The Mullumbimby Civic Hall will come alive with a collaboration, amplifying rhythms and songs of vitality—configured for dance that burns away the dross and invites you into the spring of your creativity. Kooii joins forces with the Claudio Rabe band, who are touring from their home base in France and sharing the sounds of their connection to Madagascar and the Réunion Islands. Empress Katia, bringing her Mauritian roots to the fore, will open the journey in flow with the feel of the night.

Due to complications regarding his visa clearance, the group’s usual frontman, who lends his name to the group, Claudio, is unable to make this first part of the group’s tour. The four other members of the group are carrying the flame though and audiences so far have been celebrating with the sounds and energy they bring. Given that the four-piece existed as a creative force with its already developed sound and connection between it’s members before they connected with Claudio, the group is confidently and joyfully taking the situation in their stride and thriving with the opportunity.

After energising audiences at the last Woodford Folk Festival the group were called back to Australia as soon as possible. They are a genre-defying sonic force from Madagascar and now based between France and Réunion Island. Their electrifying sound fuses traditional Malagasy rhythms with rock, funk, and electronic elements. Their live sets are hypnotic and rhythm-driven—where ancestral percussion collides with modern grooves in a celebration of movement, identity, and connection.

Thanks to the efforts of Yama-Nui Records in creating this tour, Kooii shall join the group in Mullumbimby, creating this unique opportunity for the community to gather and journey together through the music. With Kooii’s distinct sound and intent for music to be alive with a connection to that which brings vitality, they are a great choice for connecting with the Claudio Rabe group. Kooii’s songs are influenced by African, jazz, and reggae music, with a touch of Celtic, seeded by singer and trumpet player Peter Hunt. Kooii’s performances are renowned for their groove, the space they create for dance, and the way they let the music come alive with the inspiration, character and intelligence of all its members.

Empress Katia will grace the opening of the night with a solo performance, her music influenced by RnB, reggae, and the creole sounds of her French and Mauritian heritage.

Delicious food and beverages will be available.

Kids are welcome. Free for ages 12 and under. See cheaper ticket option for teenagers.

Doors 6:30pm

Claudio Rabe's music can be found here on Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/track/330113012?u

and Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4NDoksx4W478jfTZLRJvgk?si=4141e28ef9ad4e40

For Empress Katia on Tidal:

https://tidal.com/browse/artist/26144396?u

and Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tcJJNDqREhS3sDOBBmeMz?si=c5ed65512c6f4043

and follow her on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/empresskatia1/