Live Review: Ajak Kwai releases title track of forthcoming EP, 'Red Sands'

Ajak Kwai is a name well known to the airwaves, stage, and broader Australian music community for her powerful performances and strong messages that call for inclusion and celebration of the diversity found throughout Australian society. She's originally from the small town of Bor (pronounced 'bohr') in what is now South Sudan. Now, she's gearing up to release her EP, 'Red Sands' out on the 27th of October. Today she releases the projects second single and title track, joining the previously released, Allysha Joy featuring, 'Arrows'.

Thematically, the track highlights the similarities between the vast natural landscapes of her South Sudanese heritage and the land of First Nations people in Australia. It is not just the sand that the comparison is made for, rather she presents a broader, reflection on the systematic mistreatment and discrimination experienced by minority groups in Australian society, particularly for First Nations peoples. Sonically, the track is stunning. Catchy keyboards and guitar riffs combine gorgeously with an infectious rhythm section, to create the perfect bass layer for Ajak's vocals to take centre stage. Inspired by South Sudanese funk and blues, the combination of contemporary and traditional genres creates an equal parts powerful and beautiful track.

Speaking of this single ‘Red Sands’, Ajak says, “We have red sand in South Sudan as well. I am inspired by the First Nations people of the Northern Territory, where I have been a few times. They have red sand, and it reminds me of South Sudan. We share common ground with these First Nations people, a common pain. They have been treated appallingly, and this is not just one person's problem, this is a community problem. It is our problem as a community. If we really want to see a good world, we as a people have the power to change that. We as a community can make changes for Australia. I understand where First Nations people are coming from, I have felt it. If Australia doesn’t respect its own First Nations people, how can we as a country be respected?”

Words by PARRY TRITSINIOTIS

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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