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CHRIS GUDU - THE JOURNEY SO FAR...
THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE
“As soon as I arrived in Australia, I felt a strong desire to get something going. When I first arrived there were very few Africans here, let alone African musicians! I needed to hook up with good musicians and found that the great thing about Australian musicians is that they take music very seriously and are always willing to experiment and find out about other music and cultures. I was warmly welcomed and formed my band Jive Kayana almost immediately. I found the audience so warm and involved in the music which really reflects the nature of Australians.”
“The experience in Britain was certainly challenging but allowed me to grow and to realize what I needed to do differently. In Australia, I have grown to believe more and more each day in what I do. Rediscovering myself is a beautiful thing. Every day there is something to look forward to which helps me to grow musically, to relate to people and to open up and understand what people want and how I can give it to them.”
“If you are from Africa, people expect you to share the African experience with them. I think my music is different and because Australia is a multicultural society the Australian people are open to something new and my music provides a platform for me and the audience to connect, to forget about worries and to have fun. Music is taken seriously in Australia and it is really appreciated. That fuels me to keep going.”
“Music is a universal language and we all receive it and appreciate it in the same way. In my homeland obviously the lyrics are immediately understood and different things will touch different people. Even if people don’t understand the words they are going to say “I like this groove, it makes me want to move” I help them to appreciate the meaning through the rhythm and music. I am happy for it to appeal to them as a piece of art. When I say “Umbaqanga”, it’s exciting!” More...
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