World Music/Foreign Language

The World Music / Foreign Language category lists musicians who play the music of the world, and often sing in foreign languages. These multicultural musicians specialise in the sound of one or more countries and cultures. Together they play both the traditional and contemporary songs from all over the globe.

Also see Latino & Spanish Music, Irish Music, Bar Matizah & Bat Mitzvah Bands

Alegria is an exciting and versatile duo. Both lead singer Shireen and vocalist, keyboardist and saxophonist Martin are consummate musicians and performers with years of experience. They can provide anything from smooth jazz and ballads to dynamic dance sets featuring a huge range of music from 50’s rock’n’roll through soul, funk, Motown, disco, 80’s, 90’s and the most recent pop hits. Add to this Martin’s experience in Spain and his repertoire of Latin dance songs, sung in fluent Spanish and Portuguese and you have a fantastic array of music that will keep everyone happy. Ballroom dance aficianados will be especially in their element! Alegria can provide other services including MC, wedding ceremony music, “Live Karaoke”, children’s and seniors’ entertainment.

Reflejos is an original band creating vibrant and unique music drawn from Latin American Traditions. The music is performed by the lead singer Bonnie Smith in Spanish, French and English. The band consists of classical nylon stringed guitars, flute, charango (small Andian guitar from South America), double bass, percussion (congas, bongos, cajon, darbuka), mandolins and beautiful vocals.

The duo was originally named Gypsy Nights after a famous duo that entertained in the restaurants and cafes of Budapest in the 1930s. Violinist Ernie Gruner and accordionist/singer Phil Carroll play: Gypsy, Klezmer, Middle-Eastern, French, Italian, Russian, Jazz and Tango Music that ranges from soulful to wild. Australian concerts highlights include the National Folk Festival and National Multicultural Festival. Phil and Ernie’s three NZ tours have included the Wellington Folk Festival and the Christchurch Jazz Festival.

The music is undeniably ‘gypsy’, with scorching Balkan melodies played over relentlessly tight and funky rhythms. According to Beat Magazine the sound of the band ‘reflects the unique experience of a ‘gypsy’ band raised on Melbourne dance-floors’. The sound of The Woohoo Revue is the essence of celebration, with tunes derived from cultures where a wedding can last for days

'Awesome music. Your stuff is really incredible' - Tommy Emmanuel. The Gypsy Crims are a Melbourne based Duo performing Infectious Gypsy Flamenco guitar music composed by Orlando and accompanied by Michael Kontachristos. Orlando also being an accomplished Oud player has infused the sound of the Oud within his very own unique style of Flamenco Guitar technique that has earned him praise from excellent musicians worldwide including Ginesa Ortega, Duquende, Tommy Emmanuel, Harri Stojka, Lulo Reinhardt amongst others. The Gypsy Crims are available for weddings, corporate and private functions and can accomodate all needs, allowing up to an 8 piece.

The Wake have been entertaining Australian audiences since 1995. With a mixture of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic music The Wake are happy in any setting, weddings, pubs, or festivals. We are a flexible band that can arrange our line up to suit any occasion or budget. We are mostly a four piece band with guitar, fiddle, accordion and bass. We can add a drummer to the mix for big occasions or perform as a two piece.

Balkans Gypsy & Klezmer Duo. Goyim covers a range of Gypsy and Klezmer styles (comprising dance and celebration music) from across eastern Europe and the middle east, creating a touch of that burlesque cabaret Balkans brass band appeal, all the while getting an infectious high energy village street sound found among the Gypsy's. Overall people enjoy this exciting & generally raucous style, most find it difficult to remain in their seats and in every performance you'll inevitably find some who can't and will dance regardless.

Bossa Negra is a new band that conveys and invokes the excitement of Brazil’s crazy carnivals, football, beautiful beaches and the exhilarating nightlife of Rio de Janeiro. From a large ballroom to a small café, Bossa Negra are flexible in adapting to all occasions, venues and budgets in many formats.

The Urban Gypsies are an instrumental Jazz/ Latin/ Classical/ Contemporary guitar duo. They also perform as a trio with percussion/ violin, or as a quartet with the addition of bass. They represent an exciting direction in Latin / Classical mixed with funk, rumba and gypsy swing. The music varies from fiery guitar virtuosity through to lounge bossa nova, classical pieces and popular classics.

