By KATRINA BRANDON

 

MAKING a journey worldwide, the Ubuntu Choir stopped in Latrobe Valley to share engaging music and cultural experiences all the way from Africa.

The experience like no other was not without its troubles, as the group came across struggles upon entering the country.

“This tour was crazy because we had a problem with the visas,” President of KwaYa Australia, Marsha Gusti, told the Express.

“Three months ago, we applied for the visas, and 10 days before they arrived, they denied the visas. They said that because they said that we hadn’t been here before, which was quite a ludicrous excuse.

“So, 11-15 years ago, I went over to Africa and met with them, and we started a partnership. The partnership has lasted 14 years. They’ve come over here six times, and we’ve been over there nine times.”

After relentless work contacting news groups, MPs, and other officials, the Ubuntu was able to get their visas just four days before they were set to land in Australia.

Now connecting with Aussie soil, the group is engaging with communities around the coast of Australia.

“We are here to create awareness for the need, Sponsor A Child,” Ubuntu Program Manager, Barnett Twesigomwe said.

“All the students you will see (on the trip) have already been sponsored through the program, and we see hope and a brighter future, especially for the many disadvantaged children back in Uganda.

“Through our cultural performances and interactions with people, we show them that there is hope, there’s hope for another child to be sponsored. So we are here to create that awareness. Together with Choir Australia, we are going throughout Victoria, New South Wales, up to Queensland, and back down.”

During Ubuntu’s time in Latrobe, the group played and interacted with people at Kernot Hall in Morwell, and performed at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. The group also stayed with local community groups and got to know the local community.

Bringing their voices, drums and energy, Mr Twesigomwe said that both performances “erupted”.

“You feel the room is ready to receive, and once the drums start going, the whole room erupts,” he said.

“They (the audience) cannot believe the sound. That gives the performers energy to even just blow it over the roof. It’s a good feeling. It’s what we love doing.”