Visit from Australian musicians
Forging links between the island communities of New Caledonia and Australia
From 22 to 27 March, the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea will be welcoming two exceptional indigenous musicians, Jeffrey Simon and Manuel Dhurrkay, from Australia's Northern Territory. They will be accompanied by Michael Hohnen, producer and musician, and Esther Wamejo, well-known to New Caledonian audiences. This visit is part of a dynamic process of cultural exchanges between New Caledonia and Australia, through the music of the Pacific. Culture is one of the three pillars of the France-Australia roadmap signed by our Foreign Ministers in December 2023. This visit, which will forge strong interpersonal links between Australian and New Caledonian musicians, is in line with this vision.
Events across New Caledonia to strengthen people-to-people links
In collaboration with New Caledonian singer Esther Wamejo, the musicians will visit Bourail (22 and 23 March), Pouembout and Koné (24 and 25 March), then Nouméa (26 and 27 March). Free public concerts and cultural exchange workshops with local musicians, young people and representatives of local communities will be organised. These encounters will offer a unique opportunity to discover the richness of Australia's musical traditions while fostering a creative dialogue.
Jeffrey and Manuel are keen to collaborate with other artists, discover new cultures and are eager to learn about new musical styles and traditional musical practices from New Caledonia.
This initiative, supported by the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea, is a testament to the importance of intercultural dialogue and the power of music to bring communities together and celebrate our shared heritage.
Musician biographies
Jeffrey Simon - Lead singer of B2M (Bathurst to Melville) - Originally from the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, Jeffrey ‘Yello’ Simon is the charismatic frontman of B2M. Founded in 2004, B2M blend contemporary R'n'B with traditional Tiwi music. Their songs tackle social issues such as Aboriginal community life and the challenges faced by young people. The internationally acclaimed band has performed in Australia, Asia and Europe.
Manuel Dhurrkay - Leader of Saltwater Band - Manuel Ngulupani Dhurrkay is a key artist on the Australian Aboriginal music scene. Leader of the Saltwater Band, and hails from Elcho Island, near the Northern Territory. His career, marked by performances at prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games and WOMADelaide, reflects his commitment to passing on his Yolngu culture through songs in English and the native language.
They will be accompanied by Michael Hohnen, a musician and producer who knows New Caledonia well. He has already visited New Caledonia through three cultural programmes organised by the Australian Consulate-General in Nouméa. These visits generated significant positive media engagement - notably the visit of blues singer-songwriter Kankawa Nagarra in 2024, Aboriginal artists and nature rangers in 2023 and the screening of the documentary Gurrumul in 2019.
Public events including Information flyer (French)
- Free public concert at the Gouaro tribe, Bourail, on Sunday 23 March at 3pm;
- Free public concert at Château Grimigni, Pouembout, on Monday 24 March, 5.30pm;
- Free public concert at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou, Nouméa, on Wednesday 26 March at 7pm.
In addition to the public events mentioned above, the media are invited to cover
- Cultural exchange with the Department of traditional music and polyphonic singing from Oceania, at the Centre Culturel Pomémie, on Monday 24 March from 10am to 12pm;
- Jam session with local artists at the Fédération des Œuvres Laïques de Nouvelle-Calédonie (FOL NC), in Nouméa, on Wednesday 26 March from 9am to 1pm;
- Cultural and musical exchange with students at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (CMD-NC), in Nouméa, on Thursday 27 March from 8am to 10am (subject to confirmation);
- Australia Day reception at the Pacific Community (SPC) on Thursday 27 March at 6.30pm.
Media opportunities and contacts
Opportunities for interviews and media coverage are available. Please contact: Scarlett Mitran, Media Relations Officer on 78 95 34 ([email protected]) or Alice Guillermier, Policy Research Officer on 75 14 08 ([email protected]).