World Music Café presents ‘Mahali’ & ‘La Descarga’: celebrating South African and Colombian music and cuisine in Wanneroo

World Music Café brings it’s extraordinary ‘Dinner & Show’ concert feast to the City of Wanneroo ‘Beach to Bush’ Arts Festival at the Wanneroo Civic Centre, Banksia Room on Friday 16 May 2025.

The Wanneroo World Music Café show features the stunning vocal talent of South African singer Mahali Selepe from Lesotho, with an all-star local African band including guitar maestro Mahamudo Selimane from Mozambique, playing the classic songs of Mariam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Freshlyground, Zahara, Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Hugh Masekela and more.

Colombian 7-piece band La Descarga, on tour from Melbourne to WA for the first time, complete the party with a showcase of folkloric tropical Colombian music entwined with infectious street Carnivale rhythms. Playing festivals across the country, La Descarga has just released their album Fiesta de Corazón, capturing the essence of Latin American and Caribbean celebration and connection.

“This is a very exciting World Music Café show and we’re delighted to bring such great music from around the world to the City of Wanneroo” said World Music Café producer, Jon Cope.

The ‘Dinner & Show’ concert also includes a delicious three-course banquet menu created by Venezuelan chef Tamara Rodriguez and the World Music Cafe catering team that compliments the musical cultures.

Established in 2019, World Music Café is a successful social enterprise that provides genuine economic and social inclusion for the WMC crew members of new migrant and refugee backgrounds. Described by the UWA Centre for Social Impact as ‘An Oasis of Integration in Our Country’, World Music Café was a national ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ finalist in the Australian Third Sector Awards 2022.

Given shows often sell out, patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Group tables are available with discounted ticket prices, so book a group table together with friends or colleagues!

Partnership Acknowledgement

World Music Cafe acknowledges project assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body; the City of Wanneroo; and World Music Cafe social enterprise partners, the Scanlon Foundation and Multicultural Futures.

Contact the host of World Music Cafe in Wanneroo