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Welcome to AfricanOz, your African Australian online resource. This site is for everyone: whether you're of African heritage, have an interest in Africa, or you're simply browsing the web. Feedback is welcome.

African feet for Beijing Olympics

Here is a rundown of links & highlights for African competitors in the Beijing Olympics

Look out for long-distance and marathon runners from the high-altitude East African countries of Ethiopia and Kenya - and North African runners from Morocco and Tunisia � who should do well on the running tracks and well-pounded roads of Beijing. While long-distance Ethiopian �legend� Haile Gebreselassie won�t be in the marathon (due to pollution-related asthma fears), he will be participating in other long-distance races in Beijing. (And don�t miss Gebreselassie running in AUSTRALIA in November in the Great Australian Run - see Athletics Australia site). Other Olympic competitors include Ethiopian female distance running greats Gete Wami & Tirunesh Dibaba, and male runners Kenenisa Bekele and Tsegaye Kebede. Oustanding Kenyans include Steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi and marathon runner Robert Cheruiyot. Look out for Nigerians and other West Africans in the short-distance runs, including Nigeria's strong relay team, and sprinters Olusoji Fasuba and Damola Osayemi. There are also champion South African swimmers to look out for, and many more African competitors to watch. See links below:

African countries, competitors at Beijing Olympics (About.com)
AllAfrica Olympics News
Former Sudanese refugee to carry US flag (The Age)

Rhythms cross the Ocean

In July 2008 AfricanOz spoke with talented singer/songwriter, Perth-based Grace Barb� about life on both sides of the Indian Ocean, and why her roots now matter.

It's said that the Indian Ocean nation of Seychelles has one of the smallest populations in Africa. But listening to Seychelles-born Grace Barb� sing, you can only marvel at the repertoire. Like her mixed African, European, Asian heritage, Grace is drawn to diversity -- fusing Afro funk, reggae, soul with the distinctive rhythms of her native Kr�ol (Creole) culture. It's a journey that has seen her transformed from a Perth schoolgirl with "no real interest in cultural roots" into a successful modern musician keen to "explore and deliver traditional culture through my music."

As a teenager Grace spent several years in Seychelles before returning with her family to Australia. But it wasn't island life that drew her to the musical stage. It was in the community halls and backyard gatherings of Perth's Seychelles' community where Grace finally "found" her voice. She still remembers her first performance with the Seychelles community band, "nerve-wracking, a shy voice, looking at the ground, standing still." Then there was a "great and supportive" response. And Grace never looked back.

By the age of 18 she was writing songs and teaching herself bass guitar... "I started writing using bass lines, it was more about the groove than storytelling." She gained skills and confidence working with local bands as a backing vocalist and performer, before taking the plunge and going solo in 2006. This was the year when her and musical partner James Searle won the WAMI song of the year award in the world & funk category, a win that cemented her popularity on the live stage circuit in Western Australia. Making her songs available online, via TripleJ Unearthed website earlier this year, put her in top spot on the website's charts for awhile. Now Grace is focussing on her song-writing, putting together an album due for release at the end of this year.

...Grace's story continued here...

(More African Australian People Profiles below.)

Refugee Week 'A Place to Call Home'
Refugee week, celebrated in Australia 15-21 June, encourages us to recognise the plight of refugees, and celebrate the immense contribution they're making in their new homes. For Africa-related Refugee Week events - see AfricanOz What's On. For more events and information on Refugee Week, see www.refugeecouncil.org.au (You'll also find useful refugee facts such as: the Top Ten Countries of Birth for the 2007-08 Humanitarian Program Offshore Visa Grants include Sudan, Congo DRC, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi & Togo.)

Building new life from Zimbabwe's stone
[Published online early May 2008] While Zimbabwe�s election crisis holds the country on a knife-edge, many Zimbabwean Australians are continuing their day-to-day lives, and desperately hoping for a peaceful transition of power. Through it all, AfricanOz spoke to Melbourne-based David Jamali about his background in human rights, development and art in Zimbabwe. Article below. For the latest on Zimbabwe, see Google News

Zimbabwean stone sculpture artist and permanent Australian resident, David Jamali is no stranger to electoral tension. He was previously at the helm of Zimbabwe�s Human Rights Association, and � since coming to Australia in 2002 � has managed African and East Asian development programs for Oxfam and now World Vision. In that time he�s seen how corrupt or unstable states can wreak havoc on the human condition. But he�s also seen how people can rise above adversity and carve out a new life for themselves.

