Red Sands by Ajak Kwai
Ajak Kwai is a name well known to the airwaves, stage, and broader Australian music community for her powerful performances and strong messages that call for inclusion and celebration of the diversity found throughout Australian society. Originally hailing from a small town of Bor (pronounced ‘bohr’) on the Upper Nile in what is now South Sudan, music has always been part of her life.
Alongside sharing political messages through her music, Ajak Kwai is also a radio broadcaster in Melbourne on both PBS and 3CR. Her shows give a voice to the local African community so that they can tell their stories through music and spoken word, and her music selections focus on songs that have changed the world in a positive way. She challenges bias in our society and reminds politicians to be accountable for their language and actions.
Performing in English, Arabic, and her native language, Dinka, Ajak Kwai’s music draws upon South Sudanese funk and blues influences and brings together elements of traditional music alongside more contemporary gestures. The result is something notably unique and powerful.
Tracklist
| 1. | I'll Be Your Eyes | 7:31 |
| 2. | Rabina Mana | 3:53 |
| 3. | Arrows (feat. Allysha Joy) | 5:25 |
| 4. | Red Sands | 4:44 |
Credits
All compositions written by Ajak Mabia Kwai. Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by John Lee at Phaedra Studios in Melbourne, Australia, 2021.
Ajak Kwai - vocals
Matthew Erickson - bass
Gabriela Georges - keys, vocal
Kanyakumar Shome - guitar
Maria Moles - drums
Boubacar Gaye - percussion
Allysha Joy - vocal on ‘Arrows’
Cover photo by Luke Byrne. Back cover photo by Nick Mckk. Design by Rochelle Oh & Joëlle Thomas.
All compositions property of the artist under exclusive license to Music in Exile (2021). Welcome those around you with open arms and an open heart.
Music in Exile is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
License
All rights reserved.Recommendations
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Ajak Kwai is a name well known to the Australian music community for her powerful messages that call for inclusion and celebration of the cultural diversity.
Performing in English, Arabic, and her native language, Dinka, Ajak Kwai’s music draws upon South Sudanese funk and blues influences and brings together elements of traditional music alongside more contemporary gestures.