MELANFUNK COLLECTIVE – UNPLUGGED featuring CELASTINO
Sunday Night Live Music | Bulmba-ja Arts Centre | NorthSite’s Post-CIAF Closing Event for Answer to the Call exhibition.
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration as Melanfunk Collective reunites for the first time in Cairns since their iconic performance at the reopening of Munro Martin Parklands.
Led by legendary local drummer Ben Hakalitz (Yothu Yindi) and acclaimed pianist Buruka Tau, Melanfunk Collective sets a new benchmark in contemporary PNG music with their distinctive fusion of tribal percussion, traditional Melanesian rhythms, and modern sounds—what they proudly call Melanesian Funk.
This special “Unplugged” performance features:
- Ben Hakalitz – drums & vocals
- Steve Stanley – bass
- Isla Carruthers – keyboards
- Mario Cuarita Celastino – flutes & alto sax
- Nikki Doll – vocals & percussion
- Adrian Gedisa – guitars
- Calum Bray – vocals & percussion
- Hannah Trotter – tenor sax
- Keryn Turner – trumpet
Opened with a very special support act by Felicity Schrieber as part of her Wawumun Live Gimuy to Magadgajin (Brisbane) tour!
These powerhouse performers—internationally recognised and masters of their craft—will take the stage to mark the closing of Answer to the Call, an exhibition by Taloi Havini, Ben’s niece. This celebrated work Answer to the Call was originally created in Cairns by Havini, Hakalitz and collaborators for premiere at the Venice Biennale and now makes it’s way home to Cairns.
After the official CIAF closing, make your way to Bulmba-ja Arts Centre for this powerful night of live music, cultural pride, and celebration. Don’t miss this extraordinary finale to a huge week of culture and creativity in Gimuy/Cairns.
