By Afraa Kori
Australia’s greatest gospel rumba and seben band is on tour, bringing the uplifting rhythms of Congo to Melbourne.
Hosted by Wazee wa kijiji band, Moto Wa Baraka, a concert held at Light of All Nations church in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday, December 14, from 4.30pm-10pm.
The band features Brisbane’s African musicians Jack Manasi, Grace Nikodemu, Isack Daniel, Banyakwa Malenso, Mwami Malenso, David rup, Ombeni ruben and Mj Mambo.
Founder of Wazee wa kijiji and lead singer of Moto Wa Baraka, Jack Manasi said the band was born from a shared desire to showcase the beauty of African gospel music.
“Our mission is to bring people together through inspiring and uplifting hearts and souls through the transcendent music that speaks to both our African roots and our Christian faith.”
“Our music is a fusion of traditional African rhythms with contemporary gospel sounds. We bring a deep connection to our culture and spirituality, which creates an emotional experience at every performance. Our music is inspired by our African heritage, faith, and the everyday struggles and joys of life. It’s a celebration of both our roots and our spiritual journey.”
In Swahili “Moto Wa Baraka”means “fire of blessings” which represents the passion and divine inspiration that drives our music.
“We chose this name because we wanted to convey a message of hope, warmth, and spiritual power through our music. It symbolizes our belief in the transformative power of gospel music,” Mr Manasi said.
“We’re excited to introduce Melbourne to the fire and passion of African gospel music. Sharing our culture in such a vibrant city is thrilling for us. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a spiritual encounter, a night to refresh your soul and experience the vibrant sounds of rumba/seben through a gospel lens. Whether you’re a lover of gospel music or seeking a new, faith-filled experience, this event is for you. Whether you’re a fan of gospel music or just curious about African culture, this is an event you won’t want to miss.”
Reservoir resident and artist Nkulu Katenda said Wazee wa kijiji combines impactful grooves with meaningful lyrics which resonates with many Melbournians.
“I was drawn to attend because of my admiration for their artistry and the chance to experience their music live. This will be my first Moto Wa Baraka concert, and I’m eager to feel the energy in person and also, I will get to perform some of my songs,” he said.
“Their music reflects the complexities of the African diaspora by weaving together stories of migration, resilience, and cultural fusion. It captures the essence of maintaining cultural identity and encouraging youths in the diaspora to uphold their music and musical heritage, traditions and cultural heritage.”
“I think the concert will foster a sense of community, bringing people together to celebrate culture and music. Personally, it will inspire my artistic journey. For the wider gospel industry in Australia, it could open doors for more diverse voices and highlight the richness of African musical traditions.”
Wazee wa kijiji is committed to pushing creative boundaries and delivering gospel music to their loyal supporters.
“Touring has allowed us to connect with different audiences and adapt our music to resonate with various cultural contexts. It’s made us more versatile and connected to the broader Australian community. We plan to continue touring, with hopes to expand to other states and release new music in 2025. We just want to thank the community for their support so far. Moto Wa Baraka is only just beginning, and we’re excited for what the future,” Mr Manasi said.
Tickets available: events.humanitix.com/moto-wa-baraka
