Famili Launch — Review
by Sumarlinah Raden Winoto
Photo / Gianna Rizzo
Famili—Launch (Midsumma Festival)
8pm—11pm, Magdalen North Laundry, Abbotsford Convent
Goosebumps and joy.
That’s my two-word review for the Famili audiovisual EP launch last week. I turned the corner towards the Magdalen Laundry in the Abbotsford convent on a summery Thursday night to see a growing crowd emanating excitement and pride. This project is over two years in the making, and was worth the wait.
Surrounded by installations born from the artistry of Mossy Jade, the show started with the haunting harmonies of Bella Waru and Kalyani Mumtaz singing, we take back our mother tongues. It was spellbinding, and we were ready to enjoy the ensuing Pasifika celebration through rap, melodies, spoken word, chorals and lots of dancing. Each artist involved in this project is phenomenal in their own right; from Ripley Kavara’s curatorial vision to make this project a reality and creative prowess, through to the voices and words of Lay the Mystic, Luscious, Kalala, Lonelyspeck, Iki Finau, Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi, supported by Paul Gorrie on drums and Geryon on keys.
From powerful lines like neck deep, roots deep, sung by Iki Funau, to the poetic rhythms exploring naming and bodies by Meleika Gesa and Lay the Mystic respectively, there wasn’t a moment’s rest for the hairs on the back of my neck.
I wonder if the artists involved could have received a better reception to their work; with huge applause after each performance, sighs and whoops of appreciation almost non-stop… I think it was very clear how much each of these acts resonated with the audience. Reflecting on this, I think Ripley reached their goal:
“By elevating the voice and visibility of Pasifika people and creation, community can be inspired to togetherness, wholeness and belonging.”
I am forever grateful I got to witness these Pasifika creators, and celebrate with them. I can’t wait to buy the audiovisual album so I can listen to it on repeat, and will be keeping my eye on the website and instagram, eagerly awaiting the release.