RENOUND singer-songwriter, refugee, and proud West Papuan Woman, Voice of Lele, will be visiting the Shepparton Library on Thursday, June 19 at 6.30pm, for a Refugee Week Event. Hear Lele share her journey, her culture, and the importance of empowering young people to create positive and meaningful change.
Daughter of Agustinus Rumwaropen, the lead singer and composer of the Black Brothers band who filled stadiums across Pacifica and Indonesia and paved the way for many other Melanesian artists. Lele and her sisters followed in their father’s footsteps and created The Black Sistaz.
The Black Sistaz toured the world performing alongside the likes of UB40, Julian Marley, Michael Franti, Katchafire, Natiruts, George Telek, Edou and SOJA. They have also performed at many renowned music festivals on their global journey and opened the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
Committed and passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers, Lele collaborated with her husband, Mitch on the cultural exchange between the Melbourne West Papuan and Aboriginal communities called The West Papuan Youth Project.
Many West Papuan people have crossed borders and fled the country to escape violence and persecution by militias and the Indonesian military, which has been ongoing since Indonesia annexed the region in 1962. Lele’s family were granted refugee status in Australia in 1988 after fleeing West Papua.
If you would like to meet Lele, and hear her speak, join us at Shepparton Library on Thursday, June 19 at 6.30pm. The event is free, but bookings are recommended. Bookings can be made online via the Goulburn Valley Libraries website www.gvlibraries.com.au/events, by calling 1300 374 765 or emailing shepparton@gvlibraries.com.au.
