In May, Lolo Lovina will be a key part of Vivid, Sydney’s annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology.
Fronted by vocalist Sarah Bedek, the band presents energetic, interactive and exciting performances, sharing with its audiences a love and respect for one another, their ancestors and Romani culture.
Ahead of Vivid, the band performed at Australia’s inaugural Romani festival in Marrickville, on April 12. Titled Ushtipe!, the festival was a powerful celebration of culture, resilience, and unity, bringing together people of all backgrounds to honour Romani contributions to art, music and society.
Attendees experienced a dynamic showcase of Romani heritage through live performances, traditional crafts and collaborative art installations, with five traditional vardo (caravans), fire pits, lounging areas and dance spaces.
The Ushtipe! festival was a tribute to International Romani Day (May 8), which celebrates Romani culture and raises awareness of the challenges and discrimination faced by Romani people globally.
Around 1.5 million out of an estimated 2 million European Roma were killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. Many of those who survived were still subject to persecution. Even today Romani people often face discrimination, prejudice and marginalisation, leading to issues in areas like education, employment and housing.
Ushtipe! was supported by Multicultural NSW, Addison Road Community Centre and the newly formed Romani Arts and Culture Collective.
The Collective is an association of artists, Romani people and non-Romani members who are interested in supporting and learning more about Romani culture.
For Vivid, Lolo Lovina will be performing at the Fire Kitchen, a celebration of culture and community, from May 23 to June 14. Along with Lolo Lovina, the program includes the Strides, Beliza, Moussa Diakite, The Transylvanian Gypsy Kings, George Nikolopoulos & Friends, and more.
Ms Bedek said, “In line with the Fire Kitchen’s ‘Fire & Spice’ theme, Lolo Lovina and the Caravan Stage will bring one hell of a hot line-up of diverse and divine world music artists and DJs to warm up Sydney in the middle of winter.
“We’ll share a dream about a world that is united through the passion and power of music, through the sharing of cultures and of a world that dances joyously hand-in-hand.”
Romani culture is diverse, encompassing various traditions, languages and beliefs, with a strong emphasis on community and family.
Find out more about Lolo Lovina and the Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen here: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/food/vivid-fire-kitchen
