MUSIC IN EXILE PRESENTS - AJAK KWAI + MANDENG GROOVE + SARAY ILUMINADO FEMMES + BOO MOJO
John Curtin Hotel (Carlton, VIC)
Friday, 22 August 2025 8:00 pm
Music in Exile invites you into a world of rhythm, reflection, and deep listening discovery. Ajak Kwai, Mandeng Groove, Saray Iluminado Femmes, and Boo Mojo take the stage in a genre-spanning night curated by local label Music in Exile.
Ajak Kwai is an icon of Australian-Sudanese music. With her stunning, unmistakable vocals, she leads a dynamic four-piece rock band, channelling the depth and richness of her South Sudanese heritage. Music is her vessel for storytelling, sharing powerful tales of exile, hope, freedom and love.
Mandeng Groove is a six-piece ensemble known for their high-energy fusion of West African rhythms and Western jazz melodies. Their music is a bridge between continents, an infectious blend of jazz, soul, funk, and pure groove. It’s as dynamic as it is danceable.
Saray Iluminado Femmes blur the lines between music and storytelling ritual. Their work explores contemporary, diasporic reimaginings of Sephardic Jewish romances and Sevdalinka songs, breathing new life into these rich musical traditions.
With interstitials from Boo Mojo who will deliver a blend of melodies and rhythms that keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
Watch Ajak Kwai HERE
Listen to Mandeng Groove HERE
Ajak Kwai is an icon of Australian-Sudanese music. With her stunning, unmistakable vocals, she leads a dynamic four-piece rock band, channelling the depth and richness of her South Sudanese heritage. Music is her vessel for storytelling, sharing powerful tales of exile, hope, freedom and love.
Mandeng Groove is a six-piece ensemble known for their high-energy fusion of West African rhythms and Western jazz melodies. Their music is a bridge between continents, an infectious blend of jazz, soul, funk, and pure groove. It’s as dynamic as it is danceable.
Saray Iluminado Femmes blur the lines between music and storytelling ritual. Their work explores contemporary, diasporic reimaginings of Sephardic Jewish romances and Sevdalinka songs, breathing new life into these rich musical traditions.
With interstitials from Boo Mojo who will deliver a blend of melodies and rhythms that keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
Watch Ajak Kwai HERE
Listen to Mandeng Groove HERE