By Eleanor Wilson
On April 16 Bunjil Place will be transformed into a celebration of Eastern African excellence for the third annual Rise of South Sudan (R.O.S.S) Music and Arts Festival.
Back after a Covid-induced hiatus, the event will celebrate the emerging and existing talent of South Sudanese musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers, visual artists and performance artists.
A soundtrack of r’n’b, hip hop, neo-funk and rock’ n ‘soul tunes will platform some of the South-East’s most talented South Sudanese diaspora, including musicians Ag Johnson, Jag, PREZ, Tèbir, Malesh P & Flexx, YTS Gucciboi, Jacki Tut and Achai, poets Nyarath Gatkuoth and Flora Chol, visual artists A.costa and Mr. Unique and dancer Lee.
Creative Director Kush K.T. Kuiy said the dire state of maternal and child healthcare in her home country is what pushed her to conceptualise the project.
“I was an optimistic 20-year-old at the time, and while I didn’t know how to build a hospital, I knew I could put on an event to bring attention to the issue and raise money to go towards the cause,” Kush said.
Thanks to support from Creative Victoria and The Australian Council, Kush said this year’s show is set to be bigger and better than ever.
“Attendees can expect a dynamic and seamless show this year. We’ve upped our game as far as production goes to include high-quality sound, lighting and visuals, giving the show an atmospheric element never seen before at R.O.S.S,” she said.
The local creative said Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place was the optimal venue to hold the festival.
“As an independent producer, 99 per cent of my practice is based in the South-East; providing platforms for local creatives to perform and bringing arts and culture to the precinct,” said Kush.
“I want audience members and artists alike, to feel like we have our own culture here that we can be proud of.”
The one-night-only event is on at Bunjil Place on Saturday 16 April from 6pm to 8pm.
For tickets, head to bunjilplace.com.au/ross-music-and-arts-festival
