Five Things with Ribongia

My parents are both fans of music, but don’t play. My dad tried; he wasn’t very good (sorry Dad). There was a lot of music around, and it was loud, and there were parties. My dad had an extensive and diverse record collection, but my first personal encounter with music was when, as a toddler, I scratched the life out of Ghost In The Machine by The Police. My dad wasn’t particularly pleased…

2. Inspirations

At the moment I’m into sampling obscure world music records. I find that while listening to this foreign music, there’s already a scenario being played out – a narrative and a context. Listening to those sounds can transport you to locations that you’ve never visited. I drive myself crazy moulding it into a shape that can work in the club while remaining true to a vision.

3. Your Crew

I mostly write and perform on my own, but I have a tight support network of friends and musicians around me that I share my demos with. I’m also part of a crew called Bare Necessities. We share similar taste in music and run a radio show on FBi Click.

4. The Music You Make And Play

I make club music inspired by ethnic and exotic flavours from Africa to the Middle East and beyond. I play live with a mallet instrument, a sampler and keys. I also jump around quite a bit.

5.Music, Right Here, Right Now

We can’t be depriving ourselves of spaces to enjoy each other’s company. Like M.I.A. would say, lockout laws – what’s up with that? Sydney has so much talent on offer, and we should nurture it. I love going to gigs here, it’s the actual best. So many of my friends are musicians, so on any given night of the week, someone will be up to something. I love it. Please don’t take that away.