Asylum Seeker Independance Day

Last Sunday night (3/9/06) Vox Congo lifted the roof off East Brunswick Club playing to a packed club filled to the brim with around 200 people. The cause of the event? To raise money and awareness for asylum seekers of Bridging Visa type E, a fitting gig for Vox Congo.
I walked in to the gig late. As I approached I heard that amazing new acapella number the guys have been singing lately - the one they sung at Surrender 06 conference (sorry it's not on the CD, well not thier first CD anyway). For those who know the East Brunswick Club (in Melbourne) or the area, it was quite a contrast to hear the sweet melodies of African Gospel in the room. It didn't take long for the club to be influenced by the beat of Vox Congo and it became a wave of people shoulder to shoulder jumping around and trying to find room for those Vox Congo dance moves. It was an amazing event to be a part of with that Vox Congos 'Good News' message about Jesus booming out to us in various languages. Everyone loved them and wanted them to keep playing.

I'm attempting to include some pics taken on my dodgy phone camera so excuse the quality.
Adolph was up to his usual crowd pleasing antics with amazing dance moves and playing Bass behind his head. Matrinse amazed me with something I haven't seen before with his multi talented playing Rythm guitar and Congas. It was this amazing mix of the 2, how does he do that? Vox Congo had people up on stage, teaching them dance moves and having a great time. It got interesting when 200 people decided to try a 'Congo line' in this cramped room. It was great fun and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Here's some coments from event organiser Anita George on what she thought of the night:

It started with an idea to raise some funds and awareness for asylum seekers in the community on a Bridging Visa E with no work rights, access to medicare or centrelink....

....It ended with a sold-out capacity crowd at the East Brunswick Club (the first time they have sold out on a Sunday night!), thousands of dollars raised for Hotham Mission, a dance floor packed out by Dallas Frasca, Vox Congo, De Jah Groove and MC Joelistics and many people coming up to me and saying they weren't aware of the situation for asylum seekers on bridging visa E's and now were better informed and moved by the cause.



All in all, we could not have gone any better. How inspiring... We have the power to make change people!

Thanks to all involved - Stay tuned for ASID 2007

PS - My asylum seeker client who inspired me to get this event up and running was granted his protection visa last week. So much good news and its only Monday morning!!

much love, thanks and blessings
anita xx


Cheers
Mark