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Interview with
JAMAICA MOANA

(25th February, 2021)

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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Photo – Michaela Vujovic

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Do you have any memories of the Darlinghurst Theatre? Have you been as an audience member or performer?
It’s my first time at Darlinghurst Theatre, I’ve heard amazing things!

What excites you the most about the Darlo Sessions?
I’m excited to debut my first solo production, a fusion of my community, art & resilience as an independent person.

When was the last live show that you performed?
My last performance was opening for Ngaiire, January for Sydney Festival. I’m blessed to have opened for someone I look up to.

Did you create any music during lockdown?
Yes! I haven been preparing for the production of my debut EP as Jamaica Moana. Stay active on my socials for future updates!

Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
My creative inspiration comes from my Maori culture, my family and my daily life experiences as a QPOC living in South West Sydney.

Has the last year changed your music influences?
My experiences have altered my musical influences by changing my writing process into a writing workshop consisting of self-care, instant inspiration and passionate note- taking.

Who is your biggest idol? Music, style or otherwise.
My biggest idol is my parents. They’ve shaped the strength within me as the foundation of myth life. Without this, I couldn’t have capacity to be an artist. My mother & father are the epitome of power.

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Photo – Michaela Vujovic

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Throughout your career how have you grown and changed as an artist?
I have become more equipped with time management and the ability to thrive how I envision my future to be.

How did you begin your music career? How has the industry changed since then?
I started as an Actor as a young grade 4 student, branching off into the dance industry. Once I graduated from my performing arts high school, I was immersed into the ballroom community, introducing me to my biggest events at the time. I eventually took all inspiration from my previous experiences, and worked towards my music career to begin. The industry has turned into a more diverse, inclusive direction – with plenty more room for inclusivity to be met. Especially with up & coming QPOC artists in Australia.

What is the one thing you want everyone to know about you?
I want people to know that my stage persona has derived from the core strength of my soul. I carry myself as a strong person, because my soul believes in the strength to survive.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers
Favourite Album – The miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Ms Lauryn Hill
Favourite Artist – Nicki Minaj – this has been my default answer for over a decade lol! Still a huge fan! A huge inspiration for the initial start of my music.
Favourite movie – Mean Girls – 2004 really set me up to love this movie for life!
Favourite place to visit – Nine Mile, Jamaica. My favourite place to visit is Bob Marley’s resting place in Jamaica. I visited there with my brother Sarne in 2018, the most healing trip I have ever been on. Very grateful to experience this with my older brother.
Favourite venue to play – The Red Rattler – Marrickville. This small club has been the epicentre of our community deep for the past 5+ years! Very much the home vibe.
Favourite Food – Boil up! If you’re Maori, you will understand this dish. It is basically a soup with broth, meat, veggies & bread. Reminds me of Aotearoa every bite!
Favourite drink – Coconut water, just because I love the taste & hydration!
Favourite person in history – My favourite historical people derive from our Maori myths & legends. Papatuanuku is Mother Earth in Aotearoa, NZ. She carries the land, the life & the love of our people.
Favourite Tattoo (if you don’t have one, what would you get?) My favourite tattoo is of my god baby’s name, “Marley”.

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When did ballroom in Australia start?
Ballroom has been thriving for over half a decade in Australia. Initially beginning with Bhenji Ra’s House Of Sle, branching off to a vastly growing community through the years. Celebrating all QPOC, especially Trans women of colour, the pioneers of this culture. You may know events from ballroom here in Sydney, such as Sissy Ball, The West Ball and The Essence Ball, recently.

What can we expect to see at the show?
This Friday will be a complete production including new special guests! We will be graced with tunes by Stereogamous for our pre-show. Our opening act is the gorgeous RnB princess, Tima. Second act will be the musical genius, Glo! Our mid-show will be a ballroom throw down with our Australian Ballroom community feat. House Of Sle + House Of Silky. And of course, you can expect to see Jamaica Moana as the headlining act supported by all the beautiful talent listed above, also joined on stage by incredible dancer, Jacob Hawkins.
If you have missed a ticket to our infamous West Ball (March 13), do not worry – The Australian Ballroom Community will be present and ready THIS FRIDAY FEB 26, 9PM @ DARLO SESSIONS for a full ballroom throwdown! A taste of what will be happening at The West Ball! We are bringing the ballroom energy in full swing this Friday! Get your tickets!

Who will be performing?
Reiterating the last question,
– Stereogamous
– TIMA
– GLO
– Jamaica Moana
– Jacob Hawkins
– Australian Ballroom Community Feat. House Of Sle + House Of Silky

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Photo – Michaela Vujovic

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Follow DARLO SESSIONS
Website

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DARLO SESSIONS
SCHEDULE

Friday 26 February
JamarzOnMarz @ 7pm
Jamaica Moana @ 9pm

Saturday 27 February
DVNA @ 7pm

Friday 5 March
Boy and Bucket @7pm
Erin Clare @ 9pm

Saturday 6 March
Hot Potato Band @ 6pm & 9pm

Thursday 11 March
KYVA @ 7pm
imbi @ 9pm

Friday 12 March
Huck Hastings Album Launch @ 7pm
Brendan Maclean + Jack Colwell @ 9pm

Saturday 13 March
Okenyo @ 7pm
Banoffee @ 9pm

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AMNPLIFY – DB