KWABO Fest 2025

Unlock Your Voice, Move Your Body, Capture

Your Truth

 

Join a transformative series of free workshops for BIPOC emerging artists exploring the power of dance & storytelling, singing, photography, and spoken word. Guided by experienced BIPOC mentors, these workshops are safe, affirming spaces to grow your skills, celebrate your cultural identity, and build community. No formal training required – just your creativity and lived experience.

Disclaimer:

This is a 9-week structured program to build progressively each week. Attendance for the full duration is required. Please note that drop-ins are not available.

 

Venue:

Phoenix Youth Centre, 72 Buckley St, Footscray VIC 3011

Time Slot:

Start from 19th July, Every Saturday 10:30 AM TO 2PM

Saturday 26th July All day session 10 AM to 4PM with lunch included in CBD more details to come

 
 

Dance and Storytelling with Gracieuse Amah and Julie Ann Minaai

Let your body speak—dance with purpose

Explore contemporary and traditional African dance through the lens of personal and collective narrative. Led by Gracieuse Amah (Kwabo Events) and Julie Ann Minaai, this series blends movement, memory, and cultural legacy to build confidence and community through embodied storytelling.

 

 

Song Writing and Singing with Liona Tatafu and Halo Vocal Ensemble

Your voice is your legacy

Led by Liona Tatafu and the Halo Vocal Ensemble, this workshop centres vocal storytelling as a diasporic tradition. Participants will explore breath, harmony, song structure, and improvisation in a space that nurtures both beginners and seasoned singers.

 

 

Spoken Word with Tariro Mavondo and Thabani Tshuma

Speak your truth, let your words flow

Guided by acclaimed BIPOC spoken word artists Tariro Mavondo and Thabani Tshuma, this program supports participants to develop their poetic voice, connect through shared experiences, and take to the stage with power and intention.

 

 

Photography with Nighty Okot

Through your eyes

Learn to tell stories through the lens. This hands-on series, led by Nighty Okot, explores portraiture, lighting, and documentary photography from a culturally grounded perspective—centering your worldview, your community, and your creative eye.

 

Final Showcase

All participants will be invited to share their work at a culminating community celebration, with live performance, projections, DJ sets, food, and more.