It�s a level of hope and motivation that has seen him, from an early age, focused on building the capacity of others. As a teenager he set up programs to help local widows and sculpture artists support themselves. Later, as a Zimbabwe human rights worker, he saw the importance of economic and social empowerment:
�Poor people couldn�t come to meetings about human rights when they were busy finding food�, says David. Together with others, he set up skills training and income generation programs. �It was a more holistic approach,� he says, �that worked well.�

David is not one for quick fixes � he�s big on analysis and tailored responses. Even in his work as a sculpture artist, specialising in the Shona tradition of stone carving, he works carefully with the many dimensions of the stone:
�A stone speaks its own language,� he says. �The process between stone and artist is to negotiate what the stone wants and what the artist wants. You need to see something within the stone, and bring out the message within� �

...David's story continued here...

[Pic above: Joella Marron] (More African Australian People Profiles below.)

PEOPLE PROFILES...
from the AfricanOz Archives

Sally Sara & Masinda Mafiano Africa correspondent Sally Sara

In 2007 AfricanOz spoke with award-winning Australian journalist/author Sally Sara who spent five years living and working as a foreign correspondent in Africa for ABC TV - covering issues and events such as the conflict in Sudan, genocide and HIV/AIDS. She recently wrote 'Gogo Mama' about the lives of African women. For interview link here

Shasha Marley & band Touring Ghanaian reggae singer Shasha Marley

In 2007 AfricanOz spoke with touring African reggae singer Shasha Marley - about music, religion and his love for the motherland. For interview link here

Model & Humanitarian: Abang Othow

In early 2007 AfricanOz spoke with remarkable Sudanese Australian model & humanitarian advocate Abang Othow (photograph from Scene models) who has survived war, family loss and building a new life on the move to carve a successful life for herself in Australia. You can read a full feature on Abang here

Touring artists: Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars

In 2007 AfricanOz caught up with the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars when they were touring Australia - interviewing the band's youngest member, the remarkable 19 year old Black Nature, who met other band members in a refugee camp and rose to international fame following an award-winning documentary about their lives. For interview link here

Abdullah Mbamba African heads UN centre in Australia

In 2006 AfricanOz spoke with Tanzanian national Abdullah Saleh Mbamba - the new Director of the United Nations Information Centre for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. In a special conversation with AfricanOz, he revealed his thoughts on Darfur, the end of an era for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, African poverty, and his own unique background as a journalist and international diplomat. For interview link here

Singer & performer: Ajak Kwai

AfricanOz asked African Australian singer Ajak Kwai about her earliest memories of singing in South Sudan - when villagers based near the Nile River would gather for ceremonies under the full moon. "Even when I was sick and not supposed to go out, I'd go and attend these gatherings," says Ajak. "I'd start a song and everyone would answer."
For Ajak's full story, link here

Photo courtesy Platform Modelling agency Model & student: Yemma Christine

Interview with African Australian model Yemma Christine - originally from Congo. For Yemma 'making it' in Australia has been not just about learning how to survive in the competitive modelling industry, but about remaining true to her roots and studying for a secure future. Yemma has seen a big transformation in Australian modelling in recent years. Full chat with Yemma on AfricanOz Fashion

Award-winning community worker:
Marie-Binidicte

Remarkable Rwandan-born Australian Marie-Binidicte recently received a major award from France for her work. She fled Rwanda as a young woman - returning after the tragic 1990s genocide attacks in a grim search for family members. She has maintained a stoic philosophy through times of war, trouble and hardship. For Marie-Binidicte's story link here

Award-winning researcher:
Dr Kef Mekonnen

AfricanOz spoke with award-winning research recipient, African Australian Dr Kefyalew Mekonnen who is helping to pose solutions to the life and death struggle over water now facing the Horn of Africa and other nations. Dr Mekonnen's study focus on the Nile River's precious water resources, particularly in his homeland of Ethiopia. To read his story link here

Matthew Albert & colleagues Africa Advocate: Matthew Albert

AfricanOz spoke with Matthew Albert, 2005 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria - and a tireless advocate for Sudanese refugees and others of African background in Australia. Matthew says, "..Australia's future is now inextricably linked with the success of all African Australian communities. This can only be a good thing for all of us..."
For full interview link here

Nightclub owner: Peter Okwechime

AfricanOz spoke with nightclub owner, Peter Okwechime who, for five years, has managed one of Australia's most successful world music nightclubs, Club Mombasa in Canberra surviving on a diet of good management, good music and lots of hard work For full interview link here