Jorge Campano brings the beauty of the Spanish Andalucian music to Australia. He has a unique style as a guitarist, singer, composer and arranger. His style has the passion and fire of Andalucia, combined with the contemporary music of today – the result is a vibrant repertoire that captivates his audiences and has made him very popular on the Sydney live music scene. He performs as a soloist, but can also provide his trio or the group called 'Andalucia', which comprises three musicians and three flamenco dancers.

Mark Davies performs at garden & church wedding services, receptions, & corporate and private functions/festivals on celtic harp.

This exciting, high-energy percussion and dance ensemble from Guinea, West Africa, is Melbourne’s newest African band. Muhanamwé, meaning "Culture”, was founded in 2007 by Guinean master drummer Aliou Sylla, with the vision of sharing the rich Guinean culture with the Australian people. Bringing together powerful rhythms, vocal harmonies and stunning moves, Muhanamwé brings to life the colourful and vibrant culture of Guinea, and a musical tradition that can be traced right back to the ancient Mandinké Empire of West Africa.

Cye, Jacinta, Joey and Adrian unite together from a broad musical background including television, theatre and studio work. Being well established in the Melbourne music scene Escapade combine talent, experience, and versatility to provide the highest standard required for any function. Escapade also expands into a trio, band and big band.

Joseph Appiah Kojo Annan runs performances & workshops for all ages and abilities, corporate events, private functions, festivals, schools & more! With a strong history of teaching African drum and dance, Afro Hip Hop, Freestyle, and Afro Contemporary to all ages and abilities he is now enjoying sharing his skills, culture and passion with the Australian community and is in very high demand. Appiah specialises in African drumming, dance, songs and culture, Hip Hop, Freestyle, Afro-Contemporary and Acrobatics.

Piano player/singer. I have many years of experience. I also sing in many languages including Russian, French, Italian, German, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, Ukranian, Hebrew etc. I have an extensive repertoire of over 350 tunes by memory, and can play most requests for customers at large. I sing a variety of laid-back jazz-blues and popular material. I have played extensively as a soloist in restaurants and hotels, events and functions.

Playing a mix of passionate gypsy tunes, wild Klezmer, romantic French Waltzes, exotic Tangos, lively Tarantellas and more….. their music often inspires dancing in the streets! As well as playing for Festivals and Street Parties, this trio is also available for private functions. Formed in 2000, the Carnival Gypsy Minstrels have spread joy and merriment through their music at many Festivals and Events in SE QLD.

'Tis... is one of Queensland’s most popular Irish Entertainment Bands having kept the place jigging & reeling for over 10 years. 'Tis... are all about fun and entertainment!! They bring you live Irish music from the good old ‘traditionals’ through to the contemporary hits of today. Fun is what 'Tis… are all about. They not only create the sound but provide you with an entertainment experience guaranteed to keep you and your guests singing and tapping along. 'Tis keep off the streets by playing conferences, birthdays, weddings, parties and corporate functions as well as at regular venues.

Kasablanka have proved themselves in a big way in the Melbourne Wedding and Corporate Music Industry. They can perform both English and Italian Music, their versatility proving to be a huge draw card for the Wedding and Corporate Industry. They are available as either the four piece, or you can have a five or six piece band. Kasablanka can offer the following: Basic Master of Ceremonies (English only), Pre-dinner Jazz for the 4 piece upwards, Up to 5 hours playing time worked in and around the formalities of the night. You can book Kasablanka for both your Reception and Ceremony.

Millennium has a wealth of experience in corporate, wedding and cabaret work, providing you with all your entertainment needs! This act has the chemistry to make a room jump and jive. As one of Melbourne’s most sought after corporate acts, flexibility and diversity is what you can expect in their repertoire - delivering jazz classics, cocktail grooves, funky R&B, 70's disco up to today’s top 40 dance hits. English and Italian Music is catered for.

Afö (Malinke for ‘speak’) is a traditionally based West African drumming ensemble performing high energy rhythms from the region of Guinea in West Africa. Afö draw on the traditional music of the Malinke people and in particular those taught by the highly renowned exponent of the tradition, Mamady Keita. Afö capture the essence of this undeniably powerful and engaging traditional music and present an explosive and mesmerising performance.