“What I provide is something that is curated, something that comes straight from the heart.”
Listeners of PBS community radio are no strangers to the velvety, soothing tones of Stani Goma, the beloved host of Flight 1067 to Africa. Every Sunday afternoon, Stani’s voice fills the airwaves, sharing music and news from Africa with his loyal audience. Now, he’s set to bring that same passion for the continent to the NGV.
For three consecutive Friday nights this August, Stani Goma will curate a series of performances in the Great Hall for NGV Friday Nights. “For the three nights, what I wanted to do is to present a variety of styles of music from Africa,” Stani says. Along with an exclusive performance in the Great Hall curated by Stani, attendees will have late-night access to the Pharaoh exhibition currently on display.
Stani Goma at NGV Friday Nights
- August 2, 9 and 16
- NGV International
- Tickets here
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Curation from the heart
“What I provide is something that is curated, something that comes straight from the heart,” Stani says about his process. “I use my knowledge of the music and culture, historical knowledge, and also the fact that I was born and bred and grew up in Africa.”
Stani’s passion and dedication shine through in his roles as a radio host and curator. His deep understanding and love for African music emanate through his work as he strives to share this passion with the communities around him. “If you love it, you don’t even know why you do it,” Stani laughs. “You just do it because you love it.”
Fresh from a trip to Africa, Stani is excited about the continent’s thriving music scene. “It’s fascinating to hear how fast things are moving in Africa,” he says. “We’re a little bit behind because we don’t get to hear it on a daily basis.”
Three epic weeks of African music
Kicking off Stani’s NGV Friday Nights residency on Friday August 2 is a collaboration with the Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE). Founded by Stani, MATE explores pan-African sounds through the universal language of music. “There’s a range of instruments that are on show with the Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble,” Stani says. “These are instruments that are really indigenous to the African context.”
The following week on Friday August 9, Stani will bring South African artist Fem Belling and her band to the stage to deliver a performance that celebrates resilience and resistance. “She’s well known for a range of projects that she’s been involved with, but particularly African Township Jazz,” Stani says of the musician. “She’s doing a very interesting presentation of the music of the township, the music that played a significant role during the anti-Apartheid struggles.”
For the final week of Stani’s residency on Friday August 16, he’ll feature Kunjani Heita Afrika, a collective whose sound is inspired by the ghoema sounds of Cape Town. “They also have a different take on the music of South Africa,” Stani says.
“Celebrating the diversity of African music in Melbourne”
The three-week residency gives Stani the space and time to showcase the diverse sounds of Africa, giving audiences a rich tapestry of musical experiences from across the continent.
“It’s not only an opportunity for me to present something that is a bit different, but also part of the Melbourne music scene,” Stani says. “It’s really about celebrating the diversity of African music and African styles that we have in Melbourne.”
While his radio show offers a weekly selection of African sounds, Stani believes there’s something magical about “not just being able to hear music, but actually being able to witness it in a live performance setting. I’m really excited to be able to present something that is unique.”
Find out more about Stani Goma’s NGV Friday Nights residencies here.
This article was made in partnership with NGV.