Gallery manager & former tennis pro:
Richard Lubner

What's a surfer and former professional tennis player doing running Australia's Nelson Mandela art gallery in Sydney? In 2004, we asked 'Touch Galleries" manager Richard Lubner, originally from South Africa, about his work - and the inspiring influence of Nelson Mandela. For full story link here

Artist: Mahmoud Zein Elabdin

In the lead-up to an art exhibition in Victoria, Sudanese Australian Mahmoud Zein Elabdin discusses how his artwork relates to concepts of 'home'. While Mohmoud is now free to paint without political interference ge misses his family in Sudan. For more on Mahmoud link here

Super Rail Band in Oz

In 2005 AfricanOz had a chat with the world-famous Super Rail Band from Mali, who visited Australia for the 2005 Sydney Festival. Since its formation in 1960s, the band has been associated with some of Africa's most legendary musicians, including Salif Keita, Mory Kante, and Aust-based guitarist Moussa Diakiti. To read the full interview link here

Performer & writer: Sheela Langeberg

In Nov 2005, AfricanOz spoke with award-winning Adelaide-based performer and writer, Sheela Langeberg - who is of Tanzanian Masai and Chagga heritage - about her fascinating background in theatre. For Sheela's full story link here

NOW ON AFRICANOZ

August African Events in Oz
Communities links
African Australian Directory

LATEST: AUSTRALIAN MEDIA

Four admit to bashing Sudanese teen The Age 5/8
Rio to continue search in Guinea The Age 5/8
Garrett bans African savannah cat The Age 3/8
Africans face racism: Tanner The Age 31/7
Tanner wants support for African migrants ABC Online 31/7
'Racism' keeps Africans out of good jobs The Age 30/7
Watch video intv Halima Bashir (Sudan, Darfur) SBS Dateline 30/7
Burundi's road to recovery SBS Dateline 30/7
Zimbabwe power-sharing deal not ideal: Smith ABC Online 21/7
Taking a serval attitude to feral pests The Age 19/7
ON TV: Around the World in 80 Treasures, incl Ethiopia 2pm 25/7 ABC; Footy Safari, AFL players in Africa 1.30pm 26/7 TEN
African beats hall of fame The Age 18/7
TRI NATIONS UPDATES - Aust, S Africa & NZ Fox Sports
Motivated Boks back at number one The Age 13/7
Appeal for blankets for WYD pilgrims ABC Online 12/7
Online films: young Somali Sudanese in Aust La Trobe Refugee Health research centre
Haileluel Gebre-selassie awarded Churchill Fellowship African Think Tank media release July 08
S Africa make three changes for NZ Test The Age 10/7
You've got no shame: Howard to Rudd The Age 10/7
Woodside drill deep into an African money pit The Age 5/7
Australia increases airline access to South Africa, Kenya SMH 28/6
Coming on TV James journey to Jerusalem 1pm 8/7 SBS
A dreamer's life cut short in one deadly African moment SMH 4/7
Pilgrims thought Adelaide was in Sydney SMH 3/7
IGC upgrade at South African project The Age 3/7
Sanctions are for cowards The Age 3/7
Zoo's African theme park plan quashed The Age 2/7
No respect for Socceroos shirt and fans who support it SMH 28/6
One man's quest to build a hospital The Age 25/6
Melbourne sheik backs calls to legalise polygamy The Age 26/6
Zimbabwe Special (Tsvangari intv etc) Watch online, Dateline SBS TV 25/6
Fenech admits Nelson fight was 'average' (Ghana, Aust boxing) SMH 25/6
Rudd condemns dictatorship's reign of terror SMH 24/6
Zimbabwe, Foreign Correspondent ABC TV 24/6
Australia takes action on Zimbabwe SMH 23/6
Australia is failing the people of Darfur The Age 20/6
Reaching for his dreams SBS Online 20/6
Australia must do better on refugee treatment ABC Online 20/6
Top Gear Botswana on SBS TV 23/6 &
BBC car program accused of environmental damage ABC Online
Call to change laws on wild species The Age 19/6
Guinea's Rio letter 'no worry' The Age 16/6
Rio upbeat about Guinea iron ore The Age 16/6
Australia considering Zimbabwe action The Age 15/6
The African migrants who fear a lower standard of living SMH 7/6
Australia offers aid to Sudan SMH 8/6
(Australia) UN lobby puts focus on Africa The Age 8/6
Life and light from far away The Age 7/6
Watch online: 'Bad Company' Four Corners ABC 2/6
Darfur - Meet the Janjaweed, synopsis Foreign Correspondent, ABC 3/6
Perth office link to the tale of gold and guns The Age 3/6
Arrival of the spice setters (Ethiopian/Melb) The Age 3/6

African Australian Soccer Finals Dec 07, Sydney see Soccer Finals page

PEOPLE PROFILES...
from the AfricanOz Archives (continued from left)

Community Refugee worker Sudanese Australian Simon Pabek

In 2006, we were pleased to publish a moving story about refugee worker, Sudanese Australian Simon Pabek, written by Phillip Thomson winner of the FECCA/SBS Student Journalism Award 2005. The article is republished here

Canadian Somali Musician K'naan

In 2005, AfricanOz spoke with K'naan when he toured Australia. As anyone who hears K'naan's music will know, it not just about hip-hop or rap, but about African culture and heritage. K'naan comes from a family who uphold Somalia's strong tradition of oral poetry, and K'naan uses these poetic skills to produce real messages in his music about Africa and life in general.
Interview with K'naan link here

Ethiopian Australian Masinko Player Dereb Deselegn

In 2006, AfricanOz spoke with Ethiopian Australian Masinko Player Dereb Deselegn who had musician's 'block' for many years after he arrived in Australia, before realising how much people appreciated the music.
Interview with Dereb link here

It's Football! Francis Awaritefe

In 2004, AfricanOz had a chat with SBS 'football' commentator Francis Awaritefe - who has been SBS TV's 'The World Game' since 2001. Of Nigerian parentage, Francis previously had a a highly successful 'football' career in the UK before playing in Australia where he was one of the National Soccer League's all-time highest goal scorer in finals matches.
For the interview with Francis, link here

Marathon Broadcaster: Anton Enus

In 2004, AfricanOz spoke with South African Australian SBS TV newsreader Anton Enus about his amazing love of marathon running, and what the sport means to him both personally and professionally To read the full interview link here

Author Edison Yongai Author & Journalist: Edison Yongai

In this special article, talented African Australian author and journalist, Edison Yongai discusses his lifetime love of stories and writing - and its ultimate cost: being forced to flee his beloved homeland of Sierra Leone. Edison's love of writing began in school where "The only way to get a story book was from the children of rich families - by stealing it or exchanging it for your day's lunch...
For Edison's full story link here

Sudan's 'Lost Boys': Abraham Aleer

AfricanOz spoke with Abraham Aleer, one of Sudan's famous 'Lost Boys' who arrived in Australia in 2002 about the story of the 'Lost Boys', what the term means to him, and his current community work, studies and hopes for the future. For full interview link here

Akuol Leading Model: Akuol Diing

In 2004, AfricanOz spoke with accomplished African Australian model Akuol Diing about her fascinating rise in the model industry, her Sudanese background and some recent international successes. For full interview link here (Photo credits: Akuol modelling Bowie Wong. Image supplied by Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, photograph by Alex Zotos)

sista she Rapstar comedian: Rasheda

In 2004, AfricanOz had a chat with the 'sista' with South African roots, Rasheda - one half of the sensational Australian comedy, hiphop duo 'Sista She'. Rasheda spoke about her African heritage, love of music, and the art of afros and how to dance. For interview link here

Lion King's Karinda Mutabazi

In 2004, AfricanOz had a chat with Australian singer Karinda Mutabazi, a performer in the stage production of the Lion King - about her Ugandan roots, her love of theatre and African music For interview link here

'Miss World Australia': Nalishebo

In 2004, AfricanOz spoke with Zambian-born Nalishebo Gaskell, crowned Miss World (Australia) in 1999, about her experiences of 'Miss World', her current community work, and her African roots. For full interview link here

Sosina - Photo by Ponch Hawkes Circus Star: Sosina Wogayehu!

Ethiopian Australian Sosina Wogayehu is a performer with Circus Oz. She was a finalist for the Young Australian of the Year awards in 2004 and previously performed with the Ethiopian Circus - touring the world for five years as an acrobat, contortionist and dancer, before famously (along with many of her circus colleagues) deciding to remain in Australia for humanitarian reasons in 1998. In Australia, she became the first National Institute of Circus Arts graduate to be offered a permanent position with Circus Oz, and has wowed local and international audiences since - with her acrobatics, body contortions and juggling. She has also, along with the rest of the Circus, helped assist refugees, contributing to her nomination as a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year awards in 2004: From impoverished beginnings, Sosina believes that life is what you make of it, and is a true inspiration says the Australian of the Year website. The name 'Wogayehu', incidentally, means 'I have seen many things' in the Amharic-Ethiopian language. More on Sosina on ABC TV Stateline and Reach Out sites. Photo (above) of Sosina Wogayehu by Ponche Hawkes, Copyright 2003, reprinted with permission from Circus Oz

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