From the vibrant cultures of Réunion Island, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, New Caledonia, West Africa, Sri Lanka, India, France, and Australia, the Salama family brings the pulse of Maloya music and dance straight to your heart.
Prepare to be transported and captivated by powerful Maloya rhythms, emblem of freedom and unity, as Salama shares the enchantment of Maloya’s soulful energy. Join us for an unforgettable journey that celebrates resilience, connection, and joy!
Salama is a cosmopolitan collective of Indian Ocean natives and artists from diverse backgrounds, created in 2021 by Dr Muriel Hillion. The joyous ensemble is united by their passion for Maloya music and dance.
Maloya is the cultural expression of the Reunionese Creole population, born out of slavery in the 17th century in Réunion. Maloya music and dance was banned by the French authorities until 1981 and inscribed on the representative list of intangible cultural heritage (UNESCO) in 2009. Maloya is a unifying force, beckoning people from all walks of life to join together in celebration of freedom.
Today, Maloya is synonymous with ancestry, Creole identity, and a sense of blissful freedom. Salama is proud to pioneer the sharing of this powerful and magical genre in Australia. Together, Salama’s members skilfully blend traditional and modern rhythms, crafting original musical shows that celebrate stories of joy, nostalgia, and everything in between.
Coogee Live would like to thank Creative Partner Salama whose support has made this activation possible.