Little Big Bang Northern Rivers - Africa meets Cuba meets Colombia
Schedule
Sat Mar 28 2026 at 10:00 am to 02:30 pm
UTC+11:00Location
55 Dalley St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482, Australia | Brunswick Heads, NS
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TALKIN THE DRUM presents:The LITTLE BIG BANG - MULLUMBIMBY
AFRICA meets CUBA meets COLOMBIA
Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall
Dalley St, Mullumbimby
Saturday March 28th
Doors open 7 pm
An ultimate experience in rhythm fuelled dance! Bringing together the world's most danceable drumming traditions of Africa, Cuba and Colombia.
African heat, Latin fire, keeping the dance floor burning!
Cultural collaboration at it's best. What a melting pot!!
The AC will be working overtime!
Wow! Are you ready for this?!?!
Featuring:
BANGOURA KE
The power of this African musician is extraordinary!! Mohamed Bangoura, or affectionately known as BK, is considered the most outstanding proponent of the djembe in Australia and one of the world's greatest. His knowledge of the rich cultural heritage of his homeland Guinea is vast, his ability to connect with an audience is immediate, his passion and love is palpable. His hands move at the speed of light, creating a visual blur, frequently breaking the sound barrier!!
In Guinea, West Africa, Bangoura Ke is known as the "Lion of Matam, with hands of fire!" Born into a Griot family it is both his privilege and responsibility to cultivate a healthy community through the passing down of the history and cultural protocols of his ancestry. In addition to his world-class virtuosic djembe playing BK is one of the loveliest humans on the planet; honourable, so sweet, so generous, so caring and kind. Prepare to fall in love!
GUSTAVO CEREIJO AND OZ CUBAN RUMBA
A dynamic seven-piece percussion and vocal ensemble, Oz Cuban Rumba is dedicated to sharing the powerful traditions of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean music. Formed by seven of Brisbane’s leading percussionists, the group brings deep authenticity to its performances—four members have studied percussion in Cuba, and one was born there, providing a direct cultural connection to the roots of the music.
The ensemble delivers high-energy performances combining traditional percussion instruments including congas, batá drums, timbales, bongó and hand percussion, alongside authentic Cuban rumba singing and sacred Orisha chants. These call-and-response vocals are central to Afro-Cuban musical expression, blending rhythm, spirituality, and storytelling.
Rooted in the folkloric traditions of Havana and Matanzas, Oz Cuban Rumba performs traditional rumba styles and festive comparsa rhythms, capturing both the ceremonial and celebratory spirit of Cuban culture. Their performances are immersive, rhythmic experiences that showcase the depth and power of percussion-driven music.
In addition, the group honours the broader Afro-Caribbean heritage by performing Colombian Atlantic coast rhythms such as Mapalé and Cumbia. These vibrant styles reflect a shared African ancestry and complement the Cuban repertoire, highlighting the rich cultural connections across the Caribbean through rhythm, voice, and tradition.
SPANKINHIDE
Led by highly respected djembe player, teacher and maker, Elliott Orr, Spankinhide has become a much sought-after African rhythm collective, with active members in Brisbane and the Northern Rivers. Drawing their repertoire from both traditional and contemporary sources, Spankinhide brings a dynamic and decidedly danceable set of rhythms and songs that transform their audience from wide-eyed spectators into a heaving, primal, spontaneous dance floor of wildness!
Having played headline shows at the Woodford Folk and Island Vibe festivals, Spankinhide continues their legacy of delivering world class performances. The members of Spankinhide are successful musicians in their own right, including the likes of Elliott Orr, Tsoof Baras, Oliver Jackson and Alister Murray.
The very existence of Spankinhide is to fuel the fire of dance. Rich rhythms, driving doundoun melodies, crack and boom to fill the room! If you find you're not dancing, it might be wise to check your pulse - you may be dead!!!
DJ JOAN CELIS
Colombian Dj Joan Celis is the perfect dj to curate the tunes in making the Little Big Bang flow from beginning to end. With a wide collection to make his selection, from folkloric to contemporary styles, from Cuban to Colombian and on to African there'll be tracks for everyone.
Joan will fill the spaces between the live performances of the night with the perfect tunes to keep the vibe on track. He'll even lay down a pumping salsa set for the dancers among you. Wear your finest dancing shoes and grab a partner. The roots of salsa can be found in the afro-cuban rhythms of the drums. This is where it all began, come connect with the roots of Latin American music.
ZORMIWASA (MEANING "COME PLAY MUSIC")
EPIC!! No other word quite covers this incredible performance. Under the tutelage of Elliott Orr, some 30 beautiful humans have been learning two rhythms over 10 weeks to present at the Little Big Bang. Jiti is a street rhythm from Zimbabwe, transposed to djembes and doundouns by Chris Berry. The second rhythm is a Colombian piece called Mapale. Zormiwasa will perform Mapale in collaboration with the Colombian Dance Group.
From complete beginners to Elliott's most dedicated students, some of whom have been studying with him and belonging to this community for 5, 10, 15, even 20 years, Zormiwasa willl blow your mind and hearts right open!
This is the very essence of community! Many beautiful souls bringing their love of rhythm and dance into a collective moment of connection and expression.
Come early to witness this true magic!
Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall
55 Dalley Street
Mullumbimby
Doors open 7 pm and the music finishes by 11:30 pm.
Tix through Humanitix where all profits go to humanitarian projects.
First Release $30
(until sold out)
Presale $45
On the door $55
Concession $40
Kids 10 - 17 yo $20
Under 10 - free
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Where is it happening?
55 Dalley St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482, Australia, 55 Dalley St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482, Australia, Brunswick HeadsEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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