About the Performers

PERFORMER PROFILES

SIBO BANGOURA - Percussionist originally from Guinea, West Africa

Sibo Bangoura was born to the beat of a drum and hasn't stopped perfecting his art since. A passionate advocate for the music of his homeland, Sibo is one of Australia’s leading West African percussionists. Talented and dedicated to his music, Sydney-based Sibo is involved in drum/dance workshops and festivals. “That is what I am born to do - to share the knowledge and energy of my culture,” says Sibo. “I love to perform, I love to teach people. I see that it makes people happy and brings them together.” Sibo recently released his first CD entitled “Keyim Ba” (English: “very beautiful”). The CD has been praised for its outstanding musicianship and for harnessing the explosive power of Guinean drumming and song.

 *Sibo will be a featured performer at the Ubuntu Gala on Sunday, May 18, 2014 (6 for 6:30-9:30 pm).

PATRICK “LUCKY” LARTEY – Dancer, choreographer and teacher originally from Ghana

Lucky is an accomplished dancer from Ghana, West Africa, well known for his high energy and dynamic dance style.  He has more than 15 years of training in traditional African dance, Afro Contemporary and Salsa. Lucky teaches and performs around Australia and has taught people of all ages and abilities to dance with feeling and connect to the beauty and spirit of African dance. Lucky founded Lucky African Dance in May 2011 in order to use his passion to perform, teach and choreograph African traditional and contemporary dance “to bring people together to create understanding across all cultures, by sharing the beauty and natural power of African music and dance”.  

* Lucky will be a featured performer at the Ubuntu Gala on Sunday, May 18, 2014 (6 for 6:30-9:30 pm).

MIRIAM LIEBERMAN – Singer, songwriter from Australia

Miriam is a Sydney-based singer and songwriter with a unique global perspective. Her adventurous spirit is infused into the lyrics, melodies and passion of her music. With a background in Latin, African and contemporary folk, she accompanies her powerful vocals with kora (African harp), acoustic guitar and balaphone (wooden xylophone). Her explorative approach is complemented by soulful vocals and poignant lyrics as she swaps her self accompaniment between the celestial sounds of kora and percussive styled guitar.  While Miriam and her band are regulars on the Australian festival and live music circuit, she is a keen globetrotter who has spent long periods studying traditional African music with the Griot masters in West Africa.

*Performing with Miriam at the Sunday, May 18^th Ubuntu Gala will be the dynamic drummer from Guinea, Sibo Bangoura, the poetic fusion dancer/drummer from Ghana, Lucky Lartey, and a dinky-di Aussie cellist, Kate Adams. 

 

KATE ADAMS – Cellist

Kate Adams is an adept and versatile traditionally trained cellist who has honed her own personal contemporary style. She is comfortable playing anything from classical to folk rock to African jive. Born to a Dutch mum, Kate is another global citizen who enjoys making music with Miriam Lieberman.  She is based in Sydney.

*Performing with Kate at the Sunday, May 18^th Ubuntu Gala will be the singer and instrumentalist Miriam Lieberman, the dynamic drummer from Guinea, Sibo Bangoura, the poetic fusion dancer/drummer from Ghana, Lucky Lartey.

AFRO MOSES – Newcastle-based singer and drummer originally from Ghana  

Afro Moses is a multi award-winning, talented artist from Ghana, West Africa. He is a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and teacher with a magnetic personality who has enchanted people with his high energy music, powerful messages, showmanship and colourful stage shows around the world. The high energy Newcastle-based drummer is a Manning Valley favourite known for his ability to connect with all ages, including kids – must be why in 2009 the Sydney Opera House booked him and his band as the African version of the Wiggles!

*BYO Drum to the Art Gallery from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Sunday, May 18^th, when Afro will help you tap into rich universal traditions of using music and rhythm as a tool of communication. Informal one-on-one or small group sessions also available with Afro from 11 am to 4 pm.

LINGUERE BISCHOFBERGER – Dancer and model originally from Senegal

Taree resident Linguere sailed literally into Australian waters many years ago with her Swiss-German husband, and it didn’t take long for them to put down roots in the Manning. Now the mother of two, Linguere is a charismatic representative for the best of Africa. She works part time at Manning Base Hospital, teaches French and is actively involved in everything from Manning Cultural Connections to Flair Fashion Show.

* Sunday, May 18 – 11 am to 12 noon – Linguere will introduce African dance moves in a joyous demonstration open to all ages.