Australian musician Gurrumul Yunupingu

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 15: Rhythms from Down Under will create waves in the city during the Oz fest at the 11th century Rajarani temple this Saturday.

The Australian government in partnership with Odisha Tourism is organising the musical evening.

Aboriginal Australian singer and songwriter Gurrumul Yunupingu will perform at the event. Gurrumul is known for his folk songs in Yolngu, an Australia Aboriginal language, and is a member of the Gumatj clan that lives off the northern coast of Australia.

“Gurrumul Yunupingu will perform his songs of identity, spirit and connection with the land, its elements and ancestral beings. He will connect Aboriginal Australia with Odisha, a state where one in every five individuals identifies with an indigenous group,” said an official of the Australian High Commission.

Another well-known Australian musician to accompany Gurrumul at the Oz fest is Mark Atkins.

Also an Aboriginal musician, Atkins is known for his mastery in playing the didgeridoo – an Australian wind instrument.

The Oz fest will begin from October 16 in Delhi and will be held in 18 cities across the country over four months. It is the biggest Australian cultural festival to be staged in India and aims to strengthen the cultural bond between people of the two countries.

“We need to connect with the people of India to build partnerships. Cultural ties are the best way to create a bond. Indians have seen our cricketers on television and our beaches in Bollywood films. Now, they will get to experience the vibrancy and innovation of Australia’s contemporary culture,” said the official.

Culture and tourism secretary Ashok Tripathy said well-known Odisha folk artistes would perform at the festival. “This event is also an opportunity for us to showcase our cultural heritage at an international level,” he said.

“This is a wonderful occasion for us to know more about Australian culture and experience their music and dance. Since the event is open to all, my friends and I will surely be there,” said Sabyasachi, a young photographer.