The Afrobiotics play Afrobeat but not like you’ve heard before.  

Listeners will recognise the familiar undulating interwoven rhythms and fiery energy, but also discover a more intimate and collaborative sound incorporating Sabar rhythms from Senegal.  

Founded as a side-project from the much-larger Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, The Afrobiotics (fka The Public Opinion Six) began as a way of writing new material and getting inside the sounds of Afrobeat, but it didn’t take long for the six musicians to discover they had found something unique and special - a sheer love of playing together in a much more intimate setting, creating a more well-rounded dialog and interplay between each other. Where The Public Opinion delivers a dynamic and captivating show, The Afrobiotics is less sensory and more spiritual.  

Out of this fertile foundation, Senegalese multi-instrumentalist Lamine Sonko began introducing the Sabar to the group, resulting in a music reminiscent of Afrobeat but with more melodic twist and turns.  

The sound of The Afrobiotics has grown organically from the roots of Afrobeat and Sabar, and been nurtured with intuitive understanding between a band of like minds. There’s an effortless proficiency apparent in the playing. 

 I am proud to be a pioneer, one of the first South Sudanese-Australian women to step outside my comfort zone to live as a practising artist.   

I want to create a platform for the next generations to create art and be inspired to share that with the wider community. 

My passion is to create and present music that reflects my Sudanese heritage and my life as an Australian, music has been a cultural barrier breaker.  But it hasn’t been without deep scars wherever I still believe in goodness in people and that itself is enough. 

My stories and songs reflect our complex world. I look back to my African heritage and to presents where I have many artistic influences on which to draw. I never forget that I came from the rich African continent. and that gave me the strength to carry on creating.  

My refugee stories are important, but I focus too on my current life with many stories to tell with my community. Also, I am lucky to have friends who supported me in any way and helped me to overcome the pain and disappointments created by unkind words, attitudes and perceptions.  But above all this, I am one of the lucky ones to have come to this beautiful country.  I am also lucky to work with amazing musicians. 

Kumar Shome 

Matthew Erickson 

Daniel Mizz 

Olivia Wendlandt 

Robyn Cummins 

Mande Spirit is a newly formed musical act curated by Stani Goma, uniting Melbourne-based griots from Mali, Gambia, and Guinea. This ensemble pays homage to the legendary kora maestro Toumani Diabate, weaving together rich cultural traditions and the profound musical heritage of West Africa. Through intricate kora melodies and evocative storytelling, Mande Spirit celebrates the timeless artistry of Diabate, honouring his legacy while offering a vibrant new interpretation for contemporary audiences. 

Amadou Suso is a celebrated kora player from The Gambia, hailing from a long lineage of griots. With a deep connection to the traditional music of his ancestors, Amadou brings a profound understanding of the kora’s delicate intricacies, blending ancient melodies with contemporary influences. 

Mohamed Camara is a master percussionist from Guinea, known for his dynamic djembe rhythms and extensive knowledge of West African drumming traditions. His powerful performances are rooted in the rich musical heritage of the Mandinka people, making him a vital force in Mande Spirit. 

Aboubacar Djelike Kouyate is a talented multi-instrumentalist from Mali, specializing in the calabash and kamale ngoni. Drawing from his Malian roots, Aboubacar infuses his music with the spirit of the griot tradition, offering both soulful melodies and intricate harmonies that resonate with the legacy of Toumani Diabate. 

Aminata Doumbia is a gifted singer based in Melbourne, with roots in Mali. Her powerful and soulful voice captures the essence of the Mande tradition, bringing a unique and emotive depth to Mande Spirit. Aminata’s vocal performances resonate with the rich heritage of West African music, making her an integral part of the ensemble.