombian interdisciplinary performance artist Carlos Agamez delves into themes of home, displacement, and identity through immersive performances. His art serves as a catalyst to illuminate social issues faced by individuals escaping perilous situations, resonating with audiences seeking awareness and empathy.
Emerging multidisciplinary artist Si Yi Shen crafts digital experiences exploring diaspora through immersive installations. Her recent commissions and exhibitions showcase a blend of augmented reality and digital media, offering poignant insights into the immigrant experience in a technologically influenced world.
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