In a Tasmanian first, twenty five musicians from three continents come together in Continental Drift to bridge cultures, push boundaries and showcase the diverse talents of Tasmania’s multicultural community. Continental Drift invite everyone to join them at the Moonah Arts Centre for an explosive performance of music and dance to launch their debut album on Sunday, 6 December, from 2pm.
Rap smuggled out of Tehran, where Hip Hop is a crime. A mash up of star-crossed love from a Chinese singer and an Ethiopian rapper. Beats that sample the street guitars of Soweto to fight the futility of war in South Sudan. Ancient poems side by side with exhilarating songs from Pakistan and India. Traditional Sudanese harps breathing contemporary life into Ugandan love songs. These are songs of hearts beating, broken, breathing, dancing, waiting. This is humanity on a turntable. This is the sound of contemporary Hobart, drawn from all corners of the world. This is music to dance all day to. This is Continental Drift.
Continental Drift is a community based music project that brings together young Tasmanians from diverse backgrounds to highlight the outstanding musical talents of the local multicultural community. Continental Drift crosses borders of language and location. It seamlessly marries traditional and contemporary styles to create unique dance music, the likes of which have never been heard before. Music producer and curator Matthew Fargher first brought some of these musicians together to perform as part of Moonah Arts Centres’ Moonah Nights back in 2012 Since then, Continental Drift has become a crowd favourite with headline performances at the Moonah Taste of the World festival, sell-out concerts around Hobart and a coveted slot at The Falls Festival later this year. Most recently, Continental Drift were artists in residence at the new Moonah Arts Centre, where they recorded their debut album.
Speaking of the twenty five musicians that make up the ensemble, local music producer Matthew Fargher of Bedlam Music Tasmania said:
“Nothing quite like this, on this scale, has ever happened in Tasmania. Continental Drift is the hidden music of Hobart. We are privileged to have so many musicians whose talents are widely known and respected in their own communities living and performing here in Hobart. There are members of Continental Drift driving taxis or running fruit shops and kebab stores in town when really, they’re stars! There’s a hidden world of talent bubbling away just under the surface of Hobart. From underground Hip Hop maestros to contestants on Afghanistan’s answer to Australian Idol – Afghan Star; these are passionate and powerful performers who have made Tasmania their home.
The album launch will be energetic and exciting and we strongly encourage everyone to join in the celebration. If you believe refugees are welcome on our shores, if you believe in the future of live music, if you love to meet new cultures and if you love to listen, dream and dance then this event is for you!”
Featuring local artists Big Money, Madi Adungu Band, Madi Young Boys, Milad Vaezi, Saeid Tatality, Lady Bella, Khaled Zerro, Favad Hassani and AF Shin, Shuangshuang, Sameer Khan and Dave Apoorv, NR Productions and more.
Continental Drift is presented by Moonah Arts Centre, Bedlam Music Tasmania and Pulse Studios Youth Productions.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
• Continental Drift album launch and concert
• Sunday, 6 December, from 2pm
• Moonah Arts Centre, 23-27 Albert Road, Moonah
• All ages event. Family groups are encouraged to attend
• Tickets: Adult $15, Concession $10, Children under 12 $5, Family $25 (2+2)
• Tickets available online https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/continental-drift-2-tickets-19029094534 or at the door
• Persian and other great Food and beverages will be on sale.
• Alcohol-free event
• Continental Drift on Facebook
• Continental Drift on Youtube
• Moonah Arts Centre
• Bedlam Music Tasmania
Michael McLaughlin Cultural Programs Officer Moonah Arts Centre 23- 27 Albert Road, Moonah
