World Music Cafe presents Julian Belbachir Sahara Space Station & Salama Mandurah Arts Festival

The popular World Music Café returns to the Mandurah Arts Festival with a spectacular new ‘Dinner & Show’ featuring Australian Moroccan musician Julian Belbachir and his band, plus Indian Ocean Island ensemble Salama at the Platinum Room at Peel Thunder Stadium 7-10pm on Friday 26 September 2025.

Australian-Moroccan multi-instrumentalist Julian BelBachir has built a remarkable career blending the ancient traditions of African music with contemporary sounds. Trained by master drummers and griots in Guinea, Senegal, and Morocco, he has mastered instruments such as the Kamel N’goni, Djembe, Dundunba, Kora, Balafon, and Guembri, while also learning the craft of instrument-making itself. As a producer and global performer, he has played with acclaimed Indigenous dub outfit OKA at world-renowned festivals including Glastonbury, Fusion (Germany), Vancouver Jazz, Ozora (Hungary), Colours of Ostrava (Czech Republic), Byron Bay Bluesfest, and Rainbow Serpent. With his rich cross-cultural vision, BelBachir creates immersive music that bridges traditional Saharan and sub-Saharan melodies with modern innovation.

Joining Julian on stage are three exceptional musicians who bring their own unique artistry to the project. Quetzal Guerrero (QVLN), an internationally celebrated singer, violinist, and composer, seamlessly fuses American and global traditions into boundary-breaking performances that have won praise from legends including Tito Puente, Keb’ Mo, and even Prince. David Godriguez, visionary producer and leader of the genre-defying collective GODTET, is renowned for his progressive, exploratory sound, praised by outlets such as VICE, The Guardian, and Okayplayer. Completing the ensemble is Sibo Bangoura, a master djembefola from Guinea whose powerful, soulful drumming carries the spirit of his griot heritage and electrifies audiences worldwide. Together, they form a powerhouse band that unites global traditions with contemporary energy to create an unforgettable musical experience.

Salama is a dynamic group from the Indian Ocean Islands performing Maloya, the traditional Reunionese music and dance style born from slavery. The group features singers, dancers and instrumentalists from La Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, singing in Malagasy and Creole languages. They have recently returned from touring across Australia and will shortly return to the Reunion Islands following the World Music Café show.

The World Music Café ‘Dinner & Show’ experience includes a delicious three-course menu that caters for dietary requirements.

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

Given shows often sell out, patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Group Tables discounts are available, so book a group table together with friends or colleagues